Need help to purchase a Garmin

I would start here by finding the features you want to narrow down the choices

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

Go to this link, check the "features" that are important to you, then hone in by selecting a few nuvi models that offer these features and do a "compare."

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

I'll suggest that all nuvi models are "decent," all can add Custom POIs, and additional vehicles.

I'm not sure what you want from "color schemes." Regarding additional "voices," know that additional voices can be added BUT all will be non TTS (Text to Speech). If you're OK with with a nuvi voice saying "In point 1 miles, turn left," then there are voices you can add. If you want your nuvi to say "In point 1 miles, turn left onto Elm Street," then the answer is no, there are no additional TTS voices available for purchase--and no free Garmin TTS voices.

Please note that Garmin features like Lane Assist, Junction View, Traffic, and may other features are considered by most of us here to be way more important that adding vehicles and voices and things.

I'll suggest you look towards the newer models rather than the very old discontinued ones--and that you buy one with sufficient memory:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

The 2012 basic nuvi 30/40/50 series is limited in internal memory and I'd personally avoid considering any of them.

Know that here at The Factory, a large majority of device-specific advice is available for Garmin GPS units. With a Garmin, you will probably receive faster and more accurate info than asking for Magellan, Tom Tom or other brands.

Good luck in your search.

Thank you,
I was moving twards the nuvi 50M ,but; I think I might go with the nüvi® 2555LMT.

Thanks Again
Anthony

I use the NUVI40, principally because I was in a hurry to purchase one. However, it does everything I need, which is not much. I don't do geocaching, there is no traffic where I go to amount to anything. I use the radio for weather reports.

It has split screens for major lanes, etc.

Personally, if I could, I would get a fancier one. Not because I need one, but because I want one.

I wished I got the LM version, though. I'm an idiot.

Good one. Yes, when buying a new Garmin, go LM (or LMT if desired) rather than adding LM or LT later on at a higher price.

Look for a good sale with Lifetime Maps. I later purchased LM for my 1490t. No regrets there.

What is the 'T'?

LMT = Life time Map and Traffic

For $30 more, you might want to consider the 2595LMT. I have one and love the Smartphone Link app (needs an Android phone) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62nxc0vD1mI

The voice commands and Bluetooth are handy too. Either model (2555/2595) has great features!

I got a 3590LMT. Did not need it but I wanted one, now I am happy.

Can you elaborate a little on the limited internal memory?

I now have a dinosaur Nuvi 205, with a few custom POI files (red light/speed cameras, bbq joints, hot dog joints, gun ranges) but don't use the GPS for much more than directions. No bluetooth, no traffic, no MP3s, etc.

We're really only looking at the 50LM as it speaks the street names and not just "turn left"

Do you think the "limited internal memory" is a problem for a pretty much basic use GPS unit? Many of the custom POI files I loaded are rarely, if ever used and could easily be deleted.

Thank you!

Internal memory doesn't matter, it accepts micro SD cards. Put one of these in (8GB or so) and you've got more than enough storage space to last the life of the unit.

According to Garmin:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=401&pID=100840
Accepts data cards: microSD™ card

I saw a 16GB card for less than $8 including shipping on Amazon, I'm sure if you look around a bit you can find a better deal.

I would strongly consider looking into a unit that does routes rather than just point-to-point. I have two that do only p2p but my preference is the 885 which does routes. I find the feature extremely useful as we can plan a trip with several different stops and i only have to load it into the GPS once.

The 50LM allows you to set an end point with a via point but if you want several stops you are always reprogramming the unit to select the next point. Routes quickly became a "must have" feature for me.