My existing GPS is dying after 4 years and I am planing to buy a new one. My requirements are basic - find directions. Perhaps built in bluetooth would be plus point, not sure if I should buy a bluetooth headset separately. Not interested in photo slideshows, mp3 capability, etc, I know I will never use a GPS for that. It should do the GPS function at its best.

Can anyone share some good deals for GPS - what brand I should by, what I should look for in a GPS, etc?

Any pointers / tips appreciated

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What is the budget ? GPS range from 70 to 300.
Which one did you use for last 4 years ?
What is the opinion on the company you used for last 4 years ?

I am willing to spend 100-200$. e.g., I don't mind spending 189 on the Garmin GPS which is down from 299, but not sure what the catch is (Garmin Vs Magellan Vs Tom Tom):

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/garmin-garmin-nuvi-4-3-gps-3760t-3760t/10146957.aspx?path=e442e83172cf2c1d263048ee4192cfb3en02


My existing one is a no name GPS "Nextar" whose battery died in the first 6 months so had to run it on power since then. Even now the GPS works okay but the windshield mount is broken so can't really make use of it. The GPS functionality is excellent, does the job, never used the other features like mp3 player, photo slideshow etc.

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No trees were killed by this post, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
__________________________________
George Malley: Hey, would you, uh, love me the rest of my life?
Lace Pennamin: No. I'm gonna love you for the rest of mine.
__________________________________
None of us knows God until someone introduces us - Life of Pi

I am also looking for same thing.......This post will help me too. I am sure what ever brand I will buy that will have free map updates for life and also shows busy routes.

please share frequent GPS users................

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I bought Garmin 2455 for 170 couple of months ago, which also has lifetime map updates and lifetime traffic updates. When I was shopping for a GPS I was looking for traffic update as a must have feature. If you live in metro city it will help you.

Garmin usually has lots of features compared to TomTom. I had Garmin 765T that lasted me around more than 1.5 years before it died (won't turn on at all). Went through couple of car charging adapters and windshield mount before it totally failed.

Purchased a TomTom VIA 1530 afterwards with lifetime maps and traffic and works well for navigation though has a few drawbacks.
1. Its Bluetooth is not compatible with my phone. Only limited number of makes and models of phones are supported by TomTom.
2. Windshield mount is integrated with the unit, which may or may not be a bad thing, only time will tell.
3. Traffic is available only in GTA area. I think it will be same for all makes since there are only few service providers who sell traffic data to GPS makers.
4. Memory is not expandable.

Still overall TomTom VIA 1530 looks to be more sturdily built that Garmin 765T I had previously if I compare windshield mount and charger cable adapter design.

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Thanks everyone!

Ended up buying the Garmin 1390 LMT for 139$ from costco

http://tinyurl.com/cpc3azy

Surprised that a wall charger is not included, nor data cables...will see how it goes.

Rajcanada: A tip for future. If you buy stuff on credit card, the second year (or 1 additional year) is covered by most major credit cards..did you get your claim in the second year?

-----------------------------------------------------------------
No trees were killed by this post, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
__________________________________
George Malley: Hey, would you, uh, love me the rest of my life?
Lace Pennamin: No. I'm gonna love you for the rest of mine.
__________________________________
None of us knows God until someone introduces us - Life of Pi