Graduation Gifts--GPS?

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
My son is graduating from High School this week. He is going to college in Rhode Island, so he will be traveling a fair bit and doesn't know anything about driving in RI. I'm thinking about getting him a Tom Tom for a graduation gift so that when he wants to take road trips, etc. in college he will know where he is going (as well as the 4 hour drive to RI from VT).

As far as a GPS I'd like something relatively simple with voice commands.

But I was also thinking maybe get him one of those high tech phones you can do everything including GPS on?

What say the techies?

Any ideas?
 
My family has a Garmin Nuvi that I really like. It is simple to use and gives voice directions.

That said, make sure this is something he wants. I am also college aged and got a GPS Nav system for x-mas. I have a phone (Verizon Voyager) that can do GPS voice directions also, so I have no need for a separate GPS system.

In the end, a standalone GPS will be a easier to use but you are more likely to have a cell phone if you happen to need directions.
 
Shann said:
But I was also thinking maybe get him one of those high tech phones you can do everything including GPS on?
Click to expand...
I've got one of those "high tech phones" (iPhone 3G to be specific) and they have a lot going for them. They are easy to use, you always have it with you, and they are great for getting quick directions to and from places.

I think where they fall down is situations where you really need the detailed, turn-by-turn guidance as you are driving somewhere. The screen is smaller than a regular dedicated GPS making it harder to refer to while driving, and the battery saver causes the screen to shut off every 30 seconds which again makes it hard to follow step-by-step directions. Plus, my phone at least does not have the voice directions telling you where to turn.
 
I bought myself a TomTom 3 back in January, anticipating a road trip to Florida. I loved it, worked great for the first three months, then it locked up, no joy. The tech support, when I could finally find it, was not inspiring, they told me to download TomTom Home, where I could find a fix for my problem. Downloaded it, l can't get the program to run, will probably have to trash it.

I loved the product as long as it ran right (simple to use, right out of the box), but I don't know if I will buy another. Do a Google search for reviews on these products. Tech support is very important.

Edit: There's no reset button on it, and you have to purchase the battery charger separately. My situation may be unique, but shop carefully.
 
Last edited:
Garmin Nuvi 260. Just bought one for my sister-in-law for her graduation.
PC Nation. $460 dollar unit on sale for $148 delivered.

Go Huskers!!!
 
+1 for garmin Colorado

One of the coolest things with handheld GPS is geo caching.

Great gift idea!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top