<p>I would like to get my d. a navigation system (GPS?) for Christmas. She does a good bit of driving and often by herself. Her natural sense of direction is not great and has often found herself in not so desirable parts of strange cities. Also, at times she is trailering a horse, so wrong turns can be quite a hassle.</p>
<p>Anyone have a system they really like or know about the newest models out that are the most user friendly? What are the most important things to consider when shopping for one of these?</p>
<p>We have a Magellen Roadmate, and it has been invaluable when I take D on college trips. We’ve only had it a month or so. It’s pretty easy to use (especially when I remember to point the antenna up). I don’t have much to compare it to, except the built-in one we had in a rental car in Germany, and I like this one better because it speaks English. I know my H paid attention to what was involved in adding maps or areas, in case we ever wanted to use it overseas. </p>
<p>I think we might look into getting our oldest S one for Christmas - maybe the kind that come on (in?) a PDA. Haven’t started looking yet, so I’ll be interested to see what kind of responses are posted here.</p>
<p>My H is quite happy with his Garmin/PDA. Runs through battery REALLY fast, though, when using the navigational antenna, so you need the car-kit thingy. But then you have a Palm OS PDA along with it, a nice combo. That doesn’t use battery any more than any other PDA.</p>
<p>Another idea would be the navigation program on something like the Verizon Cell phone - I have it - and use it just about daily - since I have my cell phone with me daily - and don’t have to worry about another gadget - very easy to use - can use in any vehicle or even when not in a vehicle - like locating a building in Boston from a parking garage while I walk - I know - sounds crazy - but I love having it so easily available. When in the car I use my car charger to keep the phone ‘live’ - can get and receive calls if needed - just a very portable option.</p>
<p>Could be alot cheaper to buy a new cell phone than a PDA/Nav system.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t the PDA and cell phone choices be hard to see while you drive? I don’t know–I’ve never used any GPS except the factory installed ones in cars.</p>
<p>I have a stand for my cell phone - got it at Circuit City - sits on my dash - very easy to see - no problems at all. Since the program also talks to you LOL - it makes it pretty user friendly.</p>
<p>I love the idea that I can be anywhere - and probably without computer access for mapquest or the likes - and find a place I am looking for - by directions or by map etc. My DH has a regular system that attaches to his PDA - and it is a PITA at times and not easily pocketable.</p>
<p>I just love the convenience of it on my phone - personal preference.</p>
<p>I do think the PDA type is hard to see as the driver. We like it best when there are two of us. but it does talk to you, so you don’t actually need to look while driving.</p>
<p>I just love my Garmin Nuvi. LOVE it. The thing was ready to go right out of the box, and it’s very useable and readable. You can take it along in your purse or pocket if you’re on foot or using someone else’s car. Best “toy” I’ve bought in a long time.</p>
<p>We just bought our second Garmin GPS system. I have also used whatever is in the Hertz rental fleet (Magellan) and I prefer the Garmin interface and the guidance that it provides, FWIW.</p>
<p>We have a Garmin that is the map- turn by turn kind (my husband would know the kind…) I’ve made three trips looking at colleges and never had problems. It’s found the most obscure places, it helps you when you overshoot a turn off, it finds wonderful restaurants when you get hungry. the only thing it doesn’t have is a map of the bathrooms (do you know in MA the gas stations don’t all have bathrooms???) We’ve done the Magellan in the car, Garmin is much better. Directions on a phone do not give you alternates if you come into an accident, or need to stop for food on how to get back on the highway or if you want a scenic route. I would buy another Garmin in a minute (they just opened a store in Chicago on Michigan Ave if you are heading that way)</p>
<p>I love our Garmin Streetpilot C340. It’s very simple to use, and quite accurate. We’ve used it on several college trips, down to Virginia and up to Rochester, N.Y. I don’t leave home without it!</p>
<p>If you search on Amazon, you’ll find lots of reviews.</p>
<p>I used to work for the aviation company of garmin. The GPS systems for aviation was amazing then and the device could fly the plane from the time you are airborne to landing. The technology has probably improved; remember if you want to know where you are at, they also know where are. </p>
<p>FOURKIDS - actually the phone ones do help you find places to eat - gas - hotels - dunkin donuts too LOL - and do have a scenic mode - find without highways mode - turn by turn - route map - has a whole list of options.</p>
<p>After reading some of the reviews, I’m a little confused on which ones will save destinations. Does the Garmin C340 save a destination in its memory?</p>
<p>We’re looking at the Magellan Roadmate 760. Used one this weekend navigating the roads of Phoenix/Scottsdale and it worked beautifully!! We ran into a few closed roads, and it navigated us around and we ended up at the intended destination.</p>
<p>Yes, the Garmin c340 does save destinations. It has an option called My Locations, where you’ll find Recent Selections (addresses that you’ve recently traveled to). You can also save Favorites and Home (your home address, a very handy feature).</p>
<p>Garmin Nuvi–wonderful, easy to use . . . I love it. I went on a trip with some kids last year and the charter bus driver was using it. It is just great.</p>
I know my H paid attention to what was involved in adding maps or areas, in case we ever wanted to use it overseas. </p>