S2k Aloha

After my PC died and now not being able to load new maps on my Garmin 60CS with my Mac, I finally decided to bite the bullet and get a car navigation that I can use. (I did love the 60CS though!)
I had been looking between the new TomTom's (510/910) and the Garmin Nuvi. I like Garmin a lot, but the TomTom had some interesting things. Then a guy at one Best Buy told me that 6 of the 9 that they sold had been brought back with some defect, so that pretty much sold me on Garmin.

I've used it for much of the day and here's my thoughts.
PROS:
Good size (small & compact)
Very portable and stowable
Easy of use
Great car mount lets you mount and angle any way you want
Voice reads street names

CONS:
Doesn't show screen with acquired satellites
No Lat/Long
Could have some other features like showing sunrise/sunset
Not sure yet if it's compatible with Topo maps
Screen goes a bit funky if you look at it with polarized sunglasses
Can't show speed (select other displayed info) while showing the mapping/navigation screen

Overall it's seems to be a very good and fun unit that can easily get you from one place to another. Plus if you're looking to swap it between cars or want something that you easily take with you (if top is left down), it's all pretty simple with the Nuvi.
Just thought I'd share that with you all! Cheers! Matt

chuhsi

Thanks for the review.

I'm seriously thinking about buying one, but don't know if I want to drop $800 bucks on a GPS.

S2k Aloha

Yeah it was tough, but I luckily got about $500 out of my 60CS, so I was sort of only looking at the difference. It's a pretty nice, portable unit. Like I said, there are some little things that I miss from the 60CS, but I think I'd really only use those out camping or on a trail or something. For driving and directions it's great!

Does anyone out there no how permanent the adhesive is on the mounting disc. I want to use that but am worried about never being able to take it off in case I ungrade units, sell the car etc. Thanks!

bgoetting

When I went to Best Buy, the Tom Tom Demo unit was broken! There's lots of internet chatter about them breaking or not even working out of the box.

S2k Aloha

After doing a bit more research I found a few things out about the nuvi.
I downloaded the lastest software and it now show's latitude and longitude & I also found the screen that displays aquired satelites, signal strength. Still think it's a great unit if you're looking!

S2k Aloha

Has anyone used the POI Loader to use speed traps/cameras database for the GPS units? I'm just curious how those work if they are useful/reliable. Thanks!

MitchSF

I purchased a Nuvi several months ago. It's extremely easy to enter addresses. One has to wonder why OEMs can't make it this simple.

Mitch