Choosing a GPS?
I am having a hard time choosing between a Magellan Travelmate
models 360, 760, and 800. Not sure if it is worth the extra $100 to
go to the 800, even considering that apparently some features
were dropped in the latest (e.g. apparently the 800
does not have WAAS, but the 760 has???).
Bottomline, what is the best driving GPS for under $300?
Public Comments
- I dunno about under $300 but I have the Garmin Streetpilot C550. It was expensive but most definitely worth it. The thing that sets it apart is voice directions. This is a very big deal and makes it much more effective at its purpose. Also, there are two other features that I find very useful on occassion. The first is the ability to "detour". Often, there are several routes where you are going. The GPS tries to map out the best one based on certain criteria. However, often there will be a problem. There might be a ton of traffic or the entrance ramp you need might be under construction and closed. This is a problem in an area you are unfamiliar with. The C550 can be commanded to select one of the alternate routes for you. It also is very good at recalculating routes. Let's say you miss your exit. It will recalculate and voice prompt you on the best way to get back on track. Nice. The other feature is the FM antenna. This is a service that costs a monthly fee but it is valuable depending on where you live. It's only available in most major metro areas. What it does is it sends traffic info via FM to your GPS. Now, your GPS can warn you if there is construction or heavy traffic ahead. You know how there are often several routes available and the GPS chooses based on certain criteria? Well, now, one of those criteria is the amount of traffic. Let's say you are commuting home. Your GPS will now be able to detect that dipshit who totaled his car and has traffic backed up for miles along the highway. Better, it can compare the traffic pattern on the highway to the local roads and decide if it would be better for you to get off the highway and use them instead. It warns you of these things automatically. Ain't technology grand?
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