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General discussion

Budget GPS system for older parents

Sep 1, 2008 1:56PM PDT

I'm in the process of buying a in car GPS system for my aging parents, who need a decent sized screen (4.3"), loud speaker, and easy usability. Feature set doesn't need to be great, buy text-to-speech would be nice. I'm looking to spend $100-250.

So far I am looking at the Tomtom ONE XL or the Garmin Nuvi 200w.
Which would be a better suit for my parents? Or are there better options out there?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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XL 330S
Sep 3, 2008 11:18PM PDT

The TomTom XL 330S would be your best bet. 4.3" widescreen, text to speech, and an easy interface to navigate. You can find them close too $200 on sale online.

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GPS for older eyes.
Sep 5, 2008 11:54AM PDT

As I reluctantly move into the older age group myself, I find readability of the very small font on some GPS units a nuisance. I have five GPSs (to save moving one from car to car) the oldest a Garmin Quest, a Tom Tom 910, 2 Kogans (which are rebadged MIOs I think) and recently a Garmin Nuvi 760.

While these don't meet the budget criteria, note that the Garmins are MUCH more readable in bright sunlight (I think they have a special coating). All the others are like taking a TV set out into the bright sun.

The Garmin 760 also has a larger screen, only the most relevant info on screen, a large font and the easiest and most intuitive to use. Even a complete novice could work out how to use it with no instruction advice. The mount is the best of all of them too.

Tips: Thieves know that if there's a mounting on your screen then you probably have the GPS unit hidden in the console or glovebox. Take it with you - and both my Garmins are best for that being easy to pocket.

P.S. - I'm in Australia so I can't quote US prices.

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Never had an issue
Sep 9, 2008 4:47AM PDT

I use a 930 that has the same screen as the 330S and I can see it fine in pretty intense sunlight- the 330S is a lot smaller and pretty slim with the new mount so it fits in a pocket easily