Black Friday GPS Deals - 2007

RadioShack is coming with Mio C320 for a price of $149.99.
I guess, this is the best deal amongst all. C320 has 4.3 inch wide screen, much brighter screen, improved graphics, Tab functions, 1.6 million POI's.
This will certainly be the GPS of blackfriday.
Compared to this, the c220, which comes at PetBoys for $79, definitely falls behind.

Guys,

TomTom Go510 is going for $149.99 right now at Circuit City. Am I in the BlackFriday already??
Dear Editor, can you please tell how good is this deal? Here's the link: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=150193

The availability is coming to be zero, which is not good, but I really think that this is also a killer. 4" screen and all the gizmos, with Bluetooth etc, and above all, a Tom Tom.

Is it true that Staples will have the Navigon 2100T for $100?

"I have good reason to believe the DeLorme PN-20 GPS with new Topo USA 7.0 software included will be a hot deal on TigerGPS this Black Friday -- that is why it has probably moved to the TigerGPS front page all of a sudden. My hunch is we'll see $299.95 with the SD Card/Reader and new software all included. This device now works off-road, on-road, and on-water as seen at this link: www.delorme.com.

Will Mio have updates, further reviews say that customers have been complaining that they are not able to update maps? Also which one is better deal the Mio C230 from RadioShack or Mio C320 from RadioShack for the black friday price.

Joe,

Mio Updates - Sore subject here. I believe that they will have updates, but potentially not at the rigid pace that a Garmin or TomTom will. They haven't been around long enough to see their track record in the US. They are a big player, so one would imagine that they would. Last year they blew out the Mio C310x over the holidays, and TeleAtlas then released updated maps. Mio stepped up and offered a map upgrade for $14. Market price for maps is something around $100. I see it as taking care of the large contingent of people who put them on the map as early adopters. There's a lot of debate on how to implement that upgrade, and the fact that they came in July. So, depends on how you see it.

C230 v C320 - It really depends on what you want. The two are a toss up for me. Text to Speech (TTS) is a big thing for me, and the C320 does NOT have it, while the C230 does. On the other hand, the widescreen is just an easier interface to see and enter information into. TTS is great when roads are close together, more urban and suburban type vs. rural or highway driving. I think it helps 10-30% of the time for me personally. I am pretty use to the Mio interface and it's turn indicators, so TTS doesn't always help. Consider what you need it for. Open road highway driving won't really matter too much if you have TTS. the difference between "Get off on Exit 19" vs. "Get off on next exit" doesn't matter if it's the only exit for miles.

Net - I would say unless you are doing a lot of navigating around tight streets and confusing areas, get the widescreen.

You should also keep your eye open for the Mio C520. Might still show up on the BF deals, then you don't have to worry about choosing.

Hope this helps.

-Scott

Great comparison Scott!
Yes, that was my take too on both the C230 and the C320 models. They both are good and it comes down to either TTS or a wide screen. For me, its mostly the screen that matters. A wider screen for display is always better. But it is definitely a matter of choice!
Does anyone know where I could find any of these models on a demo right now? I have travelled across all the stores mentioned above, so that I could try and feel the models before deciding on one, but the MIO ones are just not available for demo. RadioShack keeps the dummy pieces out, BestBuy, CircuitCity are not carrying them in NJ :(
Look like I would have to rely on my gut feeling and posts like yours to make a decision, as there is no place to play these GPS's...

So, it looks like either the Mio C320 or the Navigton 2100...

Which'n is better, youthinks?

Hello There,

I need your help finding the right GPS to buy during BF. I have around $150 to spend and I really need the TTS option. I drive in New York and will need to navigate around the 5 boroughs daily. I'm mostly local and if I travel out of NY, it's mostly to the neighboring states. Which GPS do you think offers the best value in light of all of that? Oh, I'm horrible with directions by the way.

Thank you so much,
Mark.

Mark,

TTS in under $150 - That leaves you with the Mio C230 and the Navigon 2100. They are both good enough, but you need to read the reviews of both to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. (The links are shown above.)

Come on back Thanksgiving Day and I will post my best picks for Black Friday given all of the deals available at the time. Unless the sky falls, you won't see a TomTom XLS, TomTom 720 or a Garmin Nuvi 260 for $150 on Black Friday, which are the lowest priced TTS entries from the two better manufacturers.

-Scott

Hi Scott,

Thank you so much for your reply. I like your review of the Mio C230 but I don't see it being offered. How much do you think I need to spend to get a good unit with TTS and which one should I consider?

Thanks again,
Mark.

Hi Mark/Scott,

Yes, I guess the C230 has been taken off the BF lists :( not a good indication.

Scott, can you please give your preference on which GPS to choose :
TOM TOM ONE 3rd edition, MIO C320, and GARMIN 340/330
I know, all these are a bit different in configurations, but their prices are all similar (Garmin is 330 is at 128$ on Walmart BF!!)
Many thanks in advance!

Saurabh

I would suggest the Magellan 3200 to anyone looing for a GPS around $160.00. It's on sale RIGHT NOW at Best Buy, and is from a top tier manufacturer (generall the top 3 are Magellan, TomTom and Garmin). This unit just came out on Oct 31 (unveiled at SEMA) and is at a great bargin price now, no need to get up at 4am on a Friday!!!

Saurabh,

You have three good units for three different needs.

See my Holiday Gift Guide for reasons why I wouldn't recommend (for everyone) the StreetPilot C300 series. But if you have an opportunity to grab the C340 (Has Text to Speech - TTS) for a competitive price to the TomTom ONE, it might be worth it as long as you don't navigate in the city a lot.

TomTom ONE 3rd - better interface and good features on a unit that is easy to use. No TTS. Newest GPS Chipsets make it better suited for the city.

Mio C320 - No TTS either. Interface is a little tougher to use than TTOne or Garmin, but the widescreen is nice vs. the TTOne. You have to make this trade-off for yourself. It really boils down to that. Same chipset generation as the TomTom ONE.

Please make sure you read my reviews of the units before you buy. Here's the Garmin SP C340 review (I know a bit older):
http://www.gpslodge.com/archives/003955.php

-Scott

This is a great site! What is the least expensive/no frills but smallish GPS with included maps for Italy?

I am trying to decide between Garmin 260 vs 650...$39 difference. What do you think?

Thanks

What are the differences between the Garmin Nuvi 260 and 350? Other than the 350 being able to play MP3 I don't see anything else. Is the nuvi 260 a better buy since it is a newer design/interface?
I heard that the external antenna in the 350 is better than the integrated antenna in the 260.
Which one is a better buy?

Great website! thanks

I'm looking for the best price on a Garmin Nuvi 760. Has anyone heard anything?

Hey scott,

I just got the Mio 320 for 149 from RadioShack!!
They have already started making the deals, although they are a bit quiet on that!
Also, I didn't see hte Mio 320 on your recommendations. Can you tell me how much is it worth, if at all, according to you?
I read all the reviews here, went and tested all the models too. The only place where Mio lacks a bit, I guess is the volume. It is a bit lower than Garmin ones, but still is good enough for me!

Saurabh,

When did they give you the discount as I had just called Radio Shack, had them look up the price on the computer, and they still said that it was $299..

Let me know when you get a chance.

Thanks,
Herman

Thank you for your infos in this GPS Lodge site.

I will look forward buying tomtom one 3rd ed....

Buy.com had tomtom one 3rd ed at 124.99 after 100 rebate this morning, but it's alredy out of stock.

Scott

Amazon.com has tomtom one 3rd ed at $124.99.
Right now, it seems they are taking orders for December shipping.

Thanks,
Young

Herman,

I took the GPS at that price this morning!
I'm travelling tomorrow for around 400 miles...so needed, and asked them to give me the BF discount early, and they agreed for one model.
I guess, I choose a small RadioShack, which I knew not many know of. So, they normally do not expect big rushes on the friday morning.
Try something like that near your place

According to garmin.com, the Garmin StreetPilot C340 GPS unit is discontinued. Should I no longer consider purchasing this model or does the discontinuation even effect it at all? Thanks so much for ALL of your help!

K. FEELEY

You are listing the Mio C220 at Pep Boys for Black Friday Specials but the only one I see at Pep Boys (in Connecticut) on sale for this Friday at this price is the Mio DigiWalker.
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Bob,

Pep Boys has the Mio Digiwalker C200 on sale for $79 - C220 is the model number, Digiwalker is the line name.

Thanks for the question - I clarified the entry above.

Happy GPS Hunting,
-Scott

Scott,

Tigerdirect.com has the Mio C230 for $139. I just bought it upon your recommendations. I felt that you were not very sure of the Navigon 2100 so I went with the Mio once it was offered. Also, Radio Shack will be offering on BF for $149.

Happy hunting to all,
Mark.

Scott,

Tigerdirect.com has the Mio C230 for $139. I just bought it upon your recommendations. I felt that you were not very sure of the Navigon 2100 so I went with the Mio once it was offered. Also, Radio Shack will be offering on BF for $149.

Happy hunting to all,
Mark.

Scott,

Tigerdirect.com has the Mio C230 for $139. I just bought it upon your recommendations. I felt that you were not very sure of the Navigon 2100 so I went with the Mio once it was offered. Also, Radio Shack will be offering on BF for $149.

Happy hunting to all,
Mark.

Scott,

What do you recommend for a Bluetooth enabled GPS with or without TTS.

Thanks,

John (CT)

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For better quality Bluetooth you are looking at a Garmin Nuvi 360, or 660. Also the TomTom 720C has it too.

Mio C520 is worth looking at.

These are not entry level devices, and you will not see these as frequently on the Black Friday Deals like the value priced non-Bluetooth units.

-Scott

I'm really looking into the Mio C230. My mother has the C220 and I like it's interface, but the C230 has TTS. After reading the reviews, i'm still not sure though, should I get the 220, the 230, or something else?
**********************************

Both are good entry level units.

A step up would be to consider either the TTOne; not a TTS unit, but a better interface, and then the Nuvi 200 or Nuvi 250.

-Scott

Looking for a device under $400 (maybe even under $300), with TTS, an easy interface, and solid display size that can dashboard mount. Bluetooth would be nice but not totally necessary. Been reading all of the reviews of the Garmin 350/650/660. Am I limiting my options by only looking at Garmins? Suggestions? I would like to be able to purchase a great deal online by tomorrow. Thx!

Josh,

Consider the Costco widescreen Nuvi 650 deal. $299 online + 5% if not a member.

NOT Bluetooth - but has TTS and a very nice screen.

If Bluetooth is a must, go for the Nuvi 360 - about $320 online....

Both on sale today.

-Scott

Amazing how BestBuy has the Garmin Nuvi 660 back in stock already - given that they sold out so quickly on Thanksgiving... for a two/three day sale...

KK

Picked up the Mio C320 at Radioshack for $149 on BF.
I walked in at 5:15pm and they still had 2 on hand!!...started out with only 20.
THIS unit was the bargain of the year as far as I'm concerned.
There were several posts regarding the greatest difference between the C230 & C320 being TTS and wide screen. I want to let you all know the C320 will indeed do TTS. All you need to do is run a simple C520 TTS update on the Australian Mio site.
(http://www.mio-tech.com.au/C520/default.asp)
Run the updater, NOT the firmware.
Peruse the posts here for some detail on how to pull this off. Be careful, follow directions---works great.