5 comments about Mio C520 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator.

1. This GPS unit came ready right out of the box. The first time it was turned on, the colors on the screen were vibrant. The gps oriented itself in just a few seconds. All the nearby streets were identified. This was my first personal gps unit, so ease of use was important and the Mio C520 unit did not let me down. I ordered this unit and received it within five working days, this was important to me since I was traveling from Longview, Tx. to Detriot Mi. a week after ordering. Thanks Amazon. The day after receiving the Mio C520 I typed in the Detriot address and began my trip. It took me right to the address in Detriot. What a stress reliever as I darted through traffic like a local not having to worry about if i'm in the right lane for the next turn. This unit comes with all the bells and whistles, Touch screen,text and speech, Mp3 player, picture viewer blue tooth and a million POI. The point of interest feature was great for finding hotels and restaurants on the trip up to Detrioit. It found a couple of museums and shoping malls in Detriot.



2. I bought the C520 in Jan 2008 and found it to be pretty easy to use, although the interface can be maddening at times.
   
   The biggest complaints I have are (1) Re-boots frequently and (2) Maps hopelessly out of date. The re-boots occur when the volume on the text-to-speech is muted - after a while I get really annoyed at the 'GPS babe" announcing that I'll need to turn in 700', 400', 200' etc (it's like having my wife giving me directions!) Oh, then she announces for me to turn left at the next turn - after I've already passed the turn (again, my wife...) The unit will run for a few minutes and then re-boot, not a good thing when you're traveling in traffic and need to know where the next turn will be!
   
   The maps are very out-of-date; however, I was willing to pay the $80 to update the software. Unfortunately, after going through the web form on their online store, I was informed that "this merchant does not accept this credit card." I had selected American Express from the drop-down box, but they don't accept Amex??? When I wrote them asking what the problem was, they ignored me for two weeks, and when I wrote again, they indignantly responded that "the problem has been corrected." Well, it hasn't - I wrote to tell them that about a month ago and have never heard back. I don't know what country these guys are in, but when I can afford it, I'm buying something "Made in the U.S.A." - this is a waste of my time.



3. Great product. excellent usability.
   Works great as blue tooth connector for talking in cellular while driving



4. I read a lot of product reviews on this and several other brands. If you take them all seriously, most likely you would never buy a GPS. The C520 works just fine and probably equal to all others in its price range. The most difficult thing is in deciding which options you need or want. I choose this model as an upgrade from the C230. I wanted the wide screen. I like the Mio brand because of the unlock and options you can add if you have some computer experience. It now has more games and gizmos than I will ever use. It has always locked onto satellites in less than a minute and never yet lost a signal while traveling. It seems to be accurate within 20 ft. The voice is very robotic and some street names are mispronounced. If you like gadgets then this is a fine choice. For grandma or grandpa that don't use a computer or a cell phone maybe a TomTom would be a better choice. I commute 150 miles a day and my Mio C520 sure helps.



5. After using the Mio C520 for over 3 months now I truly regret I bought it. the device performs poorly in route calculation choosing the most bizarre routes you would ever imagine.
   Fortunately also owned a Garmin 200W and the TomTom One. both outperform the Mio in suggesting much faster and more logical routes. THIS IS THE MOST BASIC FUNCTION OF A GPS DEVICE!
   The bluetooth speakerphone is useless as there's so much background noise. besides, you have to pair the phone each time you turn the Mio on.
   Overall nice feature/function but poor design, stay away!

5 comments about TomTom GO 730 4.3-inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth.

1. It's OK. Only complaint is that it doesn't work with my iPhone or my wife's Palm Treo phone. I would probably get a cheaper model if I had it to do over again, but I'm not disappointed.



2. I originally bought a TomTom ONE 3'rd Edition. It is a very nice unit. Excellent screen and routing, but not much on features. If all you want is a GPS to get you from one spot to another you can't go wrong with that unit. However if you're a tech lover the GO 730 is for you. Bluetooth, mp3, photos, FM output, voice input and much more. And the new map features, especially the zoom (what they call "Advanced Lane Guidance") are very useful. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that the screen washes out some in bright sunlight. I found that tilting the unit down just a little helps.



3. I had done a lot of online research regarding GPS'. I read many reviews and looked at all the options and features for each device. I was leaning towards the TomTom GO 730 as my top choice, however, I did not really want to spend $400 on it. I liked all the features that it said it came with, especially IQ Routes and MapShare. To make a long story short, I went to the store and I bought the Magellan 4250 for $350. You may ask why not spend the extra $50 and get the TomTom, well Magellan was giving me 1 yr free traffic which I thought was the better deal.
   
   Well, the Maestro 4250 was a good device, however, the thing that frustrated me was the outdated maps. The maps for from Q1 2007 and the next update would be out Q3 2008. That is a long time to wait. Another bad feature was that when I chose a route, I could not choose a POI along the route, I had to cancel my first route, and make a different one. The final thing that made me mad was the inaccuracy of arrival time. I am sitting in bumper to bumper traffic and it states I will be at my destination in 20 minutes. I would be if I was not sitting in traffic. So I returned it and bought the TomTom 730.
   
   I am so happy with this GPS. It has all the features I read about plus many more. I truly love the MapShare feature. There are restaurants that went up 2 months ago that are listed as POI's. This is because other Tomtom users create that POI and you have the option of downloading it. This is a great feature. Of course sometimes the POI may be of by a few yards but you can change it. For instance, there is a restaurant located on a main street and someone added the POI to be on that street. Although the building is on that street, you actually have to make a slight right turn to get into the parking lot of the building. I was able to move the POI so that the GPS will tell me to make that right turn. Then I can upload it to everyone else. Very good feature if you like precise directions and accuracy.
   the IQ Routes is also a great feature. It gives you an incredibly accurate arrival time. I have no complaints about the feature.
   You can also search for POI's while already in a route. The 730 will show you POI's along the route, near you, or near your destination. Awesome!
   I just placed a 8GB SDHC card in my 730 for mp3 and photos. Works great!
   
   This is a stellar GPS system and blew my 4250 out of the water. I am very impressed with how accurate it is. I will say that the 730 can automatically change a route if you have taken a different route then it offered the first time. The next time you route that destination, the route you took before will be routed instead of the original one over and over.
   
   Great product!



4. After about 3 months of research, I had decided I was going to buy the TomTom Go 720. I waited for a few weeks while I shopped around for the best price, and during this time, the 720's successor (Go 730) was available on the market. The 730 now includes IQ routes, which from what I understand, works similarly to the Dash - it gathers speed information from other TomTom users on every road, so if a certain route is known to have a very low average speed at a given time of day, the 730 will route you around that road to avoid the potential traffic. It also has the new lane guidance pictures - I've only seen this once so far in the month or so I've owned it, but it looked cool! At first I was torn between this model and the Garmin nuvi series, but the nice thing about this TomTom that was the selling point for me was that you can easily add/remove/edit points of interest. This is done on the unit (not via new map updates or mapshare) and can be done pretty quickly. The Garmin's brag that they have more points of interest in their bank, and while that might be true, there is always going to be some missing somewhere, so this is a nice feature to have. In fact, in my new town, a nearby grocery store was missing from the TomTom bank. I chose to look up the address of the store online, then store that address in the GPS as this type of POI with this name. You can also accomplish the same thing under the "Browse Map" option and find the proper menu option for adding the point.
   
   Suction cup:
   I've seen other reviews online about people having problems with the windshield suction cup mount. All I can say is that I used this GPS during my move from NY to NC, which was about an 11-hour drive. Not once during that time did the suction cup mount fail, however since then it has fallen off the windshield a couple of times. The trick that seems to work is to actually lick a few of your fingers and moisten the suction cup before pressing it onto the windshield.
   
   Washed-out screen:
   Some users have commented that in intense sunlight, the screen becomes difficult to see. I've seen this happen maybe once or twice, but it only lasted a few seconds. From what I've experienced, the sun has to be at just the right angle, and this doesn't happen very often. In the absolute worst-case scenario, you have a little trouble seeing the screen for a few seconds, so you simply listen to the voice commands. I don't see that as a very large drawback at all.
   
   Other features and comments:
   The nice thing this model does (I'm not sure if lower models do this as well or not) is that it predicts what time you'll arrive at your destination based on the IQ route information, current speeds, etc. I found this to be a handy little feature.
   
   The actual routing seems spot-on so far. Re-routing after you miss a turn is nearly instant (literally 1 second at the most, from what I've seen). Also, initial positioning after powering-on the unit takes only a couple of seconds. I did notice some fun things after coming out of a tunnel - my car seemed to be flying in the middle of nothing for a second or two before all satellite signals were locked on. No big deal, and kind of amusing, I thought. You can also very easily route yourself via roads or POI's. For example, I needed to do some shopping at both Target and Home Depot. I first calculated my route to Home Depot, then went to "Find Alternative", then "Travel via..." and chose Point of Interest. I found Target in the list, and it then routed me to Home Depot with a stop at Target first. My only complaint about this is that when I got to Target, it didn't say anything like "you've reached your first destination" - it's up to you to realize you're there, park, shop, then continue your route to your next stop. As far as I know, you can travel via several (more than 2) stops as well.
   
   I have an Apple computer (Powerbook G4, so not even an Intel mac) and have had no troubles with the TomTom Home software. I was able to download a bunch of free voices, a new car icon, and there's tons of other stuff in there, both free and not.
   
   Another minor feature is that it has a bank of POI symbols for the major chains. For example, McDonald's, Wendy's, Starbucks, and quite a few others have their company logo in there. If you pass by Wendy's (for example) you wont see the typical knife and fork logo for a restaurant POI, you'll see the Wendy's logo on the map.
   
   I was also able to easily pair my Bluetooth cell phone (LG VX8350). A lot of phone numbers for POI's are stored on the GPS, so if you need to call any one of them, it will forward the call to your phone for you.
   
   I haven't really used the spoken road names feature - this is only available on the computerized voice, which is the main reason. Nice feature, but not all that necessary for me. There's also a voice-input feature when you're entering town names or zip codes in your destination search.
   
   Overall this unit seems like a great bang-for-your-buck. I purchased this at $400, and it really is packed with features. I'm glad I went with the TomTom Go 730, and would recommend it to anyone in the market for one. I've had some experience with other brands (Garmin, Magellan) and didn't like their menus, features, or price tag. Hope this helps!



5. I have used a PPC related GPS software program as well as the Garmin Nuvi which my daughter owns. This product is by far more superior in comparison to the PPC program. Routing is very reliable and more accurate than that of Garmin, though Garmin's attachment to the windscreen works better. This GPS locks on almost instantly ... my PPC has taken up to 10 mins! Very convenient and user friendly. Particularly appreciate the fact I can find most POI by simply typing in the name.
   
   However, I do have two issues with this:
   - Living in California, it's against the law to have it attached to our windscreen. So, cannot conveniently see it while driving.
   - The screen is not as bright as the Garmin products in bright sunlight.

5 comments about TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator.

1. Pros:
   - love the Bluetooth phone integration. Makes commuting back and forth a lot safer.
   - Price was great. I got it on sale for about $300 - great price for the features
   - Voice commands is a nice to have. Voice recognition capabilities have worked quite well so far.
   - You can customize the start and shut down screen, and there's a sleuth of cool options on Home.
   - Maps of Europe. Haven't tried it yet - but I'm planning an European trip this fall - it's good to know it's there.
   
   Cons:
   - Additional data features (chiefly traffic updates) are not supported for my phone (Samsung Blackjack)
   - I'm assuming this is a software glitch - but my Tomtom turns itself off when it's on the cradle but NOT when I forget it in the car.
   - Another software glitch - the unit is supposed to warn me when I forget it in a car or when I go over the speed limit - hasn't done it once so far.
   - Routing on surface roads is terrible. I haven't compared this to other portable units, but Google Maps kicks the socks out of this when it comes to finding the most efficient route.
   - User interface is terrible - 4 clicks to cancel route???
   - I live in VA, drive to work in MD thru DC. That's three states (err, two and a half). Finding addresses by state first is very frustrating.
   - Yet another software glitch - every time I override the unit's predefined route, it 'loses' the start address - it shows the diverging point as the 'start'.
   - Form factor - this unit is a lot thicker in the back than it appears.
   
   In conclusion, I'm on the fence here. I heard good things about similar Garmin units - in terms of routing AI. However, I'm holding off on trading this one in because of the features / price.



2. I tried out the Garmin nuvi 760 since I read that it's maps were better but have since sent it back. It did not have as many customization options (no John Cleese voice). And it's display does not show the small roads that you are passing as well as the TomTom 920. Of course I have previous experience with the TomTom software interface since I have used it with my Treo PDA for years. I was surprised that the TomTom was getting satellites indoors! The form factor is better with the TomTom as well. The rounded back fits nicely in your hand, while the nuvi is a rectangular block. The nuvi suction cup with locking lever for the windshield mount does seem more robust but the TomTom suction cup looks like it will do the job and I found an add on vent mount option for the TomTom which I like for business trips. I would have gotten the 720 but wanted the EU maps for future trips so I got the 920.



3. Get a grip, idiot developers. Do you always know exactly the address you'r going to?



4. If you want a good product stay away from Tom Tom products. I have used 3 different products from tom tom and maybe I'm a slow learner or tom tom has bad products, just stay away from tom tom so many better gps units to buy that are better. I decided to return the tom tom products and buy a Navstar and soooo much better and graphics so much better. Stay away from tom tom and buy a navstar or just look past a tom tom.



5. PSA: If you think that paying $80 for maps every year is unfair, don't buy a GPS. No matter what GPS you buy, you have to buy maps every year for around the same price.
   
   
   I throughly used about 7 other GPS devices before I decided on buying this. The GO 720 is
   
   very easy to use and will sometimes leave you deeply impressed by the smart features it has.
   
   It looks great with its sleek screen and the elegant form.
   It shows you water bodies as indents on the sides, has a day and night mode for the maps.
   
   The lighting of the LCD changes with light exposure.
   
   Smarter features include
   
   -Bluetooth connectivity to your phone, so that you make calls through the GPS.
   -When finding POI(Point of Interest), you can call the place directly with a touch of a
   
   button since the number shows up with a CALL button next to it
   -You can record voices of yourself or a friend and have this voice be the navigation voice.
   
   (I had my friend record his commands in our local language)
   -Pair to your FM radio so that you can hear the command on your car speakers
   -MP3s can be played
   -SD card slot
   -BEST Feature : Text to Speech. Having the GPS read out the names of streets for you is the
   
   best thing ever. You dont have to look at the device..just focus on the road.
   
   
   However, when I was in downtown one time...the device went nuts. It couldn't locate itself
   
   and the graphic just kept showing my car floating on the roads. I was getting voice commands
   
   during this but I didnt know if they were right because it had lost its signal. It may have
   
   been due to the tall buildings...but I wasn't happy when it happened.
   
   This has happened only ONCE.I use it everyday and it is everything I expected it to be. The
   
   main thing to look for in a GPS is its Navigation Ability and this Go720 is killer at it. It
   
   calculates in microseconds and takes you the right way to your destination. You can choose
   
   the way you want to go too (eg:choose to eliminate a freeway). It may miss some roadblocks.
   
   This can be annoying. But, you can just keep going..and it will reroute you. YOu can even
   
   record the roadblock easily with 2 clicks, so that it doesn't make the mistake again.
   
   The TOMTOM is superb compared to a Garmin because of its user friendly and less annoying
   
   nature. This Go 720 though has everything you need and more. You'll love it.

4 comments about Magellan Maestro 5310 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator.

1. I was considering purchasing this product, but the features described here at amazon.com do not match what magellan shows on their product manual and product features description. I don't know who's right, but the manual and megallan site does not mention bluetooth or voice command.



2. Just to clarify: I own this unit and while it's exactly what I was looking for (needing neither Bluetooth nor Voice Command) I can clarify the inaccurate information stated above - the 5310 has neither of these features. The Magellan Maestro 4050 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator has both features available for those who are interested. It is possible that we'll see Voice Command came out as an upgrade for the 5310 as it did for the 4050, but it's not there now. That said, this is a great little unit with a large, easy-to-read screen, great AAA extras, good maps and a very intuitive user interface. I'd highly recommend it and at $350 Amazon has one of the best prices I've seen (it's $500 elsewhere).



3. My first gps was a 5310, Not doing my home work I found myself looking at the gps units at Best Buy, not a very big selection when you look at all the ones available online. I wasnt intrested at the time in bluetooth, voice command, mp3, msn ect. just wanted a good gps and decent size screen, and I selected the 5310 for $499. Really should have more features for that price.
   
   Thats what this unit was 5" LCD screen with great POI, traffic and easy to use. Used it right out of the box for seveal stops on the way home and played around with it that day. Really nice unit. Plugged it in that night to charge and the next morning it kept turning off, didnt take a charge, touch screen stoped working, I turned it off and on with no results. I looked thru the manual, which wasnt very good and should have told me at least it has a reset button. It didnt. So I took it back to the store and got a refund.
   
   Thats when I started reading reviews online, realized maybe the reset button MAY have fixed the problem and I would still have it today and loved it. I also found all the other gps units available the store didnt have so I researched for a couple of days and for the price options ect I really liked the 4250, its the same unit as the 5310 plus bluetooth and voice command for about half the price, It does have the 4.3 WQVGA screen instead of the 5" LCD, but its just as good and easier to carry.
   
   See my review of the 4250 but to sum it up I really love it works great. Hasnt frozen or needed to be reset. Found I use the bluetooth and voice command on occasion and like I said half the price for the same unit.
   
   I Did stay away from Tom Tom on recommendations from the store to friends to family and many reviews,bad maps routing you down dead end streets ect. Never really heard anything bad about Garmin just more money with less features. Magellan and Garmin use the same maps, Tom Tom's are different.
   
   I have downloaded the new firmware 4.6 for my 4250 and would recommend that. It does help the bluetooth and overall operation runs smoother.



4. I got my Magellan Maestro 5310 today and tested it thoroughly. This is my first GPS Navigator and I liked it a lot. It works with no problems.
   
   Pros: It talks a lot: the actions you take, the street names, warning for approaching turns, etc. and bells/chimes at the turning points... Route recalculation takes about 3 seconds. Big screen is awesome. Satellite connection is perfect in Texas. The accuracy is about 4-5 meters. And it is full of POI.
   
   Cons: So far the only con can be the difficulty to connect the cradle with the swivel mount. It's not easy to push the cradle all the way down until it locks in place with the swivel mount. Don't force it, it will break, or don't mount the Magellan Maestro 5310 before having those two pieces lock perfectly. What I did was to put some soap on the tabs and the holes and then the cradle slides and locks without forcing it.

5 comments about Garmin Nuvi 255W 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

1. I received this GPS system about a week ago, and I haven't found one thing to complain about yet. The features are great, and all entirely user friendly. No need to read the manual, just plug it in and go! The Garmin Nuvi 255W connects to satellites extremely fast--So when I get in my car and turn it on, we're pretty much ready to go immediately. The new display posts speed limit signs of major roads flush left on the screen, which is a new feature that is also really helpful, if you're driving in an unfamiliar area. The widescreen display makes it possible to view the names of roads that you are passing on the screen--which makes it much easier to differentiate between which road to turn on when there are two streets on your right (not clearly labeled) that are only one house apart...which has happened to me twice... Also, the fact that the Garmin Nuvi 255W speaks street names is also helpful in times like these. In addition, another feature I find to be immensely helpful is how fast the Nuvi 255W recalculates your position if you do miss a turn. I love the detour feature, it saved me a ton of time when I heard there was an accident on the highway and took back roads that I would have never known existed! I would recommend the Garmin Nuvi 255W to anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and easy to use GPS system.



2. I actually could not decide between the Garmin Nuvi 255w or the 750 model, so I decided to buy them both for comparison. I mounted them both to my car windshield and gave them various addresses to find together. I found that both models took the same routes and announced upcoming turns and street names at practically the same time. One thing I noticed about the 255w was that it was updating my position on the road more often, I'd say about 3 times as often as the 750. This made for smoother graphics on the 255w of the vehicle moving along displayed roads, where the 750's display was more of a "jerky" movement. I also found that the display on the 255w was a bit brighter, clearer, and more vivid than on the 750 in both daylight and at night. Another feature I like on the 255w is the graphic turn indicator in the upper left corner, which the 750 lacks. This is a small arrow which shows upcoming turns and the distance to that turn. It also show things like a fork in the road, (ie: a Y intersection), and which fork you will be taking. The 750 just displays text on the top line for upcoming turns without the arrow. It's just a little extra feature on the 255w which I happened to really like. The 255 also automatically adjusts the font size of displayed text so that even lengthy text will fit.
   Another feature on the 255w is a display of the posted speed limit on the road which you are currently on right above your current displayed speed. I found myself not even looking at my car speedometer as I could easily see my current speed and the speed limit of my route at a glance. The 750 doesn't have this feature. I also like how they moved the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons on the 255w to the same side of the screen which makes it a bit easier. On the 750 the zoom buttons are on opposite sides of the screen.
   Now there are some features on the 750 that the 255w does not have. The 750 can broadcast it's sound over your FM radio with the supplied cigarette lighter cable, and it has a headphone jack, which I found to be nice features. The 750 also has an MP3 player and an Audio-book player, which the 255w does not. Another really nice feature of the 750 is the car locater. This is a great feature if you are parking in a really big lot, such as at an amusement park or a fair. The 750 marks your location when you remove it from the car, then you take it with you and it remembers where you parked and takes you right back to your car. The 255w doesn't have the car locater.
   I also thought the the voice prompts of the 750 where more pleasant sounding than the 255w's. The 750 sounds more like a real female voice, where the 255w sounds more robotic.
   Another thing to consider was that I paid $50 less for the 750 and it came with the FM transmitter cable and a USB cord to connect it to your computer for updates and downloads.
   My final decision was to keep the 255w and return the 750 because I really liked the graphic turn indicator and the posted speed limit and current speed indicators. I didn't find a need for the 750's MP3 player and Audio book player, but that is up to personal preference. Since the USB cable was not included with the 255w, I purchased it on this site for $10. I also intend to purchase the MSN direct cable when it is available in August 2008.



3. I purchased the Nuvi for my Jeep Wrangler. I had a factory GPS unit in my Toyota 4Runner that I loved... the Nuvi 255W appealed due the size of the unit and one's ability to remove it from the car and carry it around as a hand held if walking city streets. It was also appealing because it offered 'elevation contours' at higher zoom levels so you got some feeling of the lay of the land rather than the flat depictions you get on a lot of automotive GPS units.
   
   This review is heavily weighted text wise on the negative. That does not mean I think this is a bad unit... it is fine for around town and certainly a good unit to pick for your first GPS. I do have to say, that comparing it to my old GPS (factory unit in my 2004 4Runner), this unit is not as good. My old GPS has more useful mapping features and routes more reliably.
   
   It is, however, good to be aware that no GPS is perfect and understanding going in where the quirks are with this one will lessen any frustration you might feel in finding them later.
   
   The good - it's a cute little unit, simple, easy to operate, easy to install and does... as promised... update and reroute much _more_ quickly than my other GPS (no, I don't know the manufacturer Toyota uses). Have to give Garmin kuddos on that it's pretty awesome in comparison to other units I've tried. Actually real impressed with that. The batteries last a good long time. I haven't actually measured the time, but a guess says that it's close to the 4 hours spec'd.
   
   The bad - My unit only displays elevation contours at zoom levels of 20 miles or higher. Basically, that's a completely useless feature albeit slightly interesting. I had understood that one could view the elevation contours at zoom levels of 5 miles or higher, later read 8 miles or higher - both of which are close to useless but OK... better than not having it at all. Involved in a conversation with Garmin product support at the moment on that. I'm not clear whether my unit is operating correctly or not. The positive, Garmin product support is responsive.
   
   UPDATE ON THIS - It finally turned out that to see the elevation contours at lower zoom levels (you can see them at zoom levels as low as 2 miles) you have to reduce the amount of detail displayed. Go into Tools-Settings-Map-Map Detail and set the level down (it is set to 'more' by default') to normal, less or least and you will start to see the contours at lower zoom levels. This is a fault with their included (and web) documentation.
   
   The text-to-speech (TTS), not so good. It's very tinny sounding... I've got the unit set to American English - Samantha. I can understand it in my 4Runner. I have difficulty understanding it in my Jeep Wrangler (hard top) which is clearly noisier. My understanding is that Garmin really compressed the voice in this unit, far more than in previous units... and yeah, it sounds like it. I like my older unit better - better voice quality and it simply tells you how far to the next turn and what direction to turn.
   
   The TTS is quirky, not really ready for prime time yet. It seems to do well with English sounding street names like 'Questhaven'... does NOT do well with Spanish based street names (which if you live in So Cal as I do, is an issue). San Elijo is pronounced 'san' 'eli-joe' as a simple example. Via de la Valle is both 'SR 6 Via-de-lane-val' (I listened intently, it did pronounce 'la' as lane... then it occurred to me there must be some translation of an abbreviation for lane, which is truly odd but OK I could see that makes some vague sense in software programming land) and then, surprisingly, the actual correct Spanish pronunciation when I got off on the exit. Apparently the street was in the database twice? Who knows!? A programming 'feature'. A street called Olivenhain was pronouced 'O-lee-ven-tian' (it's actually pronounced 'O-lee-van-hain'. The TTS is definitely seeming more of a toy/curiosity to me than a "can't be without it" feature. I'd not be buying a unit thinking this was an critical part of the decision but it's nice.
   
   The routing I am still evaluating - in general, the unit seems to route well and quickly. It does, however, do odd things that I have not encountered in the same areas with my older unit (I've been using them simultaneously to test the Garmin unit)... as I was driving out of my driveway after having set a destination it said 'turn right on (my street) to street y'. The problem was that street y didn't connect to my street, it wasn't even in the same town. So yeah, not sure what was up with that. When I routed to a different destination I knew I needed to take street a, turn right to street b, and turn right on street c. The unit told me 'take street a .3 miles and turn right on street c'. It completely lost the intermediate street, which BTW, does show on its map and which has to be taken (streets a and c do not connect). I live in a _very_ urban area, near the 5 fwy in north county San Diego. There are NO new streets in this area, all has been established for over 10 years. My older unit, with probably a 2003 map database in it, does not make these errors in this area. So, not thrilled with the routing. It's definitely making mistakes in this area it shouldn't be making.
   
   There are quite a few features present in my 4Runner's now 4-5 year old GPS system that are not present in the unit. I deeply miss the 'route overview' feature, the Garmin unit does not have that. This allows you to easily review the route the unit set up to a set destination. With the Nuvi, you have to take your finger and scroll to see where it is going to take you. It also does not offer an option to view the route as a series of turn by turn directions. I use that quite a bit and miss it here. Lastly, it does not allow you to put in a series of destinations. My older unit allows you to keep adding destinations to the route. Not here, you get one. Then you can add another after you get there. I also miss the display of how far you have yet to go on your route. My old unit counts this down for you and provides an estimate of ETA on the map display. Not present here.
   
   The menu system is a bit too deep for my tastes. I have to hit too many buttons to get back to the map display when, for example, I am entering POIs. I can do that in one step in the 4Runner unit.
   
   The 'finger scrolling' is not overly responsive and yes, it does better if you use your fingernail rather than fingertip. I didn't mind that too much, but you might wonder initially if the unit does scroll the map... yes, it does... try with your fingernail. The zoom up/down buttons are kinda in a bad spot. I find that if I want to scroll sideways that I hit them accidentally quite a bit.
   
   You will read complaints about the lack of a USB cable with the unit. Personally, I didn't view that as an issue. Garmin uses a standard connector and the cables for both my (Sony and Canon) digital cameras worked fine as did the one for my ScanDisk MP3 player. I'm fine not having an extra identical cable.
   
   The documentation is light and I received a manual for a 205W series unit with the 255W. Yeah, OK they're similar but nevertheless it's a bit disconcerting at first. I'm sure Garmin was in a hurry to ship the new units.
   
   So... all in all... it's not bad, but there are definitely things to be aware of. I don't hate it, I'm not in love with it either. I wish Garmin would spend more time giving us the rich mapping features instead of integrating stuff that IMHO isn't useful and does run up the cost of the unit - like Bluetooth for your phone (the placement of the unit for this is all wrong, you want your Bluetooth close to your head and your GPS at eye level on your dash), audio books (we have MP3 player jacks in our stereos now guys, you cannot compete with the sound quality) etc. I get the photo navigation (but how many of you will use that? it's a curiousity for most of us), traffic and content updates (but I won't use that either since I'd use it rarely and don't want to pay a monthly fee for it). Those are navigation related, the other stuff is redundant and Garmin cannot provide as good a solution as the vendors that specialize in these areas.
   
   For anyone that is researching GPS units, I highly recommend spending some serious time on http://www.gpsreview.net. It's a very informative site and the forums are active.



4. First time GPS owner.
   
   Pros
   - Easy to use.
   - Fast satellite pickup. Hotfix works.
   - Included POI list is great.
   - Speed of map updates is awesome. Very smooth.
   - Search for POI and streets are fast.
   - Fast recalculation of routes.
   
   Cons
   - No easy way to delete images.
   - No easy way to organize custom POI's. You have to use POI-Loader.
   - Documentation is poor.
   
   Bottom Line: I would recommend this GPS to anyone. Simple yet powerful.



5. So now is my turn to share my thoughts with you guys.
   
   I upgraded from a Garmin C320 so this is a huge leap for me, I did some intensive research before purchasing this unit, [...] are two great websites...
   
   First I want to address the "potential problem" on 255w which is the robotic sound, I personally think it is absolutely understandable, the female sound is a little vauge at some point, however the man's (Jack) voice is very clear to me, so this is not a problem for me.
   
   And it is very fast locating satellites, the new interface needs some time to get used to, it is very cool now you can drag the map with your fingers!
   
   Definitely better POIs, it has 1000 POI which is the highest among all models, use this to find AMC cinemas, state parks and restaruants is absolustely a blast! (my previous C320 sucks...) It also has multiple language support (however only english voice has the TTS function, other languages will simply say "turn left at 200ft").
   
   Also you can view your pictures on this unit which I think is fine but almost useless, (other useless functions in my opinions are bluetooth and MP3 which this 255w doesn't have).
   
   I haven't tested the battery life so I don't know about that yet, other cons is this unit is a little pricy I paid $[...]...(sold my C320 for 80).
   
   All in all this is a very nice GPS and I highly recommend it!

5 comments about Navigon 5100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

1. I have only had the Navigon 5100 for one month. The last trip I had friends along and they had their Garmin 260W and we compaired the two side buy side. They both took us right to the door where we were going but the Navigon had much better grapics and detail along the roadway. My friend even attested that while on the highway system the overhead signs were exact the lane choice with the arrows were great. I would have rated the Navigon 5100 five stars but the only down fall I see is the battery life. On a full charge it does not last longer then two to three hours. Other then that a great product so far.



2. i returned this gps today after using it for 5 days. at first i loved this product, big screen, text to speech street names, preloaded maps, free traffic alerts, and relatively quick locking on satellites, low prices (i got it for 149.99) - what's not to love?
   
   only after i installed it in my car did i realize why they are selling this at such a huge discount - the routing thing totally doesn't work! i work in jersey city and live in central NJ, all other GPSes (the preinstalled ones in my other car, yahoo/google maps, and another garmin that i upgraded from) all suggest the same route exit 14A on the NJTP and then take the 78 extension. Not this one - they want me to go all the way up to 15E.
   
   a lot of local routes are also weird, if you miss a turn, it does recalculate but mostly trys to route you to the original route it calculated. talk about being stupid.
   
   for all the savings i get in the lowered price i would've given it back in 3 days on added gas money, car depreciation for going more miles, and the additional time it takes to get you to your destination.
   
   WORST GPS EVER!!!



3. Navigon 5100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator I recently used my Navigon 5100 for the first time out of town. The graphics are amazing. The unit is simple to use. The feature rich 5100 hands down beats the socks off of similarly priced competitor's units. The voice to text, free traffic, real view graphics and inexpensive updates make the Navigon 5100 a value shopper's dream unit. I updated my unit right out of the box for free at the Navigon website. While driving, I found the voice guidance easy to understand and simple to follow. The reroute feature was quick and responsive if I make a detour in an area I am familiar. My only complaint would be the long loading time with initial start up but I can live with a 30 sec wait if I am getting free traffic reports for life.



4. I love this GPS! It is simple to use; the commands are clear and simple to follow. It is able to redircet you, if you take a wrong turn, in seconds. I love the lifetime traffic updates, they are quick and accurate!



5. It is as advertized. Biggest plus--the web site is a big plus to help assist in understanding how it works--also got a FREE map update. Biggest negative--it takes about 2 minutes to sync up with the GPS satellites when first turning it on. Looking forward to using it on some long trips coming up.

5 comments about Navigon 2100 max 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

1. I find it most usefull when I can go as far as I can on my own, then I kick on the Navigon. The reason is It doesn't seem to take me the best route, especially when I know where I'm going. Only after I reach a point where I need help do I turn it on and it does get me where I want to go.



2. I bought this little navi unit as a world-traveler device that I could use in the U.S. and in europe. It ended up on ebay a week later.
   
   Once I received it, I found it to be difficult to use, the buttons on the screen too small for my fingers, calculations were slow, the Points of interest database was missing common things I found routinely with my old Garmin c550.
   
   We decided to keep using our old c550 and wait for a better tomtom or Garmin instead. I think the competitor for this unit as far as features go is the Garmin 7xx series, yet the performance is so bad I cannot recommend it to anyone.



3. Very good. I took it to New York with no problem. Garmin was looking for signal for three hours. I highly recommend it to any one. Great unit.



4. I really didn't think this $200 GPS was going to work very well, but I couldn't resist the price. I'm notoriously bad on directions, so I really hoped it could make a difference. IT SURE DID. I had to take a complicated 26-mile route to a seminar outside LA, including 7 miles in residential area with lots of turns. The voice is the really fantastic part -- it tells you 500 feet before you turn and again 20 feet before the turn. You really don't have time to read the screen while you're driving, but you can glance at it from time to time to see what your next turn is, what lane you need to be in to catch the freeway exit, and what direction you're going. The graphic for complicated freeway interchanges is really great -- arrows shows you exactly what to do at a glance. And every time I took a wrong turn or missed one, the device just kept going, guiding me to my goal. My only complaint is the voice sound is so bad. It's difficult to hear (forget having radio on) and the pronunciation of street names is often hilarious (La Loma is prnounced Laalo.). Anyway, it was the most relaxed drive to a distant seminar I can remember. If you're bad at directions, this could be a life changer for you.



5. I'm terrible with directions so I bought this hoping it would help me and it did. It found the satellites immediately and kept me moving along quickly. It updates quickly and even if you choose a different route it recalculates a new route and maps it out instantly. The touch screen is responsive and easy to use. It's well made and doesn't feel cheap. The windshield mount works easily and holds the unit in place.
   
   When you register the unit at the Navigon website, you'll find out that a software update is not necessary as of today. FreshMaps is supposed to be available this month (July) and you can sign up for E-mail notification as to when they'll be ready for download. The unit comes with a 2 gig memory card and you can install a larger one when it's needed. The operating system for the mapping program is Windows CE. No problems with it yet.
   
   So far, I'm happy with this unit. It does what I need without a load of unnecessary bells and whistles.

5 comments about Dash Express Two-Way Internet-Connected Portable GPS Navigator.

1. I've used GPS before now so I am somewhat familiar with most of the pros and cons regarding these devices. This is a new device by a new manufacturer and it includes a number of ground breaking innovations not found in any other device of its type. Frankly, I expected some flaws. So, I bought this with a little trepidation.
   
   The reviews on this device ranged from stellar to the basement. The current reality is probably somewhere between and the potential to be an outstanding device is high. A large part of my purchase decision was based on potential alone.
   
   Map Accuracy
   Maps for GPS devices are largely provided by one of two vendors: NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas. Neither one is particularly better than the other (except perhaps on a regional basis) and both suffer from the same general problem, keeping the maps and routing data up-to-date. Because both are updated independently, one will have changes that the other will not and it will always be that way as long as they remain separate companies. In addition to the physical maps, these companies are also responsible for GPS accuracy (relative to the map), and various routing parameters like speed limits and traffic controls. This means that you cannot blame the GPS manufacturers for every single map or routing issue. The Dash Express maps only cover the contiguous United States, Hawaii and Alaska.
   
   Radio Access
   GPS is available all the time from the U.S. Government GPS satellites and does not require a subscription. GPRS is a data transfer method that occurs over the cell phone system using nationwide cell access contracted by Dash. This is part of your subscription service and is provided at no extra cost. Wi-Fi is available from ANY IN RANGE, AVAILABLE OPEN access system. Think Starbucks and a number of other eateries, etc. Wi-Fi is a wireless internet access method that is popular among home users. Dash does not (cannot) provide this with your subscription as there is no regional or national access for Wi-Fi.
   
   Updates
   Dash has said that (as long as you are a subscribing user) historical traffic updates should occur 10 - 12 times per year, map updates at least twice yearly, and software updates every four months. I've had my unit for 5 weeks and have seen one traffic update and one software update. (This software update occurred on June 30, 2008 so be aware of this when reading reviews prior to that date as the update included a number of fixes and new features.) Traffic updates take place over GPRS. Maps can be updated over either GPRS or Wi-Fi depending on the size of the update. Software is updated over the Wi-Fi connection due to the bulk of the update and speed difference between the two types of connections. The unit can also be connected to a computer by a USB cable so there is the ability to update the unit by direct connection.
   
   Routing
   Entering the name of a street for routing is simple. Dash Express will normally display a list of available streets based on the first three letters of the street name. Then just choose the appropriate street from the list. Dash will then try to provide up to three routing options to your destination. If you have already driven a route to the destination, a fourth option is included based on your last route driven. This means that if you drive a different route than one offered, that route will display the next time you route to the same destination as long as you start close to the same starting point. Routing is one of the most important functions of a GPS. One of the things Dash can do is to include traffic information in its calculations to find the fastest route. Some GPS's are better at routing than others. At this time, Dash is neither the best or the worst. They know this. The last update improved this function somewhat. I am confident that future updates will continue to refine and improve this function. Something that you can discern at a glance from a map can be very complex for a computer to resolve because it has to work with a set of specific rules that must be followed. To make the routing better, problems must be identified and the rules changed accordingly without creating more problems.
   
   Traffic Data
   One thing that Dash excels at is the presentation of historical and live traffic data in both directions along a highway. The data comes from several sources including Inrix and LIVE traffic data reported automatically by other Dash drivers. The Inrix system includes traffic sensors in many urban areas that also report live traffic data. In addition to live traffic the unit will also display historical traffic information and the difference in the display of the two is a solid line vs. a dotted line. The live traffic data from other Dash users is uploaded to the Dash servers over GPRS then downloaded into individual Dash Express GPS units. Included in the the display of current traffic data is the reported traffic from other Dash users. (You cannot tell the difference between live sensor data and live Dash user data.) Green, Yellow, Orange and Red are used to indicate degrees of congestion. I have found both the historical and live information to be reasonably accurate. It will never be perfect since unforeseen events do occur that affect traffic and these things cannot predict the future. Plus, sensory data is sometimes in error due to defective sensors. But on balance the information is timely and accurate. As noted before the subscription service is required for the feature. Note: Traffic is not reported for every road. Subdivisions are not included since there is generally no through traffic. Generally, interstates, major US and State highways and connecting roads are included. Other roads can be added as the need presents itself.
   
   Search
   The Dash Express contains a large number of points of interest with location data that can be searched, off-air. In addition, with the subscription service, you have access to real time, relevant, GPRS search capability via Yahoo. It is a simple interface with a number of frequently used searches pre-programmed into the device. Relavant, searchable information includes movie times and locations, gas prices and locations and most anything else you can think up. You can also download custom searches from the MyDash.net web site or save your favorite search right from the Dash Express. The searches typically return, the name, address, phone number and star rating (where available) for each search result. Each returned item is then routable. Ever been in the car with the family or friends and decide you want to to see a movie or want to go to that new restaurant you heard about but don't know exactly where its located. Save the 411 cell phone call and look it up on the Dash Express then select a route to the location. You would not believe how easy this is or how often you will find yourself using it. The search can not only be applied locally, but to another city, your destination or along your route.
   
   Search Applications
   The Dash has the ability to accept new search applications by third party vendors. To date these are free and available on the MyDash.net website. This includes such things as WeatherBug for current weather and weather alerts, a list of radio stations, etc.
   
   Send2Car
   Ok, what's this. You can use the MyDash.net website to send an address from the Dash website to your GPS over the GPRS or Wi-Fi connection, EASY. At home, or office and got an address you need to go to. Just use your computer and send it via the internet. You don't need to connect the GPS up to your computer. Dash Express will pick it up in seconds after you turn it on in the car. Then just select the new address from the menu and route to the address.
   
   User Interface
   The system of controls and menus is very simple. There are only four external controls, Menu, Volume, On/Off, and Reset. These controls are well placed and sized for easy access. Everything else is done using the display as a touch screen.
   
   Display
   The display is a wide screen format that has become popular with other GPS manufacturers. Initially the information on the screen appears a little drab. But this actually plays in the device's favor since important information like traffic is displayed in color. Too much color on this display for ordinary things would potentially detract from other things of importance. The display can also be configured to automatically adjust its brightness based on current conditions and switch to night mode without user intervention. The Dash Express will display both a 2D and 3D image of the map with routing and traffic data based on the user's selections.
   
   Audio
   The Dash Express does not have speech recognition. A car is a noisy place and speech recognition is not quite ready for this application. It does have audible directions for navigation and alerts. This works quite well even with the occasional mispronounced street name. Some regions of the country may have more trouble with this than others due to the use of more extensive use of ethnic or uncommon names.
   
   Unit Size
   There has been some comments about the unit's size and weight. It is bulky compared to more recent competitive products, but keep in mind that this GPS contains not one, not two, but three radios: GPS, GPRS (Cell), Wi-Fi. In addition it contains a battery powerful enough to run the unit for two hours (disconnected from any external power source).
   
   Mount
   Dash has excelled by providing a hefty mount manufactured by PanaVise. PanaVise has been around for years and is known for providing durable, quality products and this mount is no exception. The mount can be utilized on the windshield or dash and comes with an extension and mounting plate for the dashboard.
   
   Subscription Service (not required)
   Maintaining the subscription service does add the the recurring cost of the device on a monthly or yearly basis. But, consider what you get for the money. Software/Map updates for other GPS devices often occur only once a year if that often and that could cost $70 or more; then you have to order it and install the update yourself. Traffic radio subscriptions can run $40 annually or more. With the subscription you get: 2 map updates per year, 3 software updates per year, 10 - 12 traffic updates per year, continuous access to the Dash traffic and internet servers via GPRS, live as well as historical traffic data, internet search in real time, capability to send addresses directly to your GPS from any internet connected computer and more...for about the same price or less in some cases.
   
   It Does Not Have...
   Dash wanted to produce a device focused on providing navigational information. It does not contain either Bluetooth or an MP3 player as these tend to detract from the device's mission. Maps of Canada, Mexico and Europe are not provided at this time.
   
   Summary
   In the end I am pleased with my decision to purchase this device. Yes it has some room for improvement, but the recent updates show that Dash is committed to the necessary software improvements plus adding new features that will ultimately enhance the value of the device and remain competitive with if not ahead of other GPS devices. It is a good GPS now and will only get better, in short order. Another software update is due in just 4 months. No need to wait a year or longer for a competitor's product.



2. I bought my Dash in
   early June and LOVE
   it! I just made my
   first long trip with
   it, and it has
   guided me every step
   along the way. From
   searching for nearby
   organic markets,
   gyms, starbucks...
   you name it. The
   internet
   connectivity is one
   of the best features
   of this device.
   Also, the online
   community
   is great. There are
   a plethora of 3rd
   party apps listed
   that you can send to
   your device. Also,
   the forums are a
   huge help for the
   learning about the
   coolest 3rd party
   apps. This gps is a
   must have for any
   tech enthusiast.



3. I really really liked it till it broke. hopefully i can get my money back



4. After one day of use in the Chicagoland area, I have returned my device. In short, as a GPS device the unit fell flat on its face. While driving in Chicago's loop, the unit was totally stumped trying to route me to a highway. Secondly, it was off at least 200-300 feet on pinpointing my location, enough to miss streets intended for my route. Not good. Earlier, while routing in the suburbs, the device created sometimes bizarre routes. Indeed, as a GPS, this baby is a mistake. It's traffic reporting capabilities were much better, but not enough to overcome its shortcomings as a GPS. How could I utilize this GPS in a strange city or route?



5. I love it! I went on vacation and rented a car and was able to take My Dash with me and never felt lost and also I love the feature to find local resturants and search via the Internet. I don't want to be without it!

5 comments about Magellan Maestro 3100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

1. This product is phenomenal. I bought the Magellan Maestro for my 74 year old father for Father's Day. He is, to say the least, non-computer savvy. However, he was able to use the GPS with ease. The instructions are easy to read, and the on-line help was fast and reliable. He is currently off roading in Nevada using his new navigation system and having a great time.



2. I have used my Magellan with great success.
   Not being the one for great written directions
   it has helped me a great deal.
   My only complaint are the instructions with the package
   need to be more informative re the need to download
   or to upgrade.



3. We prefer the TomTom because it has an easier to use (and more thorough) 'points of interest' and 'maps' program. This Magellan Maestro became a headache when we had to utilize without any addresses ...especially when many streets were not listed on the map function. As a sidenote, never leave your GPS in the car...don't even leave it in the glove compartment!



4. Magellan is a very accurate and helpful item. I use it very often, out of state, and never get lost when looking for difficult destinations. It gives pleanty of time when notifying of upcoming maneuvers. It was a wise purchase.



5. I have had this GPS for a month and just took it on a long trip. Save your money because you get what you paid for. This is an inexpensive unit and leaves a lot to be desired.
   
   I named it Barbara after my mother in law (she is always giving directions) First, the maps are not up to date and do not have many current roads, at least where I live. On this long highway trip Barbara was mostly quiet except when you come to a major crossroad, then she tells you to stay on the current road at least three times, and sometimes more.
   
   In my case I had driven most of this route many times and know the best way around some major cities. Barbara always wanted to direct me through the town and not give me the best route. In one case she had me going north when I needed to go west. Looking at my atlas I could plainly see that there was no way to get where I needed to be if I followed her directions. This happened many times on roads that have been around for decades. I felt that I could not trust the unit!
   
   If you are in a strange area in the dark and there are not any alternate routes, Barbara would get me there every time. And I can say that that was a big help. But this was at the end of the route is a very rural area.
   
   Next the display, if you can afford a larger display, buy it. This one is small and even with my small fingers I had trouble with some on the buttons. This is a heads up display with two nav bars at the top and bottom on the screen. They display the current road you are on and the one where your next turn is. My logic says the top bar should be the turn you are going to (heads up). But no, that is the road you are on and where you are going is on the bottom. Yea it's a minor thing but annoying.
   
   OK, now try to find a point of interest while you are on a route. Food, Rest Area, etc. Your only option is to exit a point of interest. Now why would I want to exit if I was looking for one? I pushed the button and got a screen that would give me small icons with a distance from my current location. This was not any help at all, especially if I wanted to know where the next rest area was. To find that you must canx. your route and then pick the point of interest button. Barbara will then give you a list of categories to choose from. Alphabetical order, NO WAY!! Try pushing the little down button to find what you want, while driving. This makes you an accident waiting to happen. This unit should be classified in the same hazard category as cell phones!
   
   I could go on and on but I think you get my drift. When you buy a cheap product, you get what you paid for!
   
   Jim

5 comments about Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

1. This product is very user-friendly and easy to follow. The only worry I have with it is becoming overly dependant on it. I travel quite frequently and this product certainly takes a great deal of the stress away from planning trips.



2. I like this better than the Magellan that my friend has but I wish there is a way to program it to take alternate routes and not to keep pointing you back to the highway that you wanted to avoid.



3. I am pleased with this item and with the dealer who sold it to me. Very fast delivery at a good price.



4. The StreetPilot C530 is a model that does not provide spoken directions. This means the user must watch the screen while driving, in order to be aware of when and where to turn. This procedure can be very dangerous. It is much better to pay a few dollars more for a C550 and get a model that talks.



5. I purchased this GPS as a replacement for an aging StreetPilot III. I only wish that I had done it much sooner. This unit has surpassed my expectations. I use this unit on my motorcycle and it has guided me on 2 long distance trips, so far,without any problems or errors. I would recommend this unit to anyone that is looking for a great GPS that won't break your budget.