What do you guys use for GPS?

meganinmaine

Our GPS is old (as GPSs go, anyway) and we're trying to figure out what to do to replace it.  I'm basically trying to decide if I should get an app on my phone or buy a new unit.  We could update the maps in the unit we have, but I don't know if that's really cost-effective.  Although if any of you have a really old GPS and just keep updating it, I'd love to hear about that.  But I think we're more likely to get a new one or somehow use our phones.

lauram730

We have Garmins, which we like (DH has updated his - I think it was like $50 though, so I haven't updated mine - we would just take his when we were going somewhere completely new.)  Now that I have a Droid, I just use the free Maps feature - it works great and I haven't used the Garmin since.  Not sure if you have a smart phone, but I think you can get a new GPS pretty cheap now because so many people are just using their phones...not sure about updating costs on new models, though, which I think is key.

hikingnclimbing

I have the droid 1 and have been using Google Navigation, which came with my phone. We also have a Garmin (I think) GPS that my husband uses, but the maps are outdated. I wouldn't buy a GPS without lifetime map updates given how expensive it would be to update the one we have now. I could buy a new one for the price they want to charge me.

meganinmaine

Yeah, we have iPhones.  I often use the Google maps, but it doesn't say the directions, which is apparently something that's important to Josh.  The cost is really why I'm not willing to update the one we have - they want almost as much as it would cost to just buy a new one.  So that's definitely something we'll look for if we get another.  I haven't had any problem so far just using what I've got and reading the directions, but DH is itching for something more similar to what we've got.  Maybe I'll just tell him to get a more traditional GPS app on his phone and quit complaining.

mrscjwatts

We both have android phones through T-Mobile (I have the mytouch 4g).  They come with navigation as one of the apps and it uses Google maps.  So there isnt any of this updating business.  It does talk to you so that's convienent and it lets you toggle between navigating or just reading the route info. 

I've never had a GPS, but I love using the navigation on my phone, since it's always with my anyway

danieleandwayne

I had a refurbished Garmin that required I pay $100-$200 to update the maps which were woefully out of date (thanks, MIL!). I didn't have that kind of cash-- and if I did, I would get a brand new Garmin instead of updating.

Now, however, I have an iPhone and I just use that. Way better and more cost-effective. Plus, I always have my phone with me so I don't have to deal with the separate Garmin (although my sister still has her newer Garmin and she likes it because she likes that it voices the directions to her). The other bonus is that my phone can give me walking directions-- which I can't do with the Garmin-- and that is really helpful when I'm in a new place, walking around.

 

lauram730

Oh, yes, the Maps app on my phone is also Google Maps...it does have a voice feature.  I don't think I'd use it otherwise because I keep it in my car cup holder when I drive, so I can't see it.  I know my brother has an actual suction attachment for his phone, so he puts it on his windshield like a traditional GPS.

MainelyFoolish

We had a regular GPS (got stolen a couple of months ago) and DH has an android phone that can navigate with Google maps. The phone is alright but the regular GPS is easier for driving. We're getting a new GPS for Christmas.

MrsSweetpeaMagee607

ILs have a Garmin and I like using that... but they do all the upkeep lol... 

 

DH uses the mapquest app on his phone and it tells him the directions... I used the google maps and didn't like it as well so I might try the mapquest one... I will double check to see if it is the mapquest I could be getting it confused with something else.  

SBTibbs

We have the same dilemma. We don't travel to new places very often, so we use our old GPS along with our iPhones. I've thought about getting a new GPS, but am having trouble justifying it. The only issue with the phone is that it doesn't speak the directions, so that's hard if you're alone.