Cons:
A little bulky compared to some of the newer units available
The Bottom Line:
This unit is good. If you can get a good price, this unit will meet your needs
Overall Rating:
Author's Review
This is my first GPS unit. I used to check MapQuest every time I did not know where I was going. Now I rely on my Garmin almost completely (sometimes I will check MapQuest just to get a general lay of the land).
I did not get a built-in GPS for my car because I thought the price was too high (about $2000), especially since I had heard a lot good things about the portable units from family and friends and knew the costs are much lower.
Garmin is one of the best manufacturers out there. This unit is pretty reliable and has given me correct directions most of the time. There was one time I was traveling in Seattle and the unit gave me wrong directions and had a hard time locating the satellite, but that was the only time the GPS "let me down."
Battery life is pretty good for my use. I only use the unit when I do not know where I am going, so I only have to charge it once or twice a month.
I would prefer that the audio would direct turns a little sooner, but the unit recalculates pretty quickly if you miss a turn.
I really like how you can search for stores, attractions, whatever if you are unfamiliar with the area. In other words, you don't have to know an address to find a place. This is key when you are out-of-town and have no clue where you are...