Hi everyone,

I have read prior topics on GPS devices. But I was curious... I'd like to stay under $500 for the device including european maps. I see the Garmin Nuvi 270 is a more affordable model just under $500 including the maps, however, it does not "speak" the directions.

The TomTom GO 910 is $430 at Amazon and does speak the directions, however, I've read reviews that the Garmin is a better unit altogether.

For GPS users, do you find it more convenient to hear the unit "speak directions"?

Should I get the TomTom since its in my budget and speaks?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Natalie

My preferred GPS answer is to use a Pocket PC with Microsoft Pocket Streets. That way, I don't have to carry a dedicated GPS unit in addition to my handheld computer.

The European maps are free to download from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile

Natalie - Do a search under GPS on this site. There have been a great number of recent discussions about it. And don't listen to Robes - you DO want to get a GPS, not use a computer.

I would recommend any of the other Nuvi's, but not the 270.

Zeus, why not the 270? I know I may sound like I'm being cheap, but the 370 is a bit expensive for me.

Now, Zeus, rather than going around issuing imperious orders, why don't you kindly tell everyone the difference between this Pocket PC:

http://www.pocketfreak.dk/navigation/ibrug.jpg

...and whatever it is that you recommend - and why you think toting an extra piece of gear is preferable.

Oh, and by the way - my PPC is also a quad-band GSM phone, music and movie player, and Internet terminal.

Zeus, a Pocket PC is like a PDA or a Palm or a Blackberry. Maybe fractionally bigger. But certainly not much bigger than a portable GPS unit, but with lots more functionality. I have an HP iPAQ with Internet connectivity and Bluetooth as well as GPS. I decided against the model with a quad band phone.

I paid $200 for a MIO c310x a few months ago and love it. It is a US version but they have a version loaded with 24 european maps. It has gotten great reviews.

Go for one that speaks to you! You don't want to have to keep looking at the screen to find out where to go - may as well have a paper map with you.

I use a Magellan model which does "speak" and I think you'll prefer that particular technology which can help keep your eyes off the screen.

My GPS speaks when I'm using it in the car. Walking, no.

Mimar - did you click on the picture link I posted above? It shows the form factor pretty well, I think. (It also reminds me I wish Siemens hadn't exited the PPC business. They had some killer models.)

How much does a pocket pc equipped with GPS and a European map set cost? Robespierre has convinced me that this might be a good option.

On the other hand, I have a Garmin Nuvi 370, which is a beautifully compact unit that comes with US and European maps. It speaks to me and I think this is an essential feature when it is being used in an auto.

I just purchased the Garmin 370. I find it works great for me. It's incredibly small and light. I decided that the difference in price was worth it to have the maps pre-loaded and for the size difference. My co-worker has an older model and there is a significant size difference.

I think that speaking is vital. I do glance at the screen, but speaking will help you keep your eyes on the road where they belong LOL!

sshephard - look on eBay for <b>ipaq gps</b> and see what turns up. Today, I see a new-in-box 6515 for $285 delivered.

Software free from http://www.ppc4you.com/show.cgi?softid=29

Maps are free from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...mapsearch.aspx

I love my Garmin Nuvi 370. It talks to you, it comes preloaded with European maps, it's easy to use, and it makes navigation much easier.

A stand alone unit was a much better choice for me for several reasons. First of all, I'm not the only person who uses our gps -- my husband actually thinks he gets to use it as well, even when I'm not with him. If it were on my pda or phone or laptop, there's no way that could happen.

Second, my pda -- a Palm Treo -- belongs to my employer, and it's the fourth device I've had in 5 years. It makes no sense for me to spend money to equip it with a gps.

Third, my laptop also belongs to my employer, and I may or may not take it when I travel. But I'm not going to invest in a gps for it either, nor am I going to schlepp it around with me in a car every time I want directions to someplace relatively local.

If I were the only person who was ever going to need to use the GPS, I'd probably think long and hard about the pocket pc route. But for a typical family, where more than one person might actually want to use the device, a stand alone unit makes more sense to me.

EL

It makes sense to you? Why buy a GPS when a PPC with equivalent functionality costs less? I don't follow the reasoning.

The fact that others in the family/firm either possess or supply other devices doesn't alter the economics.

RE schlepping: If I'm driving to somewhere in town I've never been before, I'll plot a route on the laptop before I leave, power it down, and put it in the car. If I don't hit the destination, I'll fire up the PC to find out how to get back on track.

TTT