GPS for the truck

[str8shooter48]

I'm in the market for a GPS for my truck. Whats everybody using these days? I was thinking either the Garmin Streetpilot 550 or the Garmin Nuvi350. I'm leaning more towards the Nuvi basically because of its compact size. Any imput would  be appreciated.

Thanks

[Siskiyou]

Both units are loaded with similar map packages and have a lot of the same features.  The price for both units comes out the same.

   Quantity   Name   SKU   Each   Total
        Garmin nuvi 350 Package    010-00455-00   $369.95   $369.95
        Garmin StreetPilot c550 Package    010-00522-00   $369.95   $369.95

I did a little research and the Street Pilot c550 would be my choice because it features Bluetooth technology.  http://www.gpsnow.com/bluetooth.htm The c550 is a little larger and should be easier to see while driving.  The key is the software in both units gives voice directions and you should not have to take your eyes off the road.  To take advantage of this you must pair it with a Bluetooth capable cellphone.  Bluetooth is a common feature in many cellphone offered today.

This allows you to use your cellphone hands free. I see this as a more cost effective hands free telephone, then using OnStar.  My pickup has the digital OnStar phone and I did not renew it because it offered me nothing over my gps, and my cellphone.

[str8shooter48]

Siskiyou, Thanks for the info. I checked into the Bluetooth capability of the c550, sounds like a great feature unfortunately it doesn't support the phone I have. I went to the Garmin website and they have a list of phones compatible with the c550. Unfortunately my Verizon LG VX8300 wasn't on the list. I hear a lot of Verizon phones aren't compatible I also stumble upon on a Nuvi 650 which seems to be a widescreen version of the Nuvi 350. I'm going to keep looking around and Wait for a deal. This whole GPS thing came about after seeing the Garmin commercials on TV and I just mentioned to the wife that it looked like a good idea. Low and behold the last present I opened Christmas morning was a Nuvi 200w.   
She knew it was going to be returned. (Best Buy ) but I won't get into that battle. She figured it would light me up more than a picture and money in a card. Got to love that woman at times.  

[Siskiyou]

Year’s back I spent the summer and fall running all over the West.  When I returned home and caught my breath I started researching gps units on the net.  It was not long and I heard my wife rummaging in a back closet.  In a few minutes she handed me a new in box gps.

As she handed it to me she said she did not know what unit I want, and I could return it if wanted.  I really appreciated her insight into my wants, and that she was okay with me exchanging the gps.  I did exchange it for a unit that cost more, and it was a good investment.  I am a strong believer that in most cases a more expensive gps is a good investment.  But the technology is rapidly changing and your new unit will be obsolete in a short time.

From looking at the information the 200w is a good introductory unit. 

A key is that all the units you are looking at have the high sensitivity receiver.  My son has an early Tom-Tom that works great in most areas, but in cement canyon it fails to receive.  The grandson barrowed it for a trip to San Francisco, and it was useless.  Tom-Tom now has some units with high sensitivity receiver.

It appears you have done a lot of research, but if you have not used it try the Gamin page, which allows you to compare their units.

 https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

I can understand looking for a deal, I am always looking for a deal.  I also suggest that you check the Garmin rebate page every once and while.  I have saved some bucks between a good deal and a Garmin rebate.  I suspect we will see more rebates in the spring.  http://www8.garmin.com/whatsNew/currentpromotions/

[str8shooter48]

Siskiyou Thanks again for more info. Been to the Garmin site did all my comparisons. I missed the rebate section its good to know its there.

Yes I do a lot of research before I make a purchase. If I start spending a lot of time on the computer my wife will ask what our you buying now? An educated consumer makes a great customer. Especially when you go to these electronic superstores and the kid trying to sell you the product doesn't know squat about it.

[str8shooter48]

Made my decision last night. I ordered the Nuvi 350.  I waited to see the ads from the big box stores Best Buy, Circuit City,etc. Funny how they can have a fantastic price when they have none in stock to sell. Any how I was searching the on line prices and decided to get it through Amazon.com. I got the Nuvi 350 and the friction dash mount shipped to my door for $332.50. About $130.00 cheaper than buyiing it locally at tha sale prices listed this weekend. I figured I haven't had one for the first 55 years of my life another week or so of waiting is worth the savings. I'm already planning my first roadtrip. Smethport Pa. to get my Pennsylvania pistol permit.

[Siskiyou]

We well be looking forward to your feed back on the Nuvi 350.

According to the financial page GPS units kept Amazon.com in the black this Christmas.  I just checked the big box store ads in the Sunday newspaper, and your price beat everybody.  The assumption is that you will take your wife out with the money you saved and the Nuvi 350 will navigate you to the resturant.

My wife had done some shopping at Amazon so I checked it out when I needed a 1GB Micro SD card.  They beat all the big box stores.  At the time the 1GB was fresh on the market and they were demanding $$.$$ for them.

[buffermop]

Just got a Garmin nuvi for Christmas. Nice and small. Works slick.

[str8shooter48]

My Garmin Nuvi 350 came today. Wow this little unit is pretty accurate. I picked a destination set it and hit GO. I knew the route I wanted to take and forced the unit to recalculate. After three recalculations it found the route I wanted to take. The recalculations were within seconds of where it wanted me to turn. Voice guidance is very pretty clear and gave me ample time to prepare for the turns. When i got to my destination it was right on the money again with ample time to slow down and turn into the driveway. On the way home I just hit go home. After one recalculation it got me right to my driveway without a hitch. Can't wait to do a little road trip and put it through the its paces.

str8

[Siskiyou]

Looking for the details.  Can you create a custom route for a plan trip with a few stops along the way to eat get fuel, and visit?

[str8shooter48]

Looking for the details.  Can you create a custom route for a plan trip with a few stops along the way to eat get fuel, and visit?

From what I can see you cannot really preplan a custom route. It will only let you add one stop to your route. Although with a couple touches of the screen it will find you food, gas, lodging, hospitals, shopping, entertainment, and stuff like that. Even has a button on the screen for wineries. Cool I've been known to partake in a glass of wine now and then. I haven't had a lot of time to play with it but so far it does all I want it too.
 

[Siskiyou]

Yesterday I was save by my gps and City Navigator software.  I am sure that other auto-routing software will accomplish the same mission.  It was approaching lunchtime and I suggested to my wife that we go to the Chinese buffet, or a steak house that I enjoy.

Both options were not acceptable she want Italian food.  Then I got the old you decided where we are going.  I knew I was in trouble.  When she went into a store, I pulled out my Garmin 76Cx, went to find, selected the Icon showing a plate and silverware, selected Italian, and it found a place .6 miles from out location.  She was so happy that she paid for lunch, and called our daughter to tell her all about it.  I have to admit we had an excellent meal.

On the same trip we visit a number of stores with automotive gps units on sale.  One had a Garmin Nuvi 750 on display and powered up.  I played with a couple of minutes before we had to get on with our shopping.  I was impressed with it, as I am with many of the automotive gps units.  It was priced at over a $100 less then manufactures recommend retail price.