Last minute Christmas gift idea

[GeoBobC]

I'm looking for a last minute gift for my wife and am considering an in-car nav system. I'm a long time user of outdoor Garmin products, so that would be my first brand choice. I admit I have done no research on the automotive products.

 

Can I get something like a Nuvi for $250 or less that I (and she) would be satisfied with? We don't need bells and whistles like MP3 players or bluetooth connectivity: just basic street navigation. Also, we need the ability to update maps periodically (like in the outdoor products). I also have waypoints I would like to add to the car nav system, probably uploaded from a product like Mapsource.

 

I currently use a 60Cx with City Navigator 2009, so that's my level of understanding.

 

Thanks for your help!

[+Haffy]

I'm sure if you check out Ebay or Amazon you can get one for less than that amount. I purchased a Nuvi 250W on Ebay last year for less than $180.00. I love mine.

[+UltraRunCacher]

I'm looking for a last minute gift for my wife and am considering an in-car nav system. I'm a long time user of outdoor Garmin products, so that would be my first brand choice. I admit I have done no research on the automotive products.

 

Can I get something like a Nuvi for $250 or less that I (and she) would be satisfied with? We don't need bells and whistles like MP3 players or bluetooth connectivity: just basic street navigation. Also, we need the ability to update maps periodically (like in the outdoor products). I also have waypoints I would like to add to the car nav system, probably uploaded from a product like Mapsource.

 

I currently use a 60Cx with City Navigator 2009, so that's my level of understanding.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

West Marine had nuvi 200w's (with 205 internals, I think) for $119. Amazon had the same one for $200. At that price I couldn't pass it up. Link.

 

I love that fact that I can now drive around and see when caches are nearby - that to me is just totally kewl. Premium Membership (pocket queries) + GSAK + my Nuvi =

Edited December 24, 2008 by Desert Pirates

[+RonFisk]

I'm looking for a last minute gift for my wife and am considering an in-car nav system. I'm a long time user of outdoor Garmin products, so that would be my first brand choice. I admit I have done no research on the automotive products.

 

Can I get something like a Nuvi for $250 or less that I (and she) would be satisfied with? We don't need bells and whistles like MP3 players or bluetooth connectivity: just basic street navigation. Also, we need the ability to update maps periodically (like in the outdoor products). I also have waypoints I would like to add to the car nav system, probably uploaded from a product like Mapsource.

 

I currently use a 60Cx with City Navigator 2009, so that's my level of understanding.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

West Marine had nuvi 200w's (with 205 internals, I think) for $119. Amazon had the same one for $200. At that price I couldn't pass it up. Link.

 

I love that fact that I can now drive around and see when caches are nearby - that to me is just totally kewl. Premium Membership (pocket queries) + GSAK + my Nuvi =

Have you considered a diamond ring or a Nordstrom gift certificate? That's what I got mine. Really made her happy (me too!)

[+vwaldoguy]

Cabelas has some good prices too. 205w for $150. While I don't have a Nuvi myself, I would think that if I did, I'd definitely go with a widescreen version. But, if spoken road names are important, I think you'll have to spend a little bit closer to your original target.

[GeoBobC]

Please clarify your comment regarding spoken road names not being a feature of the 205w. Are you referring to the driver speaking an address?

[+vwaldoguy]

The 205w says something to the effect of "Turn right in 500 feet". It won't say, "Turn right on SYCAMORE street in 500 feet." This doesn't refer to you speaking a street name into the Nuvi, but the Nuvi speaking a street name to you.

[+Boots...]

I bought my mother a Nuvi 205 for 119 from GPSonSale (I think thats where I got it??). I just checked thier site and they have them for $129 now.

 

http://www.gpsonsale.com/garmin/products/Nuvi-205.html

[GeoBobC]

Great info. Thank you. It sounds like a basic Nuvi such as the 205 should work fine. Is there any feature that I'll really regret not having with the basic models?

[+Redwoods Mtn Biker]

IMHO, the best upgrades are text-to-speech and wide screen (4.3"). You should be able to get both for your target price range.