I want to purchase a portable GPS navigation unit for my parents. Here are some of my requirements:

1) Price needs to be under $300 (but I could probably swing $350 if the product is really good). I'm willing to consider refurbished units.

2) Navigation has to be very accurate. I've heard about the Navteq (Garmin) vs Teleatlas (TomTom) map arguments. But recently, Teleatlas released their complete North America map upgrade which is supposed to make it pretty good. I'm still not sure if they're as good as Navteq though. If someone knows, please let me know if the new TomTom Teleatlas maps are as good as the North America Navteq maps.

3) Interface is very important - it has to be simple and user friendly because this unit is for my techno-challenged parents.

4) "Text to Speech" and SiRFstar III are necessary.

5) Bluetooth hands-free is not necessary but would be a HUGE plus.

I'm VERY interested in the Garmin NUVI units but they come with all these extra features (mp3 player, travel guide, translator, dictionary, restaurant reviews etc, audiobook etc.) that drive up the price.

I looked at the TomTom One but it doesn't have "Text to Speech" and it uses the Teleatlas map. However, if the new Teleatlas maps are really good, I'm willing to buy the TomTom One simply because of it's low price and good looks.

I'm open to all recommendations. Thanks!

Wow you don't want much do you. :p

All that for under $300? Good luck!

For such a tight budget on aftermarket navigation you'll probably want to set your mind to a few units and then check up eBay. They're some good deals on used units and you can definitely find even a TomTom 510 for under $300.

For under $300 your best bet is the Garmin Streetpilot i5. Got one for my wife over a year ago and she loves it. It's also the Consumer Reports "Best Buy" in their recent tests. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-StreetPilot-Automotive-GPS-Navigator/dp/B000BKN2Y0

I have two Garmin Streetpilots (C320 model), I recently bought the 2nd on sale for $199. They are great, can't live without them now.

I have the Garmin Nuvi360 and I couldn't be happier.

It has text-to-speech capabilities, and the maps that it came with are more updated than the Tom-Toms. My brother-in-law has the TomTom GO910 and and it does not have my street on it's map. Although the TomTom has more language options, I found that the Nuvi was a lot easier to use.

If you don't care for the bluetooth feature, go with the Nuvi 350.

the small, compact design makes it a lot easier to carry around too.

I love my trusty Magellan.. I use it in the Rav4. It uses Naviteq and comes with a 2 gig SD card preloaded to cover the entire U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico.:thumbup:

http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3782/P1120154.JPG

I am on the same boat as you are, looking for pretty much the same. I keep an eye on Costco web site every day, and just today they advertised Magelan Roadmate 3000T, which according to my research is a descent unit, for just $250. I already got a Pioneer AVIC-S1 from them, but planning to return it, as I'm totally unhappy with it.

Garmin just seems to have too many models... hard to figure out which line does what.

What's the basic reason for the two main lines, 'Nuvi' and 'streetpilot'?

Their web site is horrible.

NUVI are their thin line,real thin and sleek
NUVI 350 is about the size of wallet

C series are thicker, I always relate them as LCD monitors to CRT monitors

numbers ending in 60 has bluetooth
numbers ending in 70 has Europe Map built in

for ur budget
u can get NUVI 350 at $350, a bargain
or the C320 for ~$200

I love my trusty Magellan.. I use it in the Rav4. It uses Naviteq and comes with a 2 gig SD card preloaded to cover the entire U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico.:thumbup:

http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data//3782/P1120154.JPG


i have the same unit in my work truck very reliable :thumbup: i have the amplified external antenna tho