March 15, 2009

GPS Steals and Deals - Three Best Buys

As we start cranking in the new year, the spring brings some deals out just like leaves on the trees. In most regular years, prices stay steady across the sumer driving months, but this isn't a regular year. According to the GPS makers, the inventories are shrinking in the retail channel, offering hope for them, and potentially fewer great deals for us. THe one thing I can say is that right now, there are a few great buys out there that offer solid navigation for a good price. All three have Text to Speech and all three are widescreen units. I happen to think that Text to Speech is a huge advantage for most people, as it makes using the GPS so much better, while allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Widescreen GPS units offer easy entry of text (larger keyboards), and a much bigger view of the road.

TomTom ONE XL-S Refurbished - $99. You can't find a better deal out there for a top name on a GPS, as long as you can make the leap on the refurbished electronics idea. Not something I normally jump into quickly, but for a TomTom widescreen with text to speech, $99 is a steal.
Garmin Nuvi 760 - $227 - Once the a top of the line model, this slightly older version, and now discontinued model still offers a lot. Beyond the widescreen and text to speech, the unit also offers Bluetooth hands free capabilities when paired to a compatible Bluetooth phone. The Nuvi 760 also offers multipoint routing - dump a bunch of destinations in and let it tell you what the optimized route is. Finally, the unit comes with an integrated TMC traffic receiver which will help you navigate the major cities where TMC traffic coverage helps identify traffic issues on main roads. More in my Full Review of the Nuvi 760
Garmin Nuvi 255W - $203 - This is my pick of the three, as it offers the core functionality of text to speech and widescreen, while also offering an updated Garmin interface that is more intuitive and very easy to use. It more easily offers a view of when and which way to turn in a quick glance while also showing speed limits on most major roads (think state highways and bigger). It also includes the updated "HotFix" capability to get quicker satellite fixes when you turn it on, and a faster processor to draw the maps more quickly. With the recent release of ecoRoute, you will also be able to use your Nuvi 255W to enter in your car's profile, and get the most economical route, while getting feedback on your driving habits to help you save gas. See my Full Review of the Nuvi 255W for more information.

Not sure these fit your needs? Check out all the Best Selling GPS Units at Amazon.