Bonnie Cha,
Senior Associate Editor
February 27, 2008
Though in-car GPS devices are picking up speed, the gadgets and the technology behind them are still new to many people, making it a bit intimidating when you're shopping for one. Plus, so many models are available today, and it's not like buying a car, where you can go down to the dealership, kick the tires, and take it out for a test drive. To help you out, we've rounded up some models that have been road-tested and given passing grades by CNET readers. Read our reviews to see if one is right for you.
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.95 to $399.83 | $255.95 to $299.99 | $119.95 to $309.30 | Check Prices | $134.95 to $206.99 | $118.85 to $205.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||||
| Average user rating | ||||||
| Review date | May 23, 2007 | June 19, 2007 | June 11, 2007 | November 01, 2006 | November 19, 2007 | |
| The Bottom Line | The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly version of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get. | The sleek Mio C520 is a good-value GPS device, packing in advanced navigation features, a large screen, and other extras for an affordable price. However, you can get a better user experience and smoother performance from competing systems. | The Magellan Maestro 3100 is an affordable, simple, and basic portable navigation system for first-time buyers, but you can get better performance from other similar systems. | The Rand McNally GPS Navigator is a nice portable navigation system for those who love road tripping, but its maps and interface could use refinement. | Though the affordable price tag and text-to-speech functionality are nice, the Navigon 2100's sluggish performance and roundabout route recalculations are a turnoff; you can get a better entry-level portable navigation device in the Mio C230. | |
| Features | ||||||
| Included GPS accessories |
Automotive windshield mount Car power adapter |
USB cable Carrying case AC power adapter Car power adapter Charging cradle Windshield holder |
USB cable Car holder Car power adapter Windshield holder |
USB cable Stylus Car power adapter |
USB cable Car power adapter Windshield holder |
Car holder Rechargeable lithium ion battery Car power adapter |
| Navigation waypoints |
500 |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Audible assistance |
Navigation instructions |
Navigation instructions Warnings |
Navigation instructions |
Navigation instructions |
Navigation instructions |
Audible signal(s) |
| GPS functions / services | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Automatic route navigation Mileage |
Electronic compass Speed |
Lane Assistant Speed Assistant |
| GPS PC connection |
USB |
USB |
USB |
USB |
USB |
USB |
| SBAS |
WAAS |
WAAS |
WAAS |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| GPS receiver | Info unavailable |
20 channel |
20 channel |
20 channel |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Weight |
5.2 oz |
6.7 oz |
6.5 oz |
9 oz |
6.1 oz |
5.6 oz |
| Antenna |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
Built-in |
| System features |
2D / 3D map perspective Custom POIs JPEG photo playback Calculator Garmin Lock Preinstalled POIs |
Built-in speaker Speed limit warning Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Calculator Optional external GPS antenna connection Built-in microphone |
2D / 3D map perspective Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs |
Built-in speaker |
2D / 3D map perspective Built-in speaker TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready Preinstalled POIs |
2D / 3D map perspective Built-in speaker |
| Destination |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive |
Automotive |
| Design features |
Measurement converter Calculator JPEG picture viewer Currency converter Clock |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Touchscreen MP3 player |
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