Looking for a GPS, help is appreciated

[Martinga]

I'm looking to buy a navigation system. Basically I'm looking for something that has a relatively good battery life (unless you can plug it into the car adaptor), that supports Mp3 files (I don't need video files, just the audio) and thats under $350.
Suggestions?
I've researched and hear the garmin ones are the best.....

[oldsnail]

i find - stock looking gps systems blend in with the dash the best.. but tehy cost and arm and a leg.

i use my black berry and google for maps. lol

[malaco0219]

from my experience, try to get the built in car ones, as they are a lot better since you dont have to worry about taking it in and out of the car when you leave, and i noticed from the cars i've seen they get signal a LOT better.

If you still like the portable ones..

AVOID IWAY! they are the worse ones. We got one at home, takes well over 10 minutes just to track our location, and is not even accurate, taking us through excessive routes, and the one we have, Iway 250, cant even choose other routes =.=

I would suggest Garmin or Tomtom.

[Martinga]

thanks for the replies
I'm planning on changing the car in a pair of years, so I don't wanna keep investing on the car.
Thats why i need the portable one
any links for any good ones?

[saku]

Many RFDers bought this one during the boxing week for $200

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/ca...AffixedCode=WW

More discussion abt this device here

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...light=mio+c310

Myself, i got one and love it.

[bokchoy]

I should have bought this during boxing week. I'll keep waiting

[Martinga]

I should have bought this during boxing week. I'll keep waiting

I KNOWWWWWWWW
i regret it
$350 now

[Maxspeed]

if you can wait another 6 months, you probably dont need it anyway....

[Pete_Coach]

I bought a Garmin 330 and my daughter took it when she moved out west. I found t very simple to use and it worked very well.
I have since bought a Tom Tom One. It was on sale at Future Shop for $329 and it works equally as well as the Garmin. I think the software is the same or so similar that it is not noticeable.
Actually Tom Tom has a few features more than the Garmin 330. What I really like about the Tom Tom is its size. It fits in my pocket and I use it when I am in a strange (unfamiliar I mean, many cities are strange) city to find restaurants and gas stations etc.

[SkylineR34X]

If you ABSOLUTELY have to stay within the $350 budget, I will suggest the Garmin Streetpilot C330. Future Shop has refurbished online only for 279.99 plus tax.

BUT! The chipset in it is quite OLD. So the reception is not as good relatively speaking. Don't get me wrong, the unit is perfect as long as you are not under any overpass or in downtown high rises. But you will run into problems on those occasions. C330 DOES NOT PLAY MP3 though.

I would highly recommend the Garmin nuvi 350. The software inside is identical. However, it does have the new SIRF Star III chipset. Do a research on this, and you will see a night and day difference with the SIRF Star III! I can get a fix with proper antenna position in the basement!

If you are looking for a store, I would highly recommend radioworld.ca. It's at Hwy-400 and Steeles Ave. W. I just picked a nuvi 350 today (439.99 refurbished looked brand new) People there were very friendly and they know what they are talking about! They were much more professional than the guys a Future Shop where I got the nuvi 360 to test out! It's compact and it plays MP3.

In North America, it is better to stick with Garmin products in my opinion. Tomtom is good but it's more European oriented. Garmin's map is from Navtaq which is the best. They also offer annual updates at a cost, so you will have the option to upgrade maps and POIs. POIs in the Garmin is also way ahead of others.

So good luck with your purchase!

[Gogi]

Within that budget, I'd grab a C330.

If you can spend about 100-150 more, grab a Garmin nuvi 350 or even a 360.

[jumran]

This one is pretty good for its price. Can play videos and mp3s as well. I got one a few weeks ago and its working pretty good so far.

http://factorydirect.ca/catalog/prod...p?pcode=MY3050

[CanadianMoFo]

I got a Garmin 320 on sale at The Source last year. Main difference to the C330 is that the maps are not pre-loaded. Big deal.

Mounted on the dashboard with the included suction cup mount I have had absolutely no issues with signal reception. Sofware is easy to use. I'd definately buy it again.

Spare mounting brackets are cheap off eBay. I have a spare for my other car so I can just switch back and forth as needed. I routed the original cable through my dashboard for a clean install so I definately needed the second mount for the other car.

CM

[Rosico]

i had the 320 too - until it was stolen. Great unit - I miss that britsh accent!

[realestateguy]

I have a Garmin 530 and really impressed with the unit. I just discovered the British accent and really enjoy that too. Wish it had a scottish accent.