Buying first unit

The actual accuracy of the units is really the same. Most are shipping with the 2009 maps and even if you find one that has been sitting on the shelf long enough to still have 2008 maps, the upgrade is free.

What differs most between units are the features. Some will have MP3 players, bluetooth for your cell phone, traffic advisory and avoidance, etc.

Some models, such as the 750, have trip routing. Meaning you can preprogram a "trip" that includes many addresses or stops. Most units will only route you to a single address and then you have to select the next stop if you are continuing somewhere else. It's convenience factors, not so much accuracy.

As far as the actual accuracy of finding an address, whether it's in an urban area or rural area, it will be basically the same between the different models as long as they are using the same map.

I don't need so much the bell's and whistles but it seams that as soon as you purchase something it is obsolete. Like a computer for example. I just don't want to get stuck buy purchasing old technology right out of the gate. Thanks for your sugestion.

I have seen the 5000 and it is designed for Truck drivers..the screen looks like a small laptop. In a car that may be too big. I think the 750..or 760 would be better. they have been discounting the 750 on amazon once in a while. As far as accuracy they are all about the same as they all have the same maps. I lent my friend my 660 last week to take on a trip and had to use my i3 to find a graduation party...it worked great. You are on the right track as the Garmin 7xx series are very nice...

You will probably be happier with the 750. The 5000 is very large, both use the same maps.

The technology is not progressing as quickly as the features. The nüvi 760 includes all of the features that Garmin has to offer today and is very accuate. If you wait until the end of the month, the 8xx series will be released, adding new features to the unit, but operating on current technology.

Some of the features that interest me in the 8xx series are the voice commands and user replaceable batteries. There are other things that are "nice to have features", but not essential. I do use the route feature a great deal in planning work related trips.

Sometimes people feel they don't need some of the features and then discover that they might have been great to have, but then you have to buy a different unit to get them. That is way more expensive than paying the difference between units initially to get the features. Bluetooth connection to cell phones is one that comes to mind. It is the type of thing you have gotten along without for a long time, but becomes very valuable once you use it a few times. I know that it's not for everyone, but the more states and cities that pass laws against the use of handheld phones, the more useful that feature becomes. I don't know the cell phone laws in all of the states and cities that I drive. I personally prefer the GPS Bluetooth to having something in my ear. It works great and there is one less thing to go dead,keep charged or misplace.

For the same reason you stated, I tend to buy as much technology and features as is available at the time. I tend to keep things longer that way.

Bill

It has several conversations on Nuvi prices and features.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/2159

I bought a Nuvi 680 when they first came out. I am very happy with this unit. I would like to have some of the features of the 7xx but for me, my unit does what I need it to and the technology for that unit is as good as the newer units. I don't think you would go wrong with the 700 series. I wouldn't worry about it losing technology like PC's do. Just my 2 cents worth.

I bought my first gps unit last weekend ( ist of June) I caught the Nuvi 750 on sale at Sam's Club for $399. It had lots of the features I wanted to use on my motorcycle.. Now I know.. the Zumo would have been a better purchase but with the addition of a ram Aqua box, essentially I have a Zumo at much less investment cost. Suppossedly they are about the same unit without the waterproof case and I liked the idea of a touch screen. I thought this would be a good entry level unit for me to decide how much I would use one without breaking the bank.

The cell phone feature just wasn't as much of a concern fo rme because my cell phone isn't blue tooth compatable. I think you just have to evaluate what is useful to you and go from there.

Steve

using bluetooth on the Garmin while riding a M/C??