Big trip - need new GPS?

 

Planning a seven week road trip from east Coast Canada to Fairbanks Alaska - then to San Diego - then New Orleans - then Disney World - then home.

I would appreciate any suggestions for a new GPS (I currently use the Nuvi 360 updated maps and it is great!) Bluetooth and spoken street names are only "must haves"!

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Tom

So....

What's wrong with using the Nuvi 360, mine still works fine.

Big Trip

Save the money for gas!

Fred

New GPS

Nuvi 765T. A few more whistles & bells, but generally the same. The 360 may even be a little less buggy.

I agree if it aint broke

I agree if it aint broke dont fix it. With updated maps you arent missing much. I do like the lane assist for highway exits - not sure if the 360 has that.

Buy and Try well before trip

I think that you have gotten good advice above, particularly in regard to "sticking with what you got." If it were me, I would not want to buy a new model just before any road trip, unless I were pretty sure it would work well. You also have a special advantage since you have updated maps.

My perspective is as a Nuvi 855 owner (extremely happy with it), and even though there are many owners of newer Nuvis in past year...I read of many unhappy with various unit operations. Only you will be able to decide if a newer Garmin will be an overall improvement for YOU...or not.

However, eventually everyone is likely to update their GPS unit...and now is as good as time as any.

Major caveat is that IF you decide to buy a new unit (whichever brand), do so with enough time to try it out thoroughly before your trip. Given years of familiarity with the 350, you should be able to try out all of the newer unit features and quirks, enough to be relatively certain whether it is THE ONE worth driving with for 10,000 miles or so.

Certainly I would take the 350 along on the trip, just in case it becomes necessary to replace the newer model.

Here's a unique suggestion: Buy your choice from Target online (despite the higher price than other vendors), and IF you keep it long enough for your Cross Continental excursion...you can always choose to return it to Target if unhappy anytime within 90 days of purchase. You could, for example, return it to any Target retail store anytime during the trip. Perhaps the higher price would be worth it, given the assurance that you could return or exchange it, for up to those 90 days. For your own peace of mind, ask at a Target store just to confirm my statements.

I think that the most significant major feature of the newer Garmins (since the 765) is "Lane Assistance," which you would likely benefit from on freeways through major cities.

NOTE: Currently Target online offers the newest Garmin 1390, 1490, and 1690, as well as top models from Tomtom and Magellan.

NOTE 2: My 855 has operated very reliably for a year, but other recent buyers report problems with freezes and involuntary reboots. Perhaps you would want to consider the 885 (which has Bluetooth), which is still available from various online vendors, and giving it a good tryout well before the trip. Garmin updates might help overcome any 885 glitches.

POI

I agree that updated map and feature of "lane assistance" would be very helpful.
Since you will travel on major highways (I guess), so POI files with rest areas, favorite restaurants, stores, ... are a must.

The 765 has the bluetooth

The 765 has the bluetooth and other features you're looking for, and they seem to be going cheap these days. I think they are near end-of-life if they aren't already. I've the the 755 (same thing but without BT) and it's a very solid unit.

good luck
-Jeff

I SAY GO ALL OUT!!

laugh out loud My next GPS will be a Garmin 1690. With nulink service it appears to be the best one out there. Of course that is my opinion. With weather, local gas prices and Google search, how can you go wrong?

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Dwayne, Nuvi 1690

1490T

Have a new 1490T and very happy with it...I would stay away from the 765T as there are many posts telling of the problems with the unit. I personally had two I had to return because of keyboard and calibration issues....

here is one of the posts....

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/27696

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Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

Choice of GPS

Like nuvifan, I have had the 855 for almost a year. It has been very reliable, especially since the updates.
The lane assist, screen shots and speech recognition are very useful.
So far it has done everything I wanted on 3 or 4 long trips across North America. With OSM maps it even worked well in the UK.

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nuvi 855. Life is not fair. I don't care who told you it is.

Hm

If I were about to do a major trip, I wouldn't want to switch GPS unless the old one was being problematic. It's nice to have familiarity with the GPS when you're in unfamiliar territory for long stretches.

If you have a month or two before the trip to play with it and get used to it, then fine but I'd be very leery of putting my safety in the hands of a piece of equipment that I wasn't used to.

You can always buy a new one

You can always buy a new one one the road if your current one fails in anyway. you will be on the road almost every day. Sounds like a fun trip if you enjoy driving.

I'm jealous. I wish I had

I'm jealous. I wish I had the time and money to do a seven week road trip. Have FUN!

yep, I agree

You have long trip--the savings for gas will go a long way.

guy

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guy-----C320>nuvi 200>Nuvi 255W

make/model

don't look at a specific maker, get info on them all, the problems I'm having with my latest Garmin will probably be my last Garmin. Some of the online sites will let you compare makers/models and features.
One more thing just because it is brand new doesn't mean it won't fail on the road.

Amen to that

tbowie wrote:

I agree if it aint broke dont fix it. With updated maps you arent missing much. I do like the lane assist for highway exits - not sure if the 360 has that.

Many of the "new" models will have become "old" by the time the trip is over.

Nuvi 360 is still a very good model

bak276 wrote:
tbowie wrote:

I agree if it aint broke dont fix it. With updated maps you arent missing much. I do like the lane assist for highway exits - not sure if the 360 has that.

Many of the "new" models will have become "old" by the time the trip is over.

.

JeffS wrote:

The 765 has the bluetooth and other features you're looking for, and they seem to be going cheap these days. I think they are near end-of-life if they aren't already. I've the the 755 (same thing but without BT) and it's a very solid unit.

good luck
-Jeff

Hate to tell you, but the 360 also has Bluetooth and TTS.

The only real 'benefits' would be the wide screen and the Lane Assist. However you lose the listing of upcoming cross streets in the banner box when you are in urban areas and the displayed street detail on the 360 is a lot greater than on the 765 (or any of the newer navs). Given that most of your time wil be spent on highways, being able to zoom out to see a few miles ahead and still catch all the roads is IMO more important than having a widescreen. I also consider that these capabilities are a lot more desireable than lane assist.

Lane assist is nice, where it works - but they are relatively few and far between and besides highways and freeways tend to have these big green rectangular things suspended over the roadway that tell you what lane you should be in for navigation. They're called signs.

Besides, if you choose a more modern device, you will inherit a series of well documented problems, not the least of which is crappy Bluetooth implementation.

I tend to agree with the 'if it ain't broke' side of the equation - what you have works. Even if your maps are out of date you'll get where you are going. You can always spend $30 to update the maps, but personally I wouldn't bother.

Enjoy the trip and if your unit dies aling the way you can always pop into a Sears, Best Buy, Radio Shack or Target and buy a replacement.

If you MUST buy a new unit before you go, the last of the great ones would be the 760/780/880 - you can find them out there if you look - they'll give you Lane Assist, Junction View and wide screen without compromising the other features. But again; Why bother?

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

I would just

use the one you all ready have. It's updated and you know it's characteristics. Use the money for souvenirs.

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Not doing anything worth a darn.

885 would be a nice upgrade

885 would be a nice upgrade, if you feel the need to get something new and they can be had (refurbs?) for just over $200. I really like the voice recognition in these units (I have the 855) which lets you keep your eyes on the road for most functions.

You'd also get a bigger screen, the latest maps (onetime update) and routing abilities. Of course bring the 360 along as backup.

Steve

New GPS !!!

I have a Nuvi 350 with updated maps and have traveled all over the USA with no problems. I do not really see what you will accomplish getting a new GPS unless there is a specific feature you want.
I do not like using the GPS for Blue Tooth and how often are you going to need lane assist??

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JG - Nuvi 2460

My $.02

I've a Nuvi 660.... And probably like you, have customized it to my liking... Actually from information on this site, Customized it Far more than I ever thought it could be customized!!!!
Compared to where it was when I first bought it...
It is Worlds Better!!!

If your unit is working great.... unless there is something you absolutely must have.... I'd run with what you've got!!

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A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I really appreciate the comments and being a resonable person will keep the Nuvi 360 and forget about upgrading...besides why would I need lane assist in Fairbanks?

The trip is planned for May/June 2011 and I'm already doing the research and planning - including a detailed POI file for the trip!!

I like the Bluetooth and the maps are 2010 updated!

With new audible books and FM connectivity through the sound system in the car, I should be good to go.

I'm keeping a detailed log of the planning and execution as I plan on going from the east coast Canada to Fairbanks then on down through the states to San Diego and across to Disney World (meeting the kids for a few days) before returning home. Golf is definitely on the list!

I thank everyone for their input - VERY much appreciated......now if I can get the right CB radio, I'd be all set!

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Tom

Doing the same thing

In the mid stages of planning an Alaskan trip going from FL>VA>NH>NY>KS>SD>AK>WA>CA(N&S>AZ>TX>LA>FL in May/June 2011.

States listed are places where we plan to stop to see friends/relatives and or a tourist attraction. Obviously a lot of sightseeing stops too.

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

neat -

be sure to download the npr and cbc-one radio sites to keep uptodate across the continent.

We have a small Toyota and this will be our second cross country trip (five weeks in 2005) but our first up the Alaska Hwy.....

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Tom

.

birchtree wrote:

With new audible books and FM connectivity through the sound system in the car, I should be good to go.

I'd strongly recommend installing an aux input adapter for your radio. For such a long trip you really don't want to be constantly searching for empty FM channels.

Don't rely on standard radio

I have an XM radio in the car - my son gave it too me a few years back and I find it great for long trips. Can get weather,news, and ANY style of music.
We also do the audio books occasionally.

Our annual trips typically range from 4000 - 11000 miles

Looks like our planned Alaska trip will be about 15,000

I use a NUVI 260+ but keep a SP C340 in the trunk as a backup.

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

Want vs Need

I'd say you have a fine GPS that works well. It seems to me that you don't NEED a new unit but you WANT a new unit. Nothing wrong with that. smile

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

Why

Do you have a reason you have to have BT and want new? I'm a fan of only buying something if you need to. In a year or two this one would be outdated too, but do you HAVE to have the newer model?

If you drive a motorhome the

If you drive a motorhome the bigger screens help tremendously. Most major brands have their 5" screens and the Magellan had a 7" inch screen. I personally use the 1490t in my motorhome and I love it.

must have BT

Driving laws (and my hearing) necessitate hands free. By using the Garmin BT, I do not require anything else and it also allows dialing of various POIs from teh Garmin directly - great feature for hotels and the like!

I do not have to have a newer model but I thought there might be somethiing better -perhaps with the ability to programme entire trips instead of my current system - which works but doesn't have "crumbs" for backtracking!

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Tom

Gadget Guy?

Where would I get one as I only have the stock Toyota radio?

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Tom

.

birchtree wrote:

Where would I get one as I only have the stock Toyota radio?

You could get something like this which plugs into your antenna jack

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/SIRIUS+-+FM+Direct+Audio+Relay/8...

Or if you're willing to spend a little more you could upgrade your stock radio to one with a front aux input for less than $100
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/JVC+-+50W+x+4+MOSFET+In-Dash+CD+...

P.S. - the above links are for reference only. I'm in no way endorsing Best Buy!!

XM radio

My car has the XM radio built in and came with 3 months free. But I had a bad experience with XM and do not intend to subscribe to them or use their service.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Get a new 765T

Traffic and lane assist are very nice features - especially with the considerable amount of urban areas you'll be encountering. It's a solid unit that has received a number of firmware upgrades - including a very nice one this cycle that improved font and detail.

It's a long trip and bells and whistles make it just that little more easy and enjoyable. I'd also strongly suggest the dash mounted weighted pad - world of difference and easy to stow quickly.

Have a great trip. smile

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17

.

You can add traffic to your 360 if you don't have it already - you can even just borrow a friend's activated traffic receiver for the duration of the trip if needs be - but know that traffic only works in the larger metropolitan areas.

The good news is that you won't be looking at the ads on the 360, like you would on the 765.

One nice thing about the 360 is that it supports on screen text messaging, which none of the others do.

If you REALLY are looking to talk yourself into buying a new navigator don't let us talk you out of it, but know that Lane assist and Junction View are not everywhere and in any case it is pretty obvious that when it says 'turn left' that you should be in the left lane.

I didn't miss it before I had it and if it went away I wouldn't get lost. I'd MUCH prefer to have the names of upcoming cross streets appearing in the banner box like they do on the 360, than the way they do it on the 765 . . . I'd also really like to have the greater zoom factor that the 360 allows while still displaying secondary roads on the screen in the 'most' detail mode.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T