GPS Receivers

Garmin Oregon 400

MSRP $600.00 Released July, 2008

Pros

Touchscreen interface makes for easy data input
MicroSD card slot for adding maps and saving waypoint data etc...
Can be used for a variety of purposes (hiking, driving, etc)

Cons

Premium price
screen is difficult to read in direct sunlight
NMEA output is via Garmin proprietary mode. Output to other components (I.E. amateur radios) is at best difficult.

ProSCORE
12 reviews

79

Garmin Nuvi 255W

MSRP $300.00 Released March, 2008

Pros

Option to change voices
Easy to read display while driving
Text-to-speech system for reading street names

Cons

Typing is laggy; if you don't type carefully, it's easy to miss a letter or two.
Doesn't include lifetime map updates
Can't adjust road preferences that much. Doesn't learn from your habits in any way

ProSCORE
14 reviews

49

Garmin Nuvi 200

MSRP $199.99 Released May, 2007

Pros

3.5" touchscreen display
5 hours of portable use with rechargeable battery
2D and 3D maps

Cons

does not include higher end features such as spoken street names, wireless connectivity or waypoints
You cannot add speed limits and detours
Upgrading maps is tedious

ProSCORE
3 reviews

65

TomTom ONE 3rd Edition

MSRP $199.95 Released August, 2007

Pros

Great selection of Voices and Vehicles
GUI is well done.
Able to change background colors for day and night.

Cons

Window mount tends to fall off.
No expansion card, so you are limited to internal storage.
Can only do one waypoint.

ProSCORE
4 reviews

74

Holux M-241 GPS Logger

MSRP $70.00 Released --

Pros

LCD display can display geographical coordinates, speed, distance, and time.
Can be used as a GPS receiver for a mobile phone or PDA via Bluetooth.
Runs on one common AA battery

Cons

Does not connect as USB mass storage device, but as COM over USB needing a driver. Only Windows driver is included.
Very bad included software
Average battery life

ProSCORE
3 reviews

67

Garmin Nuvi 765T

MSRP $599.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

Text-to-voice reads street names
Bluetooth enabled allows you to make handsfree calls using the GPS as the speaker phone
Built-in MP3 player and audiobook player

Cons

Doesn't learn from driving habits in any way
lacks printed manual/instructions
No voice recognition

ProSCORE
9 reviews

80

Garmin GPSMap 60CSx

MSRP $399.99 Released December, 2002

Pros

ruggedized design, waterproof
long 18 hour battery life
allows for microSD expansion for maps

Cons

aging device - older hardware, interface etc...
loses the sleep mode found on the older 60CS
not suitable for car navigation - poor route calculation

ProSCORE
3 reviews

70

Pioneer AVIC-U310BT

MSRP $500.00 Released June, 2009

Pros

Easy to use, good user interface. Soft buttons on screens improves user experience over many other stereos.
Great iPod features for compressed sound restoration, and on the fly shuffle by artist or album.
Detachable face very handy for planning trips with GPS and Navigation outside car.

Cons

Software is Windows only and feels gimmicky, it lacks utility.
Comes with limited number of Navigation" points of interest". 400 thousand rather than the 12 million available for other AVIC systems. Restaurants have been completely omitted. The POI's can be upgraded for $100.00 which degrades it's status as a bargain.
Defaults to Navigation view (or mode) every time you start car. Would be nice if it remember the mode it was left in.

ProSCORE
1 review

70

Garmin eTrex H

MSRP $99.99 Released January, 2000

Pros

Cheap
High sensitivity
Waterproof
Uses AA batteries

Cons

Uses serial connection to PC (not USB)
Special serial cable is relatively expensive with limited availability

ProSCORE
1 review

75

TomTom ONE 130/130S

MSRP $199.95 Released April, 2008

Pros

Were easy to use, nice touch screen
Easy to demount from holder, so you may bring it in your pocket
Good value

Cons

No expansion interface such as SD card to load more maps.
The holder does not attach to surfaces well. It falls frequently from both windshield and dash.
Routing algorithm does not work well. It has routed me in circles more than once.

ProSCORE
3 reviews

53

Garmin Foretrex 101

MSRP $135.00 Released March, 2005

Pros

Cheap
Small form factor for full featured GPS receiver
Uses AAA batteries

Cons

Uses special serial connection to PC (not USB) which is relatively expensive with limited availability
Even if very small for GPS receiver it is rather bulky for the wrist-mount
Clumsy battery compartment

ProSCORE
1 review

62

Garmin Nuvi 1350T

MSRP $349.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

microSD storage expansion
large 4.3" touchscreen display
onscreen keyboard can be used in ABC or QWERTY modes

Cons

no FM transmitter for listening to instructions or music over car stereo
no Bluetooth compatibility
FM traffic updates are often inaccurate

ProSCORE
1 review

60

Sony GPS-CS3KA

MSRP $149.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

pictures and locations are matched by time - no need to manually match or input data by hand
photos and locations can be mapped and viewed together on Google Maps or Google Earth
includes a modern high sensitivity GPS system
uses a single AA battery

Cons

90-day limited warranty
battery life is not very good - needs backup batteries for full day use (a single battery should last 5-7 hours)

ProSCORE
2 reviews

69

Garmin Nuvi 1370T

MSRP $449.99 Released June, 2009

Pros

lane assist
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling
rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours of mobile use

Cons

no multi-point routing
no junction view
expensive

ProSCORE
3 reviews

83

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx

MSRP $250.00 Released August, 2007

Pros

Like Legend HCx but brings electronic compass en barometer
Electronic compass
Electronic barometer

Cons

Only 500 trackpoint on each saved track
Interrumps the track on the 500th trackpoint while transferring over MiniUSB
Can't use saved tracks to MicroSD

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Garmin Nuvi 255

MSRP $320.00 Released March, 2008

Pros

Easy to use
Good search, but less intuitive than Tomtom

Cons

mispronounces Drive (dr) and Street (St) as Doctor and Saint
Voices are very robotic

ProSCORE
3 reviews

33

JVC KW-NX7000BT

MSRP $1,299.95 Released March, 2009

The JVC KW-NX7000BT is an in-dash GPS-receiver powered by an advanced Intelligent Navigation system with text-to-speech that provides a user-friendly interface with magnified viewing, on-screen lane guidance, and a speed limit display. The third of three JVC KW-N GPS receivers, the JVC KW-NX7000BT is an upgrade from the JVC KW-NX7000 in that it offers...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Garmin eTrex Vista

MSRP $290.00 Released January, 2001

Pros

Screen readable in (almost) all conditions
Backlight
Digital compass

Cons

Poor reception under tree cover
Digital compass drains batteries quick
Limited memory for maps

ProSCORE
1 review

82

Garmin eTrex Legend HCx

MSRP $220.00 Released September, 2007

Pros

WAAS/EGNOS
High accuracy GPS (2m as average)
MiniUSB connection only
Supports MicroSD
Internal memory: 24MB

Cons

No proper maps covering Southern Africa, my no-brand car GPS for Southern Africa has far more detail. Very disappointing

ProSCORE
3 reviews

92

TomTom Go 630

MSRP $299.95 Released August, 2008

Pros

affordable price
limited extra features
fast and responsive interface

Cons

no full voice control
no full TomTom LIVE support
annoying to create detours

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

NAVIGON 8100T

MSRP $599.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

large 4.8" touchscreen display
great graphics - smooth scrolling in 3D and 2D mode, Panorama view displays surrounding land features
inexpensive map updates

Cons

expensive
Voice recognition only works for inputting destination - cannot control menus etc...
no FM transmitter

ProSCORE
2 reviews

69

Garmin Nuvi 265T

MSRP $299.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

free traffic updates
compatible with Google Maps or Mapquest for uploading directions
bluetooth support for hands free calling
lithium-ion battery for hand-held use up to 4 hours

Cons

traffic updates come at the cost of ads

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Quino GPS Ranger

MSRP $350.00 Released December, 2008

Pros

Very accurate.

Cons

Not real-time.

ProSCORE
1 review

50

Garmin Nuvi 855T

MSRP $800.00 Released January, 2009

Pros

voice recognition - eliminates dangerous interaction while driving
removable Li-ion battery
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling

Cons

expensive
MSN Direct should be free and extend further from cities
MSN Direct service is not free

ProSCORE
2 reviews

79

Garmin Nuvi 755T

MSRP $499.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

Lane assist view functions flawlessly & is quite helpful for exiting on interstates
Decent sound quality which can be easily heard at full volume
Fast satellite communication in both city & suburban areas

Cons

Somewhat pricey especially since there is no bluetooth in this model
ads for free real time traffic data
turn warning distance is often too short

ProSCORE
2 reviews

78

TomTom Go 750

MSRP -- Released October, 2009

The GO 750 is one of three upcoming GPS navigation systems from TomTom. The 550 LIVE, 750 LIVE, and 950 LIVE will complete TomTom's flagship x50 line, and all integrate a new user interface with more advanced routing technologies than previous models. The 750 is destined for the European market, as it only includes...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Garmin Edge 305

MSRP $380.00 Released August, 2005

Pros

Nice to see my French Alpine adventures on Google Earth

Cons

Repairs take extended time to complete
Garmin customer service is poor
Unit is extremely unreliable

ProSCORE
2 reviews

20

Garmin Nuvi 750

MSRP $399.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

includes FM transmitter for voice prompts over the car stereo
affordable price
4.3" touchscreen display

Cons

signal reception is easily interrupted
no AC adapter included
poor internal speaker

ProSCORE
3 reviews

55

TomTom GO 930

MSRP $499.95 Released April, 2008

Pros

IQ routing predicts more accurate driving times; based on actual anonymous statistical driving data submitted to TomTom automatically

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Magellan Crossover GPS

MSRP $399.99 Released December, 2005

Pros

has 3 GPS maps; car, hiking, and marine.
has audible directions so you don't have to look at map in busy traffic
I have used this in 120 degree heat and -40 degree cold. It hasn't always worked, but most of the time it does.

Cons

Locks up fairly often, seems to do it in hiking mode a lot.
Magellan has terrible map updating
Not compatible with Apple computers

ProSCORE
3 reviews

31

Garmin Nuvi 5000

MSRP $800.00 Released February, 2008

Pros

Can be connected to a rear-view camera
One of the biggest screens on the market
Uncluttered and easy to read display

Cons

No battery
No elevation display
Can't play movies

ProSCORE
4 reviews

56

TomTom GO 730

MSRP $449.95 Released April, 2008

The TomTom GO 730 is an GPS receiver for automobiles and is part of the company's GO series. It features a 4.3-inch full TFT colour LCD touch-screen (64K colours, 480x272 pixels), pre-loaded Canadian and American maps from TeleAtlas, spoken directions and place names along with advanced lane guidance (which takes traffic, road closures, etc....

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

TomTom Go 950

MSRP -- Released October, 2009

The GO 950 is one of three upcoming GPS navigation systems from TomTom. The 550 LIVE, 750 LIVE, and 950 LIVE will complete TomTom's flagship x50 line, and all integrate a new user interface with more advanced routing technologies than previous models. The 950 is the only model which includes maps of the US...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Garmin Colorado 400

MSRP $599.00 Released April, 2008

Pros

Rugged design
Lots of extra features
Whereigo is cool option
Wirelessly share information with other users

Cons

Expensive
Features can get confusing

ProSCORE
2 reviews

81

Garmin Edge 500

MSRP $279.00 Released October, 2009

Pros

much lighter than previous generations (2 ounces)
affordable price
ANT+ compatible
tracks distance, speed, time, position, elevation, calories, climb and descent

Cons

lacks moving map and corresponding navigation information / controls
toy-like aesthetic

ProSCORE
1 review

83

Garmin Nuvi 660

MSRP $249.99 Released September, 2005

Pros

Bluetooth phone and MP3 player are fantastic.

Cons

Shockingly poor customer support from Garmin. Text to speech garbled since update to new maps means that substantial functionality is lost. Have not been able to get a solution, nor indeed an answer from Garmin despite more than one month of trying.

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Sony NV-U94T

MSRP $399.95 Released October, 2008

Pros

large higher definition touchscreen
Dual View 3-D junction only on NV-U
MSRP now $199.

Cons

poor battery life
expensive proprietary flash memory cards
poor low temperature threshold

ProSCORE
2 reviews

60

Garmin nuvi 1690

MSRP $499.00 Released September, 2009

Pros

two free years of nüLink! service - google search, fuel prices, weather, traffic information etc...
affordable subscription fees after the 24 months ($5 a month)
text-to-speech

Cons

based on SiRFStarIII GPS chip - SiRFStarIV is now available
premium price
microSD instead of full size SD/SDHC slot - difficult to use / fragile

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Magellan RoadMate 1475T

MSRP $300.00 Released June, 2009

Pros

highway lane (exit) assist
large 4.7" colour touchscreen display
multi-destination routing
affordable price

Cons

poor placement of USB port - cannot be plugged in while mounted
poor POI database, also very strict with search queries

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Garmin Nuvi 265WT

MSRP $349.99 Released August, 2008

Pros

smooth refresh rate
accurate
1GB of internal storage for pictures, voices, maps etc...

Cons

2009 maps and POI database are poor
thick power cord is a nuisance when handling or mounting
ads

ProSCORE
1 review

71

Garmin Colorado 300

MSRP $500.00 Released March, 2008

Pros

Exterior antenna connector
Accepts SD data card
Navigation wheel

Cons

Omnidirective antenna
Too expensive

ProSCORE
1 review

60

Garmin Forerunner 305

MSRP $323.00 Released --

Pros

Virtual Partner feature allows you to complete against yourself
Possible to update data to a website for tracking progress
Display is large and easy to read

Cons

battery lasts about 8-10 hours
watch needs a special cradle to recharge (included)
website requires a paid subscription for full feature access

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Garmin Nuvi 1350

MSRP $299.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

text-to-speech - reads the names of streets as it prompts you to turn
25% slimmer than previous generation
affordable price
4.3" touchscreen

Cons

no FM transmitter
no Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Garmin Nuvi 250

MSRP $249.99 Released May, 2007

Pros

affordable
compact size
quality brand

Cons

no text-to-speech, basic 'go left/right' directions only
no included AC wall adapter - needs to be purchased separately
can take a while to acquire a satellite signal

ProSCORE
2 reviews

54

TomTom Go I-90

MSRP $890.00 Releases December, 2009

Pros

All-in-one dashboard unit with 4x40watt amp, AM/FM RDS radio, USB and Bluetooth capability
Removable touchscreen/use as personal navigation device (PND)
Interfaces with steering wheel controls
Navigational voice commands through car speakers

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Garmin Nuvi 550

MSRP $500.00 Released May, 2007

Pros

waterproof
custom routes and waypoints can be saved
replaceable battery with up to 8 hours of battery life
small and light
supports FM traffic alerts
MicroSD card for expansion

ProSCORE
1 review

100

Garmin nuvi 1450

MSRP $450.00 Released October, 2009

Pros

optional cityXplorer software for public transit listings and ecoRoute
6 million points of interest and 10 user savable routes
10,000 point breadcrumb trail
USB connection/microSD card slot

Cons

No Bluetooth or MP3 player
stale feature list with little innovation for the price

ProSCORE
2 reviews

83

JVC KW-NX7000

MSRP $1,199.95 Released March, 2009

The JVC KW-NX7000 is an in-dash GPS-receiver powered by an advanced Intelligent Navigation system with text-to-speech that provides a user-friendly interface with magnified viewing, on-screen lane guidance, and a speed limit display. The second of three JVC KW-N GPS receivers, the JVC KW-NX7000 is an upgrade from the JVC KW-NT1 in that it offers...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Garmin Nuvi 855

MSRP $699.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

voice activated and controlled
lane assist - displays easy to understand lane instructions for complex highway exits and merges
entertainment features (mp3 player, ebook reader, games and image viewer)
FM transmitter for use with car audio systems

Cons

very expensive
nothing innovative vs older or cheaper models

ProSCORE
1 review

78

Garmin nüvi 350

MSRP $200.00 Released September, 2005

Pros

The small size of the unit makes it very convenient for taking on trips (rather than paying for rental car GPS units).
Strong GPS receiver
SD slot for additional storage

Cons

Traffic receiver and travel guide cost extra
Expensive
No real time traffic information

ProSCORE
4 reviews

53

TomTom ONE 140/ONE 140-S

MSRP $169.95 Released April, 2009

Pros

affordable prices
text-to-speech feature of the 140-S is worth the $20 upgrade from the 140
include Mexico and Puerto Rico in North America (usually only Canada and USA)

Cons

no live updates
no Bluetooth phone interface
poor mounting bracket

ProSCORE
1 review

64

Garmin Nuvi 205W

MSRP $249.99 Released June, 2008

Pros

4.3" touchscreen display
affordable price
free ad-supported live FM traffic updates

Cons

touchscreen is not sensitive enough
tinny speaker
comes with a 12V car charger only, no AC adaptor (sold separately)

ProSCORE
1 review

64

Garmin Nuvi 1260T

MSRP $299.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

voice prompts and text to speech
public transportation and pedestrian modes
affordable price
6-million POI

Cons

no lane or exit assist
smaller 3.5" touchscreen

ProSCORE
2 reviews

82

TomTom XL 335S

MSRP $239.95 Released October, 2009

The TomTom XL 335S is a new addition to the world's best-selling portable navigation device manufacturer. The new model boasts a 4.3 inch touchscreen, text to speech, TomTom's innovative IQ Routes™ Technology and Advanced Lane Guidance, the last which gives drivers the information they need to drive more safely and more confidently when traveling through complex road...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Navigon 4300T Max

MSRP $279.99 Released March, 2009

Pros

Bluetooth - for hands-free calling
2GB of internal memory
Rand McNally Scenic Routes

Cons

somewhat misleading moniker - 4300T Max is a lower end model than the 4300T
lacks the voice-enabled address entry and control of the 4300T
non-removable battery

ProSCORE
2 reviews

80

TomTom Go 550

MSRP -- Released October, 2009

The GO 550 is one of three upcoming GPS navigation systems from TomTom. The 550 LIVE, 750 LIVE, and 950 LIVE will complete TomTom's flagship x50 line, and all integrate a new user interface with more advanced routing technologies than previous models. The 550 is destined for the European market, as it includes only...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Xact Technology XACT | TRAX

MSRP -- Released January, 2009

Pros

no subscription fees

ProSCORE
1 review

100

JVC KW-NT1

MSRP $1,099.05 Released March, 2009

The JVC KW-NT1 is an in-dash GPS-receiver powered by an advanced Intelligent Navigation system with text-to-speech that provides a user-friendly interface with magnified viewing, on-screen lane guidance, and a speed limit display. The first of three JVC KW-N GPS receivers, the JVC KW-NT1 also features built-in Bluetooth wireless technology that allows for stress-free driving...

ProSCORE
0 reviews

N/A

Nextar Q3

MSRP $150.00 Released January, 2007

Pros

Very good (real world) price for features
Multi Language
Voice, Turn By Turn

Cons

No map updates (at time of submission)
No Live Traffic
Short battery life in portable mode

ProSCORE
2 reviews

62

Dash Express

MSRP $399.99 Released March, 2008

Pros

Real-time traffic updates
Uses WiFi and cellular connections
Plan routes from your PC and send them wirelessly to the car

Cons

No web browser
Can't play video
Only works in US. Doesn't work in Canada/Mexico/Europe

ProSCORE
3 reviews

53

Garmin eTrex Venture HC

MSRP $199.99 Released January, 2007

Pros

Colour screen
Base map included with the unit is decent
Lots of useful features
Easy to upgrade map software on to the unit (eg. topo)

Cons

Additional map software is expensive

ProSCORE
1 review

80

Magellan RoadMate 1470

MSRP $250.00 Released March, 2009

Pros

large 4.7" touchscreen display
microSD expansion for additional maps
text-to-speech

Cons

sound quality is tinny
does not always respond promptly to touch
lacks higher end features such as Bluetooth, FM transmitter, etc...

ProSCORE
1 review

74

ATP Photo Finder

MSRP $99.00 Released January, 2008

Pros

Great way to keep track of where you've been
Easy to use
Automatic geotagging of photos

Cons

Battery connection can be defective
No manual overrides available to force a geotag

ProSCORE
2 reviews

71

Magellan Maestro 5310

MSRP $599.99 Released July, 2008

Pros

One of the biggest screens on the market
Ability to view maps in 2D and 3D
Easy to enter addresses

Cons

No media playing capabilities
Re-routing is slow
Only comes with 3 months free traffic updates

ProSCORE
1 review

57

Garmin GPS 76

MSRP $250.00 Released April, 2003

Pros

Well backlit
portable
Good for geocaching.

Cons

No turn by turn

ProSCORE
1 review

75

Mio Moov S556

MSRP $299.99 Released January, 2009

Pros

large 4.7" display
good upgrades over less expensive models in the line (Blusetooth and lane/junction guidance)
affordable price
attractive design
text-to-speech

Cons