What are some good GPS models?

Question

Looking for a good gps with text to speech and bluetooth, for less than $350. What are some good models or brands?

Answer 1

The important thing is, when you look at Bluetooth, get all the information.  Some models do hands-free calling, but some just access the phone's internet connection to get things like traffic and weather on your GPS.  And you definitely need to find a compatibility list for the device you purchase, to make sure it will work with your phone.

I am not too familiar with other brands, but the tomtom unit I would recommend is the GO 720.  http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-4-3-Inch-Wi...

And you can check the phone compatibility list here:

http://www.tomtom.com/products/features....

Answer 2

Look at Garmin, Magellan, or TomTom brands, and you will have a reliable product.  Are you sure you want the features you list?  Most basic GPS models have preloaded maps, preloaded and programmable landmarks along the way (gas stations, restaurants, attractions), on-screen listing of street names (the one you're on, the one you'll turn onto, etc.) and audible announcement of upcoming turns.  Nearly all can also be hooked up to your computer to update maps if you need to do that after a year or so.  Take a step up in price, and you'll get a larger screen and announcement of the street names instead of just "left turn ahead" or "merge right".  For another large step up in price, you can get live traffic information.  Note that even the least expensive models usually have a detour option where you can ask it to give you an alternate route around a traffic jam.

The best thing to do is go to your local electronics store (Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.) and look at the available models of the brands listed above.  Don't be tempted to go with another brand because it appears to have more features for a lower price.  There's a reason it's cheaper.

Even a very basic TomTom One is reliable, cost effective, updatable, and easy to use.