New at this,...I am looking to get a fairly simple one, all I need is one that talks, do they all? and what about upgrading new roads, is the chip you buy a one time thing or can it be plugged into a computer and updated periodically? do I need a different antenna? thanks

 

You might need to be a little more specific. I'm assuming you're talking about a stand alone unit and not one that's incorporated into a head unit since you said simple. Pretty much any of the new ones talk, I think the only difference between the cheaper ones and the ones right above those is that the middle of the road ones will actually say the name of the street instead of just telling you to turn.

The units are self contained, no external antenna is needed. I bought one of the 4.3" Magellan Roadmates less than a year ago and have been pretty happy with it. As far as updating the maps, not really sure.

 

Go with a Garmin Nuvi 255W. IMO, it's the best bang for your buck. Best Buy lowered their price on them from $199 to $159 just this week. With that said, you may be able to find them even cheaper online.

It comes w/ tons of POIs and will speak street names...plus many other cool features.

 

I'm buying the Garmin Nuvi 500, mostly because you can map out multiple locations and have it plan the best route, plus it comes preloaded with the US topographical maps so I can take it with me in truck on the forest service roads around here. It retails for $299 but I've found it for as low as $245 with free shipping (only problem is it won't be here for almost 2 weeks!)

 

bxlt, that 500 is nice...I hadn't seen that one before.

Compared to the 255W, not only does the 500 come with topos and streets, but its battery last 2X longer, can log up to 10 routes and it is waterproof. I'd be hard pressed not to pony up and buy it instead.

I found it here for $245 w/ free shipping....guess this is where you found it too:

http://www.digitalmegastore.com/prod...54025401&sk1=1

 

The above link I posted will not have the 500 model in stock for at least 2wks +....however, that's a good thing, b/c I just found it a few bucks cheaper...and they are in stock here:

Only $232 + $7.00 shipping: http://www.electronics-expo.com/make...UVI500-/1.html.

 

Yeah I've been doing a TON of research and that was the cheapest that would do all that I wanted too and for me one of the biggest features I wanted was the multiple destination route planning and I don't want to spend $500+

Good find on the price too! Thanks!!

 

My 500 is on order. Should be here by Wednesday.

I like that you can go even go geocaching with it too if you wanted. You rarely see that option on these type gps models.

 

Don't EVER buy ANYTHING made by Magellan. They seem to be searching for new lows in products, software, upgrades, and service.

 

bxlt, got my 500 in the mail last week and it works great.

I will mention that the "voices" responsible of speaking the street names (i.e. turn right on Jeffery Drive) did NOT come preloaded on my unit (this is often referred to as TTS - Text to Speech). I was a bit annoyed, because Garmin's site says this unit can speak street names. Thus, I called Garmin and was told I just needed to download their web based updater and download the newest updates + TTS functionality since they did not come preloaded on my unit. They guided me thru the entire process. (BTW, you will need a mini usb cable to connect your garmin to your PC. The mini usb from my camera worked as most universal mini usb cables will work, so I did not have to buy anything addt'l.)

However, after the install process, everything updated, but the TTS voices. Go figure. Redid it and the updates + the TTS voices updated. Good to go know.

First time I've ever had to deal w/ Garmin customer service and I must say, they did great. It was also nice to speak to someone who was actually from this Country and could speak clear English. Sad that this is a rarity in this day and age

EDIT: Oh and I've downloaded the 3rd gen 4Runner Sport as my primary vehicle. Too cool for school.

 

I have a Garmin Nuvi 760 and it's awesome! My wife and I use it all the time. I really like the Bluetooth option.