Most value for the money

 

Hi all,

I'm new to the GPS arena but looks like this is right place to ask my question. I'm interested to buy a Garmin GPS but would like to hear suggestion and recommendation from the experts here. I just want to have some basic features such as:
* turn-by-turn voice navigation
* heads up and other views
* 3.5" touch screen
* POI should include grocery stores etc.
* ability to load additional maps/POI and get updates (free if all possible)
* support the use of memory cards (eg: SD ...)
* Can provide multiple stops for the route
* Can do some type of trip tacking
* Battery can operate 3 to 4 hours (w/o recharger)
* The device should be flat (vs tube shape) where I can remove and put it in my jacket easily.
* Simple to use.
* Reliable (H/W and S/W)

And perhaps under $250 (after discounts/rebates etc...)

Which Garmin model would you suggest or recommend?

re: Most value for the money

You are looking for a lot. I think the multiple stops and the $250 pricetag will be the eliminators. Otherwise, the Nuvi line from Garmin should meet your criteria.
The multiple stops may be handled by just restarting your find when you reach the closest stop.
As far as the Nuvis, I don't have one but others on this site can probably suggest the appropriate unit.

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Garmin StreetPilot c530, Mapsource

I would say go to the Garmin

I would say go to the Garmin website link below and select the Nuvi models and do a comparison and then once you selected a unit go to several online vendors to get the best price (ie. pricegrabber.com)
http://www.garmin.com/automotive/compare.jsp

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

my comments

If you want a Garmin,

The "the device should be flat" says- Nuvi - You'll have to work on the price perhaps.

If other than the Garmin, maybe consider the Mio c310x

You can search this site and read up.
One of our members (Robinh) is very fond of the Mio and has created a site (see below) that offers a lot of info. The Mio is frequently on sale for 199.

http://www.hugginsnet.com/ilovemymio

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........Garmin StreetPilot c550 / Nüvi 765...........

I would get the MIO C310X

Fry's has the MIO C310X for $199.99 no rebate thru Tuesday. Fry's also has the Garmin C320 for $199.99 no rebate thru Tuesday, but its not flat like the MIO.

I have the MIO and have had no problems with it. I play movies on it, slide shows of pictures, and take it to church as I have my Bible on it. It is very programmable to make it do what you want.

Staples..

Staples just had it last Thursday for $149 but they were sold out by the time I got there (10 a.m.!). These sales come up all the time on the Mio.

If you go to my site you can see all you would probably need to know about it (lol)

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. . If I only had a brain....................................... http://www.hugginsnet.com/ilovemymio ..................................................... GPS Units in Use: Mio C310x (primary) and Garmin eTrex Legend for GeoCaching.

Nuvi

I agree with the above statements. I have a Nuvi 350 and it will do everything you listed. Yoiu can't truly add more than one destination but you can add "via points" to a route which is essentially the same thing. You will need to considder paying a higher cost, though.

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Garmin iQue 3600, nuvi 350

I have the nuvi 660 and like

I have the nuvi 660 and like it alot, paid under $700 at compuplus, has everything you want except the multiple route stops. However I think the Garmin zumo has all the features you want, including routing, but you'll expect to spend consderable more than $250 for all these features.

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Nuvi 660 & Etrex Vista