Test-driven: Readers' favorite in-car GPS devices
Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor July 17, 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.
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| Product name | ||||||
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| Price | $159.00 |
Please access this product from the vendor's Web site. |
As shown: $149.95
| Pricing not available | Pricing not available | |
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| Average user rating | ||||||
| Review date | May 23, 2007 | March 27, 2008 | May 08, 2008 | June 10, 2007 | June 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 two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we're willing to invest in it. | The TomTom One 130S is a reasonably priced entry-level GPS with a solid set of features and ease of use. Unfortunately, the system's barely audible voice directions ruin the experience. | 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 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. | |
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| Features | ||||||
| Destination | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | |
| Included GPS accessories | Car power adapter Automotive windshield mount | Dash express Mounting arm and cradle Mounting arm extension and wrench Dashboard mounting disk Car power adapter Wall charger USB cable Alcohol wipe | Car power adapter Windshield holder USB cable | Info unavailable | Car power adapter Charging cradle AC power adapter Windshield holder USB cable Carrying case | |
| Included GPS software | MapSource City Navigator NT | SiRF Star III | TomTom HOME | Info unavailable | MioMap v3.3 | |
| Antenna | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | |
| Audible assistance | Navigation instructions | Audible signal(s) | Navigation instructions | Navigation instructions | Warnings Navigation instructions | |
| Weight | 5.2 oz | 13.3 oz | 6.1 oz | 6.3 oz | 6.7 oz | |
| GPS PC connection | USB | Wi-Fi | USB | Info unavailable | USB | |
| System features | Calculator 2D / 3D map perspective Preinstalled POIs Custom POIs Garmin Lock | Keyboard Built-in speaker | Speed limit warning TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth) TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready 2D / 3D map perspective TomTom PLUS ready Downloadable POIs Optional external GPS antenna connection | 2D / 3D map perspective Preinstalled POIs | Calculator Speed limit warning Built-in microphone Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Built-in speaker Optional external GPS antenna connection | |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | |
| Buying choices | | Please access this product from the vendor's Web site. | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | |
