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Check the map version before you buy. Garmin updates their mapping software about every two years. I bought a unit that had the 2005 version and I am constantly disappointed with how out-of-date the database is.
Banks, ATM's, Gas stations, restaurants, and even AAA offices move and change hands quite a bit more than you realize. It sucks to drive 10 miles off the expressway to get somewhere and find that it's no longer there.
Garmin charges over $80 for new map versions. Check how long it has been since the last major revision and it may be well worth it to wait for the next one.
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maybe kinkos just isn't listed in Garmin's database. i'm amazed at what is including local laundrymats- essential if your hotel doesn't have a guest laundry.
i've had a garmin 2620 for two years nows. businesses come and go but fortunately the poi info includes a phone number so one can call first to verify a businesses existence. a fact i should have utilized last night before driving to a deserted golden corral in dubuque last night!
i travel a lot. i need as many waypoints in the database as possible. i don't need my gps to play mp3s or audiobooks which many of the current gizmos do.
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I've heard a lot of good things about the Garmin Nuvo 350 and I can get one for about 90,000 American Express points which I just have lying around. I think I may get one of those.
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I just looked and found I can get $50 Gift Cards at Sharper Image for 5,000 points each and they sell the Garmin Nuvi 660 for $900 which is 18 cards which would be the same 90,000 point cost as the cheaper unit.
I wonder if The Sharper Image would give me a problem with using so many Gift Cards.
It's probably more unit than I need but if it costs me the same in points...
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I've got the TomTom910 and several co-workers are using the TomTom One. Input is via your fingertip on the touch screen. It's an incredibly easy device to use; very Mac-like. I believe TomTom has recently updated their maps. The TT One, 510 & 710 use SD cards; my 910 has a 20GB hard drive (and 4" screen vs the 3.5" on other TT units). I thing the TT comercials are somewhat mis-leading. Although the TT does have a synthesized voice that talks to you, it does not have voice recognition and therefore cannot understand you ("SueSue, do we turn left here?). I've heard users have had problems using GPS units that have buttons around the bezel. Apparently, it's very easy to touch one of these buttons unintentionally. Then you've got to reset / back up the unit to where you want it to be. I'm very happy with my TomTom and would recommend it.
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I have the TomTom 910 also and I love it. A little pricey, but very nice.
It as an iPod interface as well.
JJ
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Follow up...
The Garmin i5 took a while to acquire sat sigs but once it did it works like a charm. I've got it unobtrusively mounted under the dashboard instrument console in a Corolla. As far as the small screen I find I rarely look but merely listen to the nice English lady say "tunn raight".
