garmin streetpilot iii gps

I'm buying a new GPS I've done a little research but I still have a few questions. I bought the Garmin StreetPilot III about 5 years ago ( http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/garm in/images/streetpilotiii.jpg ) and its served it purpose well but it just doesn't quite do the job anymore as well as its quite bulky and buggy.

From what I've read the TomTom unit is just too base for me, no text to speech functionality, a poor route algorithm, an overall lack of general map data, and poor functionality.

Magellans rival Garmin but as I understand it, it is a necessity to update your Magellan map data as soon as you get it because it will be out of date. This, and the fact that I already have all the Garmin software and maps has made me decide on one of the Nuvi generations.

So, now that I've forced you to read all my background info, here is my question. Which Nuvi should I get? I was thinking the base 205 would suite my needs well. I doubt I will ever pay the $50/year for the MSN Direct, BUT what all functionality does it offer?

Also I'm confused about the FM traffic option. How well does the GPS unit utilize this information? How does the Garmin unit know you've paid for this service? Do you even have to pay for this service? This ( http://www.tigergps.com/garmingtm25.html ?productid=garmingtm25&channelid=FRO OG ) product description seems to imply that in major cities the service is free. Also I notice there are a multitude of antennae offered for this: GTM 10, GTM 12, GTM 20, GTM 21, and GTM 25. Are the models meant only for different device connectors? Also some seem to allow you to charge through the device while others look like they would force you to rely on battery power.

Sorry this is so long, but I have a lot of questions :D . Thanks in advance!

Okay, good idea sticking with Garmin. Magellen is basically just cheap garmin anyways haha.

In terms of Nuvi, I'd say go with the 255,260, or 265. They are about the same as the 205, but they have maps of US AND Canada instead of just the US, and they'll speak street names to you. The 205 will just give you "in 200 feet turn left/right". The 255+ will say "in 200 feet turn left on main street". Pretty handy.

The live traffic/weather updates work via a little receiver in the unit. Apparently there is a unit coming out (or may already be out) called the Garmin Nuvi 265tw or something along those lines that gives you a free lifetime subsc. to the traffic and weather services. It will basically tell you what the weather is like and if there are areas of highly congested traffic. Its neat, but only works in large metro areas, so if you live in a small suburb, it might be useless. For example back home we do NOT get the service, the nearest place I can get info is 45 minutes away. Useless for me.


They all have internal batteries, so you can walk around with them. They will also all come with DC adapters for you car, so most of the time you'll probably just be charging as you use it in there. Don't worry about antennaes, they're all good enough.

MSN direct gives you access to traffic/weather and local information such as gas prices and movie times and stuff. Its cool but doesn't really give you much GPS info.

Hope that cleared some things up for you.

2009-05-10 11:39:15 by LG

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