What portable GPS do you use/recommend?

[PNF]

Looking for a portable GPS, but really not sure which one to get.

Price wise, would prefer to stay within $300-350, touch screen, large screen (prefer 4.0-4.3" if possible)

Brand wise, doesnt matter to me as long as it does a good job in terms of not giving you weird routes.

[jurassic_pork]

Have used several Garmin portable in car GPS with no problems. Find a nuvi model that works for you as far as screen size and price, can't go wrong.

[PNF]

Originally Posted by jurassic_pork

Have used several Garmin portable in car GPS with no problems. Find a nuvi model that works for you as far as screen size and price, can't go wrong.

I am lookin at the Nuvi right now on amazon. I see all the models such as 650, 660, 230... I mean... what exactly is the difference. I compare the spec, the difference seem very little.

I am also considering Mio, simply because my girl friend really likes it. (because its cute..)

some review says that it gives weird routes somtimes and gives you the notice to turn too late.

Does this happen with your garmin?

[BStecke]

Garmins are usually pretty good. When you get into the higher models, I know one of the features you get is in the spoken directions. The lower end models will say "Turn Left, "Turn Right," etc, where the higher end models will actually say "Turn right on Main Street." I know a lot of them now are also including MP3 players with FM transmitters and some Bluetooth functionality. My wife has a Nuvi 250 (I'm 99% sure that's what it is) and it has served us well. As far as telling you to turn too late, I think there's a way to recalibrate it. I've had a rental car where the GPS wasn't calibrated right and it did the same thing. Ours has always given us plenty of notice.

[PNF]

Originally Posted by BStecke

Garmins are usually pretty good. When you get into the higher models, I know one of the features you get is in the spoken directions. The lower end models will say "Turn Left, "Turn Right," etc, where the higher end models will actually say "Turn right on Main Street." I know a lot of them now are also including MP3 players with FM transmitters and some Bluetooth functionality. My wife has a Nuvi 250 (I'm 99% sure that's what it is) and it has served us well. As far as telling you to turn too late, I think there's a way to recalibrate it. I've had a rental car where the GPS wasn't calibrated right and it did the same thing. Ours has always given us plenty of notice.

May I ask what exactly is the "bluetooth" function for?

Also, do any of you update your map annually? If so, how? (most importanly, free of charge?)

Sorry, I never used a GPS before. (well, not a portable one) My mother's cars are all equipped with stock GPS, but not my car... their stock gps, imo, does not work too well, in terms of giving accurate routes..

I think I have narrowed down to Garmin or Mio right now, and looking at the nuvi 650 model. (Amazon has them for $276)

[BStecke]

Sorry, but I'm not familiar with the update process as we haven't needed to update it yet. As far as Bluetooth goes, you can sync it up to your phone (if you have a Bluetooth phone) and when someone calls you it will show the caller data and let you answer the call through the GPS unit.

[PNF]

I am about to go BB/CC today to check some of the options out, particularly the garmin nuvi models and Mio.

[tron3]

My Garmin Street Pilot III is about 8 years and proven a reliable performer.

However, a friend was reading up on GPS's in Consumer Reports. The Garmin 700 series are the best you can buy for now.

[PNF]

Well, checked out the Garmin ones, and all sales rep said Garmin, hands down, no comparison if I am to get a Navi.

Now, because I see all the nice additional features such as MP3 player and FM Transmitter. (I am currently using iPod FM transmitter).

Amazon has the 760 series for about $350. I think this is the one I am getting.

Thanks for all of the inputs!