Cheapest Garmin (for custom POIs)

I just bought a Nuvi 200W (a cheap Nuvi). I have successfully loaded several hundred POIs including proximity warnings and bmp graphics. Haven't hit a limit yet, but then again I'm just getting started.

I did have minor problems upgrading from 2008 to 2009 map. Tech support had me delete the extra language files from it then the upgrade went fine.

Hope this helps!

The 200 non-wide units are cheaper than the wide version. And I have 12,000+ custom POI's loaded on mine

Are you able to put poi's on it and be able to search for your custom pois on it. Say I created a new school and loaded it on the GPS. If I search under community>schools> will i be able to see the new school i entered.

Will i be able to remove the pois that are pre-loaded on the gps?

You can search these POIs. Usually, I have to go into Extras->Custom POI first then use Spell.

Haven't had much call to search yet.

When you use the POI Loader, it seems as it loads any .csv in a directory. I'm guessing that if you don't have the file any longer, or you have removed a POI line from a .csv it is effectively removed.

Hope this helps.

BTW, I got my 200W for $10 more than a 200 normally $50 more. I love sales.

Stores like Gander Mtn. still have a few of Garmins discontinued models, like the C530. Nice GPSr, and it'll do everything you mentioned.

Nuvi 200 is unbeatable as the cheapest Garmin..In fact it is only 100 dollars more than the Maps it has...You can get the Nuvi for about 159..

Office Depot on their memorial day flyer is advertising the Nuvi 260 for $199 (less $49.99 rebate). So total is $149.99. Now thats a great price for a Nuvi with TTS.

Link: http://tiny.cc/4vFE9

Nuvi 200 I Believe!

POI's are loaded into the Custom POI memory space, and are not searched from the menu in the same way. You have to go to the Custom POI menu and search from there. You can't search both the built-in POI's and your Custom POI's at the same time. And no, you cannot edit or delete the built-in POI's.

I ran into the same minor issue when upgrading to the 2009 maps. (delete the language files and voice files you do not need) Tech support was a great help.

My Nuvi 200 will maintain a lock on the satellites even if I have the unit in the house or the basement of my house.

ka4vmp
Fishersville, Virginia

c550 garmin streetpilot was going for 198.99 and i got a 3 year warranty added to it for a total of 240 plus shipping. great gps, has hands free bluetooth and an mp3 player as well.

Radio Shack has a Garmin C330 that is $99.99 after rebate.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=302496...

Cabelas has a Garmin Nuvi 200 that is $139.99, BUT it is ONLY for in store sale, no telephone or internet orders. The good thing is some other stores will price match.

I love the C530. It has done everything I've needed it too and as most others, it can hold a ton of POIs.

Just finished up a vacation in the Smoky Mountains and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The C530 never failed and made the trip much easier than before. Finding specific lookout points on the BRP was a breeze.

Haven't looked up anything about upgrading a C530 to the 2009 Maps, but I imagine it will be as easy as the 2008 upgrade.

Many places sell the discontinued C530 and the prices are reduced significantly.

Good luck!

I have a c330 which performs per the subject that I purchased refurbished from Buy.com for $99
1) The c330 does not allow Custom POI's on SD card so you are limited to the internal memory. I tried to add McDonald's USA (881 KB) to my existing 12,000 Custom POI's and exceeded the memory limit of the c330.

2) I can search but you have to be in the Custom POI menu. Don't think any units will include both Built in POI's and Custom POI's in a search but not sure.

3) c330 does not have MP3 player so it will alert you with Dings and Dongs but will not play the Custom MP3 file

If you want to eliminate these restrictions purchase the c550 which I just did for my daughter for $180 refurbished. I have no qualms about the refurbs - just as good as new. Probably because they have the an outdated map. My c330 shipped with 2007 map and did not qualfy for free update. The c550 is supposed to qualify for free 2009 map if not received with 2009 map. Have received c550 but haven't seen yet.

Don't think there is anything you can do about the built in POI's. They are part of the map and even the 2009 map doesn't have locations that have existed for 3 years and contains others that haven't existed for 3 years.