Garmin 2300 vs 1450LMT

It looks like you're looking to choose between a 2GB and 4GB GPS:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/33586

The 2GB will (or will soon) have issues with getting full map updates. Personally, I'd avoid any 2GB Garmin nuvi. Maybe some other 14xx owners can offer their thoughts and if they had any issues with the last (or the very-soon-to-be-released 2012.20 map) update.

And if you plan to keep the new one a while, whatever model you choose, buying one with lifetime maps will be a bit cheaper than adding lifetime maps at a later date.

On the other hand, Lane Assist and Junction View are nice. Try a side by side comparison and see what you decide remembering that your local or Amazon pricing will likely be cheaper than Garmin's list:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134

The other big question is traffic. Do you want traffic warnings or is this not a big issue for you. Having traffic will increase the price you pay.

Why not compare the 2300LM to the 1450LMT then the only difference would be the traffic receiver.

I had a 1350LMT, then upgraded to a 2350LMT, I like the 2350 much more better, more options and the display map is much more better(map graphics). Check out the pricing on the 2350LMT.

Thanks so much everyone! the reason I was comparing those two models is because they were the only models at Costco and it looks like both are offered at great prices. But it sounds like I should compare apples to apples (LMT to LMT). The 2GB vs 4GB does look like an issue after reading about it.

Given that you're replacing a 350, can we assume you plan to keep and use this new GPS for a long time?

If so, I suggest that lifetime maps and a big enough "hard drive" to be able to accept the full upcoming map updates should be essential in your decision making process.

And if you plan to keep this new one for a long time, making the right decision (including traffic/LaneAssist/JCV/etc., depending on what you feel you should have) now may be more important than saving a few bucks by considering only the two models offered by Costco (although I do note that Costco is $10-30 cheaper than Amazon right now for these two models).

My suggestion is to go to the Garmin comparison link I offered above (plus bear007's internal memory size thread) and find the model with the most features that you'll use (or wish you had), then find the vendor with the best price.

This wouldn't be a big concern if I thought you'd be replacing this purchase in a couple of years or sooner with a newer model yet to be offered. But given that you're only shopping now to replace a 350, I expect to hear you say that you plan to use this new model for the next 5+ years, so buy the one with the feature that you want at a price you're happy with and don't go for a great price on a model that doesn't really offer what you want.

I decided to go with the 2350LMT. It will give me the lifetime maps and traffic and has good memory. Hopefully it will give me as many years of good service as my old reliable 350. Thanks again to everyone who responded for steering me in the right direction!

glad we could help.

I have the 1490T and get around the 2GB memory limitation by first downloading the maps to my Mac and not the unit (I remember doing this on Windows, as well) and then using Map Installer (MapSource, I think on Windows) I can install the map to the SD card instead of the unit.