This would be my first so I dont have a lot of info about it.
I am looking for a low - medium range ($$) unit that is easy to use, and preferrably comes with pre loaded maps for NA, (although its not a buy/not-buy criteria)
Experience shows that whenever something requires downloading / uploading to make it work, something is bound to go wrong and you end up making call after frustrating call to the customer service department.
Go with a cheap Garmin. Or TomTom. PDA-based GPS are for thsoe who need a PDA plus a GPS. If you don't, then stick with a simple GPS-only device. Low-end models of Garmin can be pretty cheap, with same kind of functionality but less bells and whistles. Personally I like Garmin better than Magellan, but TomTom is new and is getting rave reviews. Google Garmin or just check their website .com
Its fine. Two things you need to check before finalizing which unit you will get.
How do you get maps in it? High-end units have maps pre-loaded. Low-end units have CD's which you install on your computer and then move selected provinces/States to the GPS unit. Its only a one-time process and is fairly uncomplicated. Personally, I'd say save some money and go with the second option. I have had a Garmin 2710 for two years now, which required me to connect it with my computer one time and it downloaded all California maps in the CF card. No further maintenance required after that. Nowadays, some low-end units also have maps pre-loaded which is great.
How will it install in your car? Apart from the obvious that most likely you can just plug it into the cigarette lighter socket, the important thing is whether it sticks to the windshield with a suction cup, or does it install on the top of the dashboard. Different manufacturers go different routes. If possible, check out the unit physically and see how will it actually fit in your car. Read online reviews (use Google) to see how other people rate the unit in terms of attaching to the car. I remember one unit had a lot of people complaining that the suction cup was bad quality and the unit will frequently fall off the windshield and that can be a huge irritation, at best and a safety hazard, at worst.
So consider these things. With different choices in the market, I am sure you can stay within your budget and still be able to get a decent unit that can help you get from Point A to point B easily.
I purchased Garmin i5 few months back. The only difference between i5 and i3 is that in i5, the entire map comes preloaded (US & Canada). Besides that they are identical. I think the way you load map in i3 is simply by plugging it in to USB port on your computer and copy what you need to from a DVD that comes with it. Should be very simple. It has a glass mount...so it sticks and comes out easy. You may want to check out CNET's review on i3 and especially look at User's Opinion.
I've been really pleased with it so far. It has a very simple and easy to navigate interface. Route calculations are pritty fast. Good reception. Good voice prompts...although the ONLY complain I have is that it doesn't doesn't "speak out" the street name to turn to, but only displays that on the screen. That speak out option was only available on more expensive models when I was buying it.
I've used it all the way up and down the east coast in US and also used it when I was in Niagra Falls & Toronto area few weeks back. It has worked out really well.
Don't order online till you have a chance to physically check out and hold the unit in your hands. Visit a shop and have a sales associate answer your questions on the product. Once you are convinced that this is the right unit for you, then order from whereever you are getting the best deal.
Yeah, definitely check it out in person so you know exactly what you are getting. After that you just have to find the best price on the net and would feel much more confident when ordering online.
I tried the magellan one on e a recent trip. Was only able to get it to work once. It took forever to locate my position. I had to rely upon my yahoo directions print outs.
I got a Magellan Never Lost unit with an Avis rental on our last trip to LA. Big disappointment. It stopped working as soon as we entered LA. Most of the trip it refused to work (meaning won't pick up the satellite reception). For the brief moments of clarity when it did get the satellite to connect, it showed blantantly wrong directions. Called Avis helpline a couple of times and they tried to trouble shoot, but no avail. Finally gave up on it. Avis returned part of the rental fee for the inconvenience. Therefore my experience with Magellan is not good. Garmin, on the other hand, works like a charm every time.
I agree Faisal. It took soooo long to pick up the satelite reception and still did it incorrectly. My bro-in-law bought the same one though and he is really pleased with his. I on the other hand just unplugged the damn thing and put it away. I'll try Garmin next time I need a navigation system.
Got the GARMIN i3 - Finally
Works great - I dont know why anyone would pay the xtra bucks to get the i5 with the preloaded maps (Agree with SKY's comments). It took me around 10 minutes, to configure it, and then to upload the maps. I was able to upload most of Canada and also newyork and michigan. I can always delete and upload new maps from the CD, that came with the package. It Also has an option to choose your route (Fastest Time, Shortest distance etc etc. ) allows you to skip roads and highways you dont want to drive on.
After using it for about 2 weeks, I am fully satisfied.
The only problem I had was in downtown, where it lost reception, probably due to the highrise structures on both sides of the road. I think this would be a common problem with any reciever, unless you are using a really sensitive expensive system.
So when going to downtown I have made a mental note to unplug it and do my homework before I leave home.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering going the GPS way.
The only comment I would give is that i2 and i3 are EXACTLY similar in all respects, except for the display, MONOCHROME vs COLOR. i2 being cheaper by about $60 or so. Please dont fall for the saving in this case, as the extra $60 dollars spent provide a full return on your money, by offering you a full color display, with your route clearly highlighted in RED.
