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View Full Version : Lf: Inexpensive Gps!!!!!!

stepper17
Nov 25th, 2006, 08:20 AM
Wanting to buy a GPS for my hubby for no more than $300....any suggestions?? It has to be something easy to navigate.....he does not know much about computers or electronics..also, a good map of Eastern and Southern Ontario...

Thanks:)
coolspot
Nov 25th, 2006, 05:44 PM
You can try a "no-name" GPS system - these run for <300.00. However, with No-Name GPS systems, you run the risk of no map upgrades, or poor map quality.

If you want a decent GPS system, stick with the name brands - Garmin, TomTom, Lowarence, and Magellan.

Garmin's I3 Colour GPS is going for 329.99 at RadioWorld.ca. Black and White model - 249.99 (someone posted that the black and white model can be had for 199 at TheSource.cc/radioshack's online clearence site)
geotr
Nov 25th, 2006, 07:15 PM
The thing is that you have to also buy the maps in order to view them in more detail...see the streets and their names.

I have the Garmin ETrex Legend

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegend/

works great...although i don't know why it doesn't seem to get a signal downtown at bay & dundas.

goes for $179.99 at can tire according to the website (http://canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6673063&bmUID=1164500194594&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442687963&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true)...but I've seen it for $159.99

Walmart has it too...
coolspot
Nov 26th, 2006, 03:35 AM
The eTrex only includes a basemap (overview map) of North/South america. The eTrex is a handheld GPS - it is primarily meant for hiking, walking, basic navigation. The eTrex only has 8MB of RAM which means it can't store very detailed maps. Constrast this to the new Nuvi line - they all come with ~1.5GB+ of memory!

For hiking, the eTrex is fine... but if you're looking for a car navigation system, look for an Auto-Navigation GPS (Garmin's website segments the different types of GPSes. TomTom GPSes are all Auto-Navigation). Auto-Navigation GPSes typically include detailed maps and run >300.00+

Garmin units typically come with CityNavigator v8.00 (if you get an older model with v7 loaded, you're entitled to a free upgrade to v8). I believe all TomTom units have detailed maps too.

So just buy the right product - you'll get the right maps :)

P.S. Buy a name brand - because you can always upgrade the maps on a name brand unit. Off-brand units are pretty much a one shot deal.
stepper17
Nov 27th, 2006, 10:02 AM
I know that Futureshop has the Prima on for $ 299 (reg. $399)
and Canadian Tire has the Nextar on for $299 (reg $399).
Does anyone know if either of these brands are good, and which one is better than the other??
stepper17
Nov 28th, 2006, 03:43 PM
I know that Futureshop has the Prima on for $ 299 (reg. $399)
and Canadian Tire has the Nextar on for $299 (reg $399).
Does anyone know if either of these brands are good, and which one is better than the other??

Sorry to be a pest, but does anyone know anything about the above mentioned brands??
coolspot
Nov 28th, 2006, 08:01 PM
Sorry to be a pest, but does anyone know anything about the above mentioned brands??

Buy a name brand - I think there is a refurb C330 on sale for 349.99 at FS. The C330 comes with a very good pre-loaded map and it can load most of gramin's mapping products.

Furthermore, since you've purchased the GPS after April 2006, I think you get a free upgrade to the latest v8.0 maps :)
stepper17
Nov 30th, 2006, 03:56 PM
Buy a name brand - I think there is a refurb C330 on sale for 349.99 at FS. The C330 comes with a very good pre-loaded map and it can load most of gramin's mapping products.

Furthermore, since you've purchased the GPS after April 2006, I think you get a free upgrade to the latest v8.0 maps :)



Thanks for the info, i'll be sure to check it out!!
jerryhung
Nov 30th, 2006, 04:41 PM
guess you missed it a day too late

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=370214
drdre
Dec 1st, 2006, 01:50 AM
my telus phone has gps for $10 per month,
mlc2000
Dec 1st, 2006, 09:51 AM
Sorry to threadcrap....but do people really get lost in their car ?

Honestly, GPS is great for boating, but for cars, its the most over-hyped toy ever.

Its an interesting toy for travelling but for everyday life, expect it to gather dust.
stepper17
Dec 1st, 2006, 10:11 AM
Sorry to threadcrap....but do people really get lost in their car ?

Honestly, GPS is great for boating, but for cars, its the most over-hyped toy ever.

Its an interesting toy for travelling but for everyday life, expect it to gather dust.

As to your quote about people getting lost in their cars.....if you have a business where you are working on the road 90% of the day and heading into unknown territory, then the answer is "YES", some people would find a GPS extremely handy!!!!