OT: GPS

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

steger, that c340 is a discontinued model. Looks like a great deal; the only downside I see is that it's bulkier than the newer models that replaced it (2.8" deep vs 0.9" for most of the new ones). I also wonder what year the maps are from.

That's the only way you'll get text to speech for $200, but if you're willing to go $260, you can get the 350, which is slimmer, and has mp3s (don't know if I care about mp3s).

Check out this link:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/06/garm ... review.php

If you scroll down a bit, there is a grid that compares all the features from the different models. There are street prices on the bottom, but they're out of date - any one of those models can be purchase for less than the price this page lists. Still, it gives you an idea.

[steger_3434]

steger, that c340 is a discontinued model. Looks like a great deal; the only downside I see is that it's bulkier than the newer models that replaced it (2.8" deep vs 0.9" for most of the new ones). I also wonder what year the maps are from.

That's the only way you'll get text to speech for $200, but if you're willing to go $260, you can get the 350, which is slimmer, and has mp3s (don't know if I care about mp3s).

Check out this link:
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/06/garm ... review.php

If you scroll down a bit, there is a grid that compares all the features from the different models. There are street prices on the bottom, but they're out of date - any one of those models can be purchase for less than the price this page lists. Still, it gives you an idea.

I guess I didn't notice how bulky it was. I would definately want one that is a lot smaller on the backside. Looking definately for the text to speech or whatever it's called and around the $250-$275 price range. Let me know which one you get and how you like it. I have a fear of buying things online so I'll more than likely have to go to circuit city or BB for it. Hopefully they have some good deals.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

If you want slim and text to speech, I think the Nuvi 350 is your answer. Amazon has it for $260, but if you don't want to buy online you might have to wait for a better sale. Best Buy is asking $340, and Circuit City is asking $370.

I'm sort of leaning towards the 250W, which doesn't have the text to speech, but has a bigger screen and is a tad cheaper at $230. It's also newer which makes me think the maps are newer, but I don't know if that's true or not.

[Magic 32]

It's also newer which makes me think the maps are newer, but I don't know if that's true or not.

I just looked at mine and it has the 2008 Nav software, so it has the new software.

Its not bulky, its small, plus its going to be on your dash or window. I thought about that too when I bought it but the other ones are shaped odd too. Its like a longer fat folding wallet. Plus they all way the same if you look at that site.

If he can it from CircuitCity for 200 I would. You can always fing the new software every year for $20 on Ebay after someone buys it and downloads it.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

Plus they all way the same if you look at that site.

No offense Magic, but almost every one of your posts contains misinformation! The 350 weighs 5.1 oz, the 250W weighs 6.1 oz, and the c340 weighs 9.5 oz.

[Magic 32]

-= original quote snipped =-

No offense Magic, but almost every one of your posts contains misinformation! The 350 weighs 5.1 oz, the 250W weighs 6.1 oz, and the c340 weighs 9.5 oz.

I'm getting models mixed up! That is my fault, I have the 350, not the 340. I did some stupid compare thing on bestbuy and got confused looking at the info on there. I was looking at mine and seeing how the other one compared.

Sorry guys!

I have this one guys
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7555754&type=product&id=1129685003710

[beyond_the_arc]

Go with a Tom Tom as they allow you to get updates for free and allow you to input your own changes to routes and share them with users online as construction occurs or any road closures/changes. I managed to grab a Tom Tom One last fall when Best Buy had them for $100 off if purchased online. When adding in points and another coupon, I paid only $175. Here is a link to a great website for information on all electronics. This thread in particular is the forum dedicated to GPS and car AV electronics. Watch the post dates though as this forum moves slower than the home theater and audio stuff by a lot. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=160

Here's a more dedicated and active site with forums www.gpspassion.com

[Chapter29]

Chapter, which one do you have? The 350?

I'm paralyzed here, deciding whether I'd rather have a large screen, or whether I'd rather hear "Wisconsin Ave." I feel like the large screen probably has bigger buttons to input data onto, as well as a less cramped map. But hearing the street name might be nice if there are two streets close to each other, and you aren't sure which one it meant.

I actually have the 650. I think both are important.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

Well I ended up buying the Nuvi 350 from Amazon for $250 (no tax or shipping fees).

Basically had to flip a coin, and I know I'll always wish I had that 70% larger screen. The tie breaker for me was a rumor I read that the 250W uses a cheaper GPS chip. I don't know if it's true, but I was happy to have any sort of tie-breaker so that I could stop stalling.

I'll post my feedback after I've had it for a while.

[steger_3434]

Adamz, how does Amazon work for warranty issues with the product or if it comes shipped damaged?

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

I don't know, but in general Amazon has nice customer service. One time I ordered some gifts for my wife, but they hadn't arrived by her birthday two weeks later. They refunded my money and told me to keep the items when they arrived (around $100 worth of books and movies).

If you're concerned, you should find the fine print, but I would assume off hand that they're as reliable as Walmart or anyplace else.

[Cobalt]

Alright. I should have never read this thread cause now I put myslef in the market for a new unit. I've used a Garmin eTrex Vista C for hiking, boating, and some car travel for a few years and it suited me fine. In December I bought a TomTom One 3rd Ed and I love it. But after reading this I realized I'd really like a bigger screen, text to speech, and a better battery. So I've been doing research and decided on either a Garmin Nuvi 660 or a TomTom Go 720. I like the Garmin for the fact that it comes with the traffic antenna and I trust the Garmin name. But the TomTom comes with the charging/sync cradle, the feature to edit maps and download other users edits, and you can display your rate of speed on the main screen. Those are just some of the differences that is holding up my decision.

What are your opinions on these two? On my old eTrex I can change the data fields on the main screen to add items such as rate of speed, distance to destination, and such. Can the Nuvi do that? My current TomTom does not, but the data fields on the TomTom are exactly what I would want.

BTW, seeing as this is my first post and I've been reading these boards for a while now. I feel I should say a hello to you all. So... Hey!

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

jfranco, check walmart.com if you want the 660. I think they have a great price (unless I'm confusing it with another model).

[Cobalt]

Thanks, adamcz. That's the same price Amazon has it for. Another thing that makes the TomTom a bit more attractive is it's only $300 at Amazon.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

I just noticed Amazon isn't shipping what I ordered until Monday. I don't remember them telling me that at the time I ordered. Oh well.