Are GPS Systems pretty accurate and relaible? Which is the best for the money?

Question

This Spring I will be headed out of state for a girlfriend's birthday. Im only driving three hours or so away, but I have never driven that long of a distance alone, nor have I ever driven that long period. My husband INSISTS that I get a GPS System. Im agreeing because we usually travel out of state 2-3 times a year anyways. I have heard before that they are not that reliable and on the other hand, some swear by them. What are your opinions? Im not looking to spend more than $400? Will that buy something pretty sufficient?

Thanks!

Answer 1

he very very best is Garmin i have an old i3 and its great so loud also walmart have great deals on gps so look there

Answer 2

I have to say they are very reliable. I have a Garmin right now and it is one of the best I have owned, I had a whistler and a nextar and they both would s***w up on me pretty good, and freeze.  The Garmin i haven't had any problems with.  I know people that have a magellion and a TomTom and i haven't seen any problems with those either.  if you decide what one you want give this guy an email i know he has come accross some really good deals and he is always willing to help.

[e-mail]

Good luck

Answer 3

Save your money...The first rule of driving is to KNOW WHERE you're going (your gf's)...The second rule is to KNOW HOW to get there - BEFORE YOU START!!...You have a computer...Use it to map your route before you start...Download Google Earth or MSN Virtual Earth...Both will show exactly what the roads look like, including road names...Call your girlfriend and ask her what landmarks you should look for...Have your route written down, study it...As you come to the reference points, your reaction will almost be automatic...It will also be pretty easy to map an alternate route if you so desire.

Enjoy your drive and all the best.

Answer 4

I have a $600 Lowrance Iway 500, but bought the $150 Tom Tom "One" for my wife. I'm going to try and trade her.......get the picture?

http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-3-5-Inch-Po...

Answer 5

I have a tomtom and my husband has a garmin, they are both great, sometimes they are inacurrate, but if u plug it into a computer at least once a month, it should update itself. we've had ours for over a year, and we haven't had many problems, probably twice,thats about it.

ok, i don't know why  some dork gave me a thumbs down, i have nothing bad to say about gps systems, i use mine everyday. i think it's a fact of life that all electronics can fail every once in a while. but whatever, yes, girl get urself a gps system, it's money well spent.

Answer 6

Today's GPS units all work fairly well.  The biggest difference used to be the maps, but even the maps are similar.   User configurabilty and map update costs are important considerations.   Most have internal batteries that last 2 to 8 hours and can be recharging (via the cigarette lighter socket) or a usb cable.  

I like the TomTom One.  The USA unit includes maps of US & Canada.  In the box you will find a usb cable, a cigarette socket cable, and a suction cup mount for vehicle mounting.  The box also includes an adhesive surface mount pad if you do not wish to locate the unit on the windshield in plain sight.  

Are you interested in using your gps (for free) to detect traffic cameras?   See how my $2000 Acura system compared to the inexpensive (~$199) TomTom One 3rd Edition (look for poi file on page):  http://www.a2dvoices.com/realitycheck/gp...

Answer 7

Garmin is really reliable. I think $400 is plenty to spend on a gps.

Answer 8

I've got a very accurate Tom Tom GPS...I'm on the road right now...and will be using mine in about 10 minutes.

Good Luck.