Looking for best GPS for under $200

christoph · 07-26-2009, 06:14 AM

Ok Let me hear everyones input on GPS's. I want to get one
but so many to choose from. I like the Garmin 5000, but it has no battery.
Give me some feedback folks.

ParTheCourse · 07-26-2009, 06:37 AM

We are very happy with our TOM TOM ONE. Would be nice to have a bigger screen but all in all she does a great job. Less than $100 on sale last black Friday an another $35 +- for annual map updates via computer.

lllkrob · 07-26-2009, 02:28 PM

If you can wait a while till the price comes down, the Garmin Nuvi 465T is specifically designed for truck/RV use.

Ray,IN · 07-26-2009, 05:00 PM

I think you will obtain more information, faster, by typing in "gps reviews" in a internet search engine. Example: http://www.dogpile.com/dogpile_prefe...7?_IceUrl=true
That said, I like my Garmin Nuvi 270 unit. It was actually free from mygpsoffer.com for applying for, and using, a credit card to charge $50 within 30 days. That card is now residing in my safe- unused since.

Barbara S. · 07-26-2009, 05:05 PM

I can't beat "FREE", but Target had the Garmin 200W on sale for $129.00 last week. I bought a 200W two years ago on Ebay but was never able to register it or get updates since I did not buy it at a Garmin retailer. The screen on mine got damaged when the dog knocked it off on the floor so for $129 I now have a GPS unit I can see again. I like this unit!

Dmiles · 07-26-2009, 05:59 PM

I have a Tom Tom Go 700 that I've had nothing but problems with since I've had it. Granted it was an early model, I bought it in 2005 and paid what now would be an ungodly price for a GPS. Tom Tom tech support people take worthless to a new level.

It has a battery alright, but that battery has long since died to the point where it wil not hold a charge, and the geniuses at Tom Tom designed it so the battery is not user replaceable. It wouldn't be that big a deal, but now it will only stay on for a couple of seconds after it boots up, and yes I have checked the power supply.

Strangely enough, it will stay on with the 120 volt adapter, so I can plug it in to my inverter in the MH and use it. Oh I will, some day crack that thing open and find that battery, but by then it will have been replaced with something that is not a Tom Tom.

Sorry for the rant, but maybe you will find this helpful. I know I feel better now.

christoph · 07-26-2009, 06:37 PM

Thanks for the info. Spent some time researching and paid a little more than I wanted but we
bought a Garmin Nuvi 780 $219 at Tiger Direct.

W4RLR · 07-27-2009, 12:17 AM

DW and I run a mobile business. I have a Toshiba laptop mounted on a RAM mount so I can access the computer much like the law enforcement folks. Hands down, the computer running Microsoft Streets and Trips does the job better than any standalone GPS. I can get updated construction information via the program's automatic update feature, which uses an internet connection. I have ATT air card service, so that's no problem. For $70, which includes the cost of the GPS receiver (mounted in a USB stick) I get everything those $300 plus units get and more. I asked a friend of mine who works for Florida DOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement about the legality of the set up. So long as the unit is mounted securely and running the GPS program on top, it's okay to use while in motion.

Now if I try to send text messages, surf the web, or post to IRV2 while driving, the LEOs take a very dim view of such activity. Which is why I only use the programs that I need to run the mobile business when the van is in "Park".

joneldbrat · 07-27-2009, 05:21 PM

Magellan 1440 retails for $199.00 can catch on sale for $169.99 at Wal Mart. Has battery backup and i think it is the 4.3 screen. User friendly

christoph · 11-11-2009, 09:21 AM

Well after several months of using the Garmin Nuvi 780, here is some feedback.
It works very well, lots of nice features the MSN Direct was just about worthless
unless you are in a larger city. (not in an urban area too much in the RV)
Some of the routes it took us on while exploring were, well lets say very
interesting. My wife was not real happy about some of the areas. "I think we
passed Bigfoots home!"