Best after market GPS

[Marauder_Santa]

Hello,

I need a GPS for my sleigh (MM) and I have a two part question:

1. I'm looking for help choosing the best after market GPS and

2. The GPS that has the best look and fit in the MM.

I cannot consider in dash models at this time and I have a budget of around $150.

Pictures of your set up welcomed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

David
www.Santahohoho.com (http://www.Santahohoho.com)

[babbage]

best gps is not compatible with $150 - I'd suggest getting it on your cell phone then you can clip it onto the vent duct when you need to use it.

[Marauder_Santa]

3. Best GPS for $150 or less.

[babbage]

3. Best GPS for $150 or less.

http://www.erwincomputers.com/nuvi255wrefurb.html

Here ya go.

[Vortex]

I use this one (cant afford a GPS!):
http://www.thomasguidebooks.com/images/US%20Road%20Atlas%202009%20by% 20Rand%20McNally.jpg

[Marauder_Santa]

I didn't realize they were so expensive. I saw some advertised at times for $99 and such. I may have to raise my budget a bit.

The Atlas is a good idea or maybe preplan by using mapquest. But I was spoiled last year when I rented a Ford SUV for all my Santa visits that had a GPS installed. I never thought I would use one, but that thing came in very handy, especially when driving around in a big fluffy Santa suit and my vision is a bit limited.

Thanks for all the help.

[ctrlraven]

Garmin makes really good units.

[SC Cheesehead]

You can prolly get a decent base model for $250 or less, check around for sales/promotions.

Also, determine what features you want/need, that will help determine a price point.

I've got a Mio Moov 500 last year, the unit was on sale for over $100 off list.

[Hotrauder]

I have had great luck with my Garmin Street Pilot for 2720 for several years and although it sits on the dash of the Edge having been replaced in the Marauder by a Pioneer F-90BT, that is the nuts; it was a lot less expensive and does the job well. I believe that I saw the updated 2730 on sale new for $395 on Amazon just this week. That would be my recommendation, should you not need all of the features I bet with some internet time you could find a new 2720 for less, somewhere. Good luck. Dennis:)

[Bluerauder]

I picked up a Garmin nuvi 1300T navigation system before the MV7 trip. Cost was about $250 and I am very happy with it. Worked great from VA to IN and found all the spots that were part of the MV7 itinerary (even the brand new hotel that we stayed at). Easy to use, nice size screen and looks good. Had to buy the A/C vent adapter for another $30 or so because I didn't like the dash or window mount.

Garmin offers some cheaper models; but you give up some features with a lower price range.

[bhenderson]

Garmin Nuvi's are good, but you will need to spend a little more than $150. Watch for sales. My daughter got one for $199 on sale.

[fastblackmerc]

Check www.tigerdirect.com and geeks.com.

Got a refurbished Magellan Roadmate 1200 fro TigerDirect for $59.00 for use when I travel and get a rental car and got a refurbished Magellan Roadmate 1212 also for $59.00 from geeks for the wifes's Charger. Both have a 90 day warranty. Yet to have a problem with either one. I have a Pioneer AVIC-D2 in-dash navigation for my MM.

I have a dash mount for the portable nav unit for sale if your interested.

[duhtroll]

Ditto on the "get it on your phone" idea.

Standalone GPS units have a year or two left in their life. Maybe less. Almost every decent phone coming out now has GPS available. Pretty soon they will be just as good as a standalone GPS except you will have it with you all the time.

Same thing with mp3 players, and maybe even credit cards.

[justbob]

Garmin Nuvi 200W. Never let me down. $159.00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QUZV9O/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/179-0987724-5345747?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=02SPMEVJNTCQ9957QJP3&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B0011CW5PE

[ctrlraven]

Ditto on the "get it on your phone" idea.

Standalone GPS units have a year or two left in their life. Maybe less. Almost every decent phone coming out now has GPS available. Pretty soon they will be just as good as a standalone GPS except you will have it with you all the time.

Same thing with mp3 players, and maybe even credit cards.
Yeah my Verizon enV Touch phone has navigation on it and I use it all the time when taking trips or for service calls, I really like the Traffic update it has and lets me know about delays and such.

[FreddieH]

I have a Garmin, I also suggest a good name brand unit. If you can wait till Black Friday and get one you can probably get the best deal.

[DOOM]

PIONEER Z series FTW :banana2:

[jonroe]

I have the Garmin nuvi 250 and use velcro patches to stick it on the silver trim just to the right of the ignition key. You can see it well through the steering wheel. Disadvantage is I don't run the juice to it at that location - battery only - and the battery really does not last long without the wire. My complaints are short battery charge and it does often get lost momentarily in urban areas and shows me on streets nearby to where I actually am. I would say it is only ordinary in its ability to stay locked in and accurate. My wife's built in Acura unit (from 2001) is WAY better at staying locked on course.

[omarauder]

I use this one (cant afford a GPS!):
http://www.thomasguidebooks.com/images/US%20Road%20Atlas%202009%20by% 20Rand%20McNally.jpg


Ahh.. the cordless gps. Always works....:D

I have a Garmin nuvi 255W and very happy with it. Around here it will go for about $199 cdn on the local sales.

[LordVader]

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=GARNUVI205

Right in your budget..

[Phrog_gunner]

Ahh.. the cordless gps. Always works....:D

I have a Garmin nuvi 255W and very happy with it. Around here it will go for about $199 cdn on the local sales.

I also have a Garmin 255W. It works great. I got mine refurb off of ebay for under $150. I use the suction cup window mount and put it in the cupholder in the console because I dont like it in the windshield. And if you don't want to keep looking down, this model has step by step voice directions including spoken street names so you never have to look down at the unit.

[jgc61sr2002]

I also have a Garmin.
Would recommend the 4.3 screen.