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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.
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $124.98 to $190.85 | $499.00 | $95.95 to $249.99 | $103.99 | $340.00 to $349.99 | $209.99 |
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| Review date | May 23, 2007 | March 27, 2008 | May 08, 2008 | June 11, 2007 | June 19, 2007 | 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 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. | 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. |
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| Features | ||||||
| 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 | USB cable Car power adapter Windshield holder | USB cable Car holder Car power adapter Windshield holder | USB cable Carrying case Charging cradle AC power adapter Car power adapter Windshield holder | Car holder Car power adapter Rechargeable lithium ion battery |
| Audible assistance | Navigation instructions | Audible signal(s) | Navigation instructions | Navigation instructions | Warnings Navigation instructions | Audible signal(s) |
| GPS PC connection | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Antenna | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Weight | 5.2 oz | 0.8 lbs | 6.1 oz | 6.5 oz | 6.7 oz | 5.6 oz |
| System features | Calculator Custom POIs Garmin Lock Preinstalled POIs JPEG photo playback 2D / 3D map perspective | Keyboard Built-in speaker | Downloadable POIs TomTom PLUS ready Speed limit warning 2D / 3D map perspective TomTom PLUS ready (via Bluetooth) TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready Optional external GPS antenna connection | Built-in speaker Preinstalled POIs 2D / 3D map perspective | Calculator Built-in speaker Built-in microphone Speed limit warning Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Optional external GPS antenna connection | Built-in speaker 2D / 3D map perspective |
| Destination | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive | Automotive |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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