What is the best portable GPS to get me to my gigs? I'm looking for one that has real time traffic - you know, to get around traffic jams.

Beakybird

I have the 4040.........
http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=408


LOVE IT....LOVE IT...... LOVE IT!!!

I use mine too...Verizon Wireless Navigator..

You can't get loss....no matter how hard you try....

It always corrects you with updated routes..

No excuse for not making a gig..

I have used GPS Navigation for 4 years now. And have recently purchased a new system by Navigon. They are the only manufacturers that I know of that incorporate "Reality View". When coming up on interchanges on a highway or freeway, it will change the screen to look like what you see out the windshield. ie. Large green highway signs, all the lanes off traffic, which lane you should be in... it is very clear and helpful when you are approaching any interchange. I have found it quite helpful.

Anyway Navigon has 3 different models you can choose from. All of them have real time traffic control available (the entry level model offers it as an option you buy additionally)
www.Navigon.com will show you what I'm talking about.
www.tigerdirect.com offers a multitude of GPS options for you to consider.

PS. keep in mind, not all GPS units will actually speak the street names.

My Garmin Nuvi 350 has saved my butt many times coming and going to gigs. Especially late at night/early in the morning.

I could not do without it now. I paid $295 for mine at Walmart; the lowest I have seen it anywhere.

Al

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Al Giordano
http://www.arrangerworld.com


Tyros 2, Yamaha P-250, Korg Triton Extreme 76, Roland VK8-M, DW Collectors Series Drums, Roland SPD-S.

I am deciding between the Garmin Nuvi 660, Garmin Streetpilot C550, Navigon 5100, and Magellan 4050. I'm going to purchase one in a few days. The Garmins seem to get the best user reviews. The Navigon 5100 can be purchased for $200 and has free traffic for life - but I see a lot of bad user reviews.

I'm tired of getting lost and missing my turn.

Beakybird

Lowrance manufactures good GPS equipment in several categories. I have been using their "iWay 350C" for a couple of years and it has saved me a LOT of time. It is not as commonly available in retail stores as Tom Tom, Magellan, Garmin and the like...but their two automotive models are rated as good or better than most of the common brands in each of the price ranges available. I see where the price now is around $250...and well worth it.

Among the many Pros for Lowrance: All US and Canada maps are pre-loaded. No need to purchase updated discs. When updates do occur, they can be downloaded free, from the Lowrance site. Once you register with them, they will email you any notification of updates.

Turn by turn directions using street names, route and interstate numbers are both visible and audible. Size of fonts displaying destination, current street, miles to arrival, estimated time to arrival and other data can be individually adjusted to large, medium or small.

No external antenna needed. Can set audio to play through your radio, wirelessly (real handy on noisy highways).

Very good, long-lasting battery, rechargable from lighter..or just run it from the lighter. Optional AC adapter for home charging is available...otherwise all accessories are included.

Also plays MP3s and will store pictures...although I don't use those features.

Cons are minimal: I have found it may not always route me using the shortest route possible. But, you can program it to accept or avoid toll roads, interstates, left turns and such.

I have to admit, that Navigon unit looks very attractive and, though a little pricier, looks to worth it.

Eddie

Just before my friend George Gentry died, he bought a new GPS. Don't know the brand. He took it to St. Louis one time. I'm getting rid of a lot of his stuff. I'll look at the brand and let you know. Janice will take $50.00 for the unit, and she says George paid around $400.00 last July. It's been plugged in once.

Just getting rid of all the stuff she can't use. Donating all his music equipment (speakers, mics, amps, stands, etc) to local churches.

I'll let you folks know...


R.