need info on GPS....

[Alp]

my Dad is looking for a GPS anyone have any experiences with them and suggestions? thanks

[Chris W]

What is he going to be using it for?

[Alp]

just driving in the Fraser Valley basically.  He is looking at one from Costco.  Garmin 855 Nivu I think for $399 (or in the US for $299).

[Chris W]

I have a basic Nivu ( I think it was around $200) that I got because I am very bad with directions. Its super easy to use and figure out, it has the 4.3" screen and all the features I need and lots off stuff I do not use.

[Geoff]

Got my Magellan 1212 from Costco a few months ago in the states only $89

[Alp]

are there any differences when buying from the States? Is it like sat. radio where you have to bill things with an American address to get the service and downloads? What do you look for in these things?  He doesn't need anything fancy just easy to follow and work.

[Bubba]

You can get some awesome deals in the States by watching the sales.  One caveat...many of the GPS touch screens made by Sharp develop faults when left on dashboards in the sun.  Symptoms include freezing or locking up.  This affects many of the 3.75" to 4.25" automotive GPS displays, regardless of manufacturer.  And buying in the states complicates the whole warranty issue, usually leading to extra costs for shipping, etc.

You can buy a nice cheap turn by turn voice GPS in Canada for under $200.  Some nice Nuvi's go on sale at Fry's for $99US occasionally.  Keep it out of the sun and you should have no probs.

My GPS is an Asus Netbook with XP Home and a 10" screen running MS Streets and Trips 2009.  The USB antenna is a USB Dongle and the whole thing came in under 600 with tax.  Also good for when I travel, I use the computer with my Magicjack to make free phone calls to home from anywhere in the world.