GPS Question

The Coffee Shop
1

I am considering getting a GPS unit for the car. It would be used primarily for travel and also by my better half when she is out and about in the unfamiliar parts of town.

I noticed a Magellan 1212 at the local Costco for $90. Does anyone have experience with that model? Not that I am cheap, but I do not see the need to spend $300 for a unit with a slightly wider screen and bluetooth capabilities when a $90 unit will do 90+% of what we need.

Thanks, drn92

2

I am pretty sure that is the model I have. It looks like it. The model was discountinued, which is why it is so cheap. I have had it for about a year now. I love it. I actually like the size b/c it is not obtrusive. Never had any issues seeing clearly. Voice commands are loud and clear. I have used locally and for cross-country trips and it has served me very well.

My only knock - I could never get the real-time traffic report to work. I received 6 months of traffic service free, but, could never get it to work.

3

I’ve got a Garmin Nuvi 760, which has all the bells and whistles. While I bought it for the GPS / navigation and hands-free calling (required in WA state), I have found the audiobook playback surprisingly addictive. You can find this model on sale online at several places for < $150 now.

Chris

4

Thanks for the reply … What is the audio playback feature … first I’ve heard of that.

Still quite interested in the 1212 … mainly due to cost.

drn92

5

Thanks … not too worried about the real time traffic … although that might come in handy while I am traveling in an unfamiliar city. Mainly interested in the navigation part and it sounds like the 1212 might fit the bill.

drn92

6

Thanks for the reply … What is the audio playback feature … first I’ve heard of that.

Still quite interested in the 1212 … mainly due to cost.

drn92
On many of the garmin nuvi models you can put audiobooks or mp3 files on the unit and it will play them back through either the built-in speaker or transmit via FM to your car radio. For audiobooks I’ve found the built-in speaker to be just fine, but for music it sounds much better via FM to the radio / speakers.

I get my audiobooks from audible.com, although I imagine there are plenty of other sources.

Chris

7

That’s a pretty cool feature. Since I’ll be using it while traveling on business I do not know how handy it would be, but cool none the less.

Thanks, drn92