I've been shopping and researching GPS units for the E' online for a couple of months now. I am clear about what I want and why. The why is because my son and I got lost every single day when we went camping this summer--and this is our third trip to this particular area, so not so good on directions here.

The what is basically in line with Homer Simpson's maxim of: "I want the second cheapest." My experience is that I enjoy the new electronic toy aspect of stuff like this for about a week and a half, and then I just want it to do its job for an unreasonably long time, without me having to go to the manual to figger it out every time I use it. Sounds not unlike the E, eh?

I want to be able to replace it fairly painlessly if I lose it.

So I was delighted to see the Garmin (My brand choice after researching) 255WT on sale at Best Buy for $80. I went in to get it two days before Xmas and saw boxes lined up behind all of the other units--none behind the 255WT, none in the case below. Typical, said I, cursing my procrastinating ways. Then I spotted a whole rack of 'em just behind the GPS display.

So I bought one. And I like it.

Good for you, David. I never had a Garmin I didn't like.

I'm with you on this one David.. I have used several GPS units over the years. Some were just for the boating applications. That's before they made units that would do the sea charts, and street maps. I have had unets from Lorance, Magellan, Garmen, and Delorme. I find the Garmin the most intuitive. It just thinks the way I do. so the learning curve is far shorter than the others were for me. I can not use it for several months, and still figure out how to do some abstract function in a short amount of time, without resorting to finding the instructions.

Dom

I installed a power socket on the left side and stick the gps on the drivers window so it's easier too see.

I think the Garmin is fantastic. David, a co-worker bought a Garmin with the real time traffic updates (probably the WT, I guess). She told me that every few minutes they have to dismiss an advertisement that pops up on the screen and she said that was very annoying. Does that ad pop up on your too? Anyway, I love my 255w - the best download was getting the Kiwi colored element that a member here at EOC had made - he had all of the colors. If you haven't downloaded one for your Element/Garmin, I'd suggest doing it.

Merry Christmas!

I have a Kenwood DVD player w/ Garmin navi installed and I love it...I have used Pioneers NAVTEQ...didnt really like it b/c it was always different than google maps. My first Gps was a Mio and I did love it

Good idea on the left hand socket rick.

Element icon sounds good too, Williams family. I've had one or two ads pop up, but they are like banner adds across the top 1/16th of the screen so it has not been an issue yet.

I've been stuck in traffic once or twice in the last five years, so its no great advantage for me.

The best thing about the GPS for me so far is suddenly having such a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, doughnut shops etc to choose from. I was basically eating at the same places depending on what side of town I was on when I got hungry.

I think the Garmin is fantastic. David, a co-worker bought a Garmin with the real time traffic updates (probably the WT, I guess). She told me that every few minutes they have to dismiss an advertisement that pops up on the screen and she said that was very annoying.

Merry Christmas!


If you call Garmin, And Complain, They will tell you how to remove the banner advertisements. They will talk you through the removal. Tell them you paid for a GPS not a bunch of crap ad's. They helped me get them off my unit.

Dom

I have an old Garmin C340 with maps for life. When I go camping, I research where I am headed. Get the maps and program the address into the Garmin. Disney Ft Wilderness Campground the Garmin tried to take me to the Wilderness Lodge instead to the front of the Campground. Using online maps and Google's Street View, I knew where I wanted to be. Not good to get lost after 14 hours of driving.Sometimes the GPS will take you onto service streets and back on the interstate. Have to be careful no matter what GPS you own.

> Have to be careful no matter what GPS you own.

Quoted for truth.