GpsGamePlay.com - which GPS? needs city and off road maps. Have a Jeep Wrangler. Need big screen. ...

which GPS? needs city and off road maps. Have a Jeep Wrangler. Need big screen. Refurbished OK - $200-$300?

This is for my son-in-law for xmas. They make one just for Jeep Wranglers but I don't know how much it is or if it is better or not as good as some of the other GPS systems. I've been looking at Garmin mostly as well as Magellan. I dont know anything about GPS. Need alot of good advice He wants a GPS. His friend has a Magellan Roadmate 800 but it doesn't have what they need for off roading in the desert(southern california)

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Both Garmin and Magellan are the forerunners in GPS. I have no clue if they make one system just for the wrangler(try calling your local car dealer, or drop in and take a new one for a test drive and just "inquire" about the system). I would buy him a Thomas Guide of where you live. Since men wont read instructions, or stop and ask for directions who's to say he will use it? You never can go wrong with an old fashioned map. They have road, and topographical features on the maps. You are going to buy this but he will have to pay for the monthly subscription or for local maps?.... hmm in my opinion if someone gave me something that I'd have to pay to keep activated, I'd never use it.
You may be faced with an anomoly in deciding which unit to buy. Auto GPS systems are designed for on-road navigation and are loaded with road maps to navigate from one town to another. There is another type of common handheld GPS device designed for the outdoor activity enthusiast (ex. Garmin eTrex). They are normally used by hikers and campers, but provide very accurate positioning when "off-road", however they are not a very effective 'on-road' navigation system as they have been built with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. You might want to have a chat with him and have him decide which type of system he is likely to use more often. There is a good source of information on the various type of Garmin GPS systems at http://www.satnav-gps.info/garmin-gps/ where certain refurbished systems are available for sale also.