GPS Navigation Unit Buyer's Guide

I was thinking about getting a GPS car navigation unit, so I did some research on what I found were moving targets. In the end, I decided that Google maps and advance planning could get me where I wanted to go without laying out the cash or having the hassle of keeping a GPS navigation unit operational. However, even though I am not buying one, I'm willing to share my research. Here is what I learned.

There are about ten different manufacturers of GPS navigation units. Garmin is 2:1 over TOMTOM with the number of models being offered by more stores. The basic feature, screen size, is either 4.3 or 3.5 inches with a few larger screens offered. There are many other variations in features among the brands and models offered: extensiveness of map coverage, turn-by-turn voice directions or not, multiple routing options or not, time/distance to destination calculations or not, touch screen operation with or without stylus or not, power supply (12-volt cigarette lighter plug connecting cord, rechargeable batteries and AC/DC home and car charger or not), mounting systems or not, pre-loaded points of interest or not, type of satellite acquisition technology, expandable destinations or maps via computer download with or without USB cable or not, carrying cases or not, warranties, day/night screen viewing or not, 2D/3D with zoom or not, earphone jack or not, and flash memory(?) or not. There's plenty of features and options to pick from, depending on the model and the sophistication desired.

The most offered Garmin units are the 4.3-inch model 205 and 255. Since typically all the features are not listed in the limited space of an ad, one must assume that the 255 model has more features than the 205 model. The 255 sale price range of $190 to $250 compared to the 205 model price range of $150 to $200 also suggests that this is the case. The 3.5-inch models range from $150 to $180 for the 255 and from $120 to $130 for the 205. TOMTOM 4.3-inch units are higher priced than Garmin's, from $200 to $350, while 3.5-inchers at $100 to $200 overlap the Garmin unit at both extremes. These prices don't include a carrying case, but one may be offered as a sweetener.

GPS units are typically sold by sporting goods, office supply, electronics and big-box discount stores. The after-Thanksgiving ads that I reviewed had the best deal for the Garmin 255 model at BESTBUY ($190) and for the Garmin 205 model at Cabela's or an office supply store: Office Depot, OfficeMax or Staples, all at $150. The best price for a TOMTOM XL330 4.3-inch nav unit was at OfficeMax for $200. The most available TOMTOM Go One 125 was uniformly offered for $100 in all types of stores.

If you decide you just have to have a GPS navigation unit, do your research before you buy. When you have settled on the brand and model you think fit you, watch the ads for special offers and be ready to rush to get the best deal, because it will probably be a loss leader to get you in the store and switch you to a higher priced unit.