Tech / Special Interest → Gadgets > Shopping for a GPS

Shopping for a GPS

I would like to know what GPS is the best out there. I would like one that can interface with my iPhone and has lifetime map and traffic updates. I would also like one that can update from a Mac.

I was at Best Buy today looking at the Magellen, TomTom and Garmin. They all looked pretty similar.

Use your phone, there is a great app called Waze
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That's been my problem, I wouldn't mind buying a dedicated device but in terms of functionality Google Maps and WAZE seem to have them beat. I keep toying with the idea of buying an iPad for the car LOL
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That's fine if you have a data signal.. but when you go to places in the south with limited cell service you will be without any updates.

I said south because in some places I went a few miles without a signal the one I remember the most is Beaverdam, VA

I got my mom this one:

»www.amazon.com/Garmin-5-Inch-Por···ime+maps

It says lifetime updates, but it really is only 4 per year, but it's still better than nothing. She likes it - big screen, easy to use.

Doesn't interface with iPhone though.
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If you want a stand alone GPS, get a TomTom with lifetime maps and lifetime traffic. It has the best organized display, and information bar to make quick glances at the gps easy to read. Much better display than a garmin. I use garmin with rental cars.
I have used both and TomTom definitely put more R&D into their user interface to make it the easiest and most efficient to use.
Also when you create a route it prompts if you want to avoid carpool lanes or avoid toll roads which is much more convenient than having to go through the menu's and remembering to change it back between allowing and not allowing toll roads.
I would not worry about text to voice to read aloud the names of streets as I dont think it is needed, you just glance at the screen. When I bought mine that was a more expensive model, but they probably all do that now.
The TomTom VIA units will connect to your phone for hands free calling.
If you dont want bluetooth for hands free calling, you can find cheaper versions.

$117 for a 4.3in screen (traffic, maps, and bluetooth) »www.amazon.com/TomTom-4-3-Inch-B···luetooth

$146 for 5in screen (traffic, maps, and bluetooth) »www.amazon.com/TomTom-Bluetooth-···luetooth

The traffic operates using a local FM traffic signal, so it usually only works in large cities. It works great in houston, and when I drive cross country to avoid city traffic.
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What do you think of that TomTom unit with the live data.. I forgot what they call it.

I never used one with the live service.
For $60 a year I dont see the point.
It seems it only gives you better traffic info, gas price info, better POI, and weather.
The free lifetime traffic works fine for me. The price just does not seem worth it for the live service.
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That's how I felt as well.

I use Waze myself but sometimes it directs me to go the freakiest ways like using side streets instead of main streets only because it's like 5 seconds faster. I haven't found a way to set it to use main streets more often.

I have an old Garmin that I use also because it's rock solid and has never failed me yet. I bought one that didn't come with free updates but if you look hard enough you can find unlocked maps for download so you really never have to pay for them.

I have that problem with Waze too -- its given me really awesome time saving directions but when I use it around town, it takes me on some really weird routes.

Best example is a triangle street... |>\
... I'm approaching a triangle street and it tell me to go up the block and then make the right which is like two blocks out of the way when I can make the turn almost right there.
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Do you have an address you can provide of the intersection that doesn't seem to route correctly?

It could be that the optimal calculated route is the one being suggested or it could be that the intersections and allowed turns need to be tweaked within the underlying map.
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