I need GPS experts to chime in

[JimShaw]

I don't know much about GPS and I would like some thoughts regarding the two that I am considering.

I want to get a GPS for my truck and have narrowed them down to two

1) Garmin Nuvi 255

2) Magellan 1440

The price for either is around $120.00 which is where I want to stay.

I don't need all the bells and whistles.

I like the Garmin because of the 3.5" size and it has one of the best reviews going and rated top amoung the reviewers.

I like the Magellan because of two features: Multi-Destination Routing and Lane Assist.

Either one would be good for me.

Which would you choose???

[toef]

The lane assist is a nice feature, but only useful if you plan on doing a lot of interstate driving, across multiple highways.

Multi-destination is cool too, but I think on mine, I've only used it a couple times. During long trips to visit family, when I'd get hungry and want to stop somewhere to eat... I'd hit a tab to bring up nearby restaurants, sorted by cuisine type, and then selecting one would add it as a stop in my route. Cool, but I could live without it.

If you have a job that required driving around a lot (like a real estate agent, or a delivery person) I could see it being a must-have feature, but for most people it seems like it's just the convenience of saving them the 2 seconds that it takes to type in a new location.

But that being said, I'd still go with the Magellan. I kind of hate Garmin though, so that may be why.

However, whenever I shop for stuff like this, I tend to seek out the negative reviews to help make my decision. It may be worth noting that the Garmin has 125 reviews on Amazon, and only 1 of those gave it a 1-star rating (so < 1%), whereas 7 of the 56 reviews ( ~13%) for the Magellan give it 1-star.

[DetroitSportsFan]

I got my first GPS, the Garmin 255W (4.3" widescreen) on Black Friday for $120 at Radio Shack, and tested it out the next day when we drove out of state. Loved it...worked great.

[tommyboy81]

I have a Garmin 205 and it's ok. For some reason it didn't have the latest update. Still had old stores from 6 years ago some weren't on there that have been around forever. And the roads. I've hit dead ends and my sister turned onto a wrong way street. I've tried updating it and I can't tell if it really did anything. All I know is it's having a harder time finding the SAT.

[repete66211]

There is only one GPS brand: Garmin.

[Sussudio]

I just bought a Garmin 265 and love it...I've heard the 255 is great too. The Magellan has some nice features, but ultimately I would go with the Garmin because I've read more positive reviews for it.

[toef]

Originally Posted by repete66211

There is only one GPS brand: Garmin.

Maybe, for now. But I'm sure Google has them shaking in their boots.

When Google released the free GPS navigation as part of the 2.0 Android update, Garmin's stock dropped a nice 16% in one day.

The new Garmin phone is a nice attempt to fight back, I guess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXK4jKN_jY

(The guy in the video has horrible presentation skills, but the stuff he talks about is still interesting.)

[Josh]

My wife has a Garmin 765WT and its great! The Google GPS seems nice for the full package, but it has to be internet connected - which means a cellular signal plus GPS. That's not a problem with cell phones, but for a stand-alone devise - it may be.

[Kryptron]

I love my Garmin 200w. Simple and accurate, can't go wrong with Garmin.

[toef]

Originally Posted by Josh

My wife has a Garmin 765WT and its great! The Google GPS seems nice for the full package, but it has to be internet connected - which means a cellular signal plus GPS. That's not a problem with cell phones, but for a stand-alone devise - it may be.

True, but it's only available on cell phones, so it won't be an issue.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I got my first GPS, the Garmin 255W (4.3" widescreen) on Black Friday for $120 at Radio Shack, and tested it out the next day when we drove out of state. Loved it...worked great.

I've got the same model but I overpaid......I like it. I haven't been traveling too much. She got me to DC though so no complaints. Had a few altercations in Miami though... sometimes the GPS's have no clue. You make a wrong turn and you think to automatically turn around but she sends you a few miles the other way for a proper re-route...bottom line: you have to outsmart the GPS but for the most part, she knows what she's doing. I wish there was a way to change the voice. I'd totally be down for Kiefer Sutherland voice. Turn around now! Get out of the Car!

The Garmin also has a "search" feature. When I'm on trips I usually get an Olive Garden urge. You just search Olive Garden and it shows you all the ones within a certain radius. Love that feature!

[repete66211]

Originally Posted by toefer

Maybe, for now. But I'm sure Google has them shaking in their boots.

When Google released the free GPS navigation as part of the 2.0 Android update, Garmin's stock dropped a nice 16% in one day.

The new Garmin phone is a nice attempt to fight back, I guess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXK4jKN_jY

(The guy in the video has horrible presentation skills, but the stuff he talks about is still interesting.)

I don't own a GPS. (My iPhone works well enough.) I only said that because I live close to Garmin's HQ.