Best GPS for the money

I can't really recommend anything personally because mine is so outdated (~5 yrs old), but Engadget/Gizmodo/Cnet often have a LOT of GPS posts with [sometimes] member comments, so check these out in case they help give you an idea what's out there while getting our own member feedback:

• Gizmodo - all GPS articles
• Engadget - all GPS articles
• CNet - GPS reviews/etc
• theunpaved - GPS search (our own posts for GPS, etc)

The new "3D traffic assist" stuff seems like the current cool-feature-to-have for a lot of these new GPS units, and that along with real-time traffic does seem pretty cool if works as advertised.

FWIW my current fav is to use my 3G iPhone-- it does a live map update, but doesn't yet have full turn-by-turn directions-- and I think Garmin just (like in the last couple of days) announced new models with traffic and some other interesting features, so check the links above for that as well.

Keep us posted on what you find/decide!

I have been using the Lowrance XOG cross-navigation system for almost a year and I really like it. It features ready-to-go street navigation and loads of optional outdoor maps from topos, aerials, to rivers and lakes. Rugged, weatherproof, fully portable and super-accurate is a must and this thing is rugged. It offers a lot of multimedia extras which I don't really use other than marking trails with pictures, that’s pretty cool. On the road inside the jeep, on the trail, it is great. Or if you want to take it for a walk or in the boat that is cool to!

Several people I have talked to say this GPS is hard to learn but I did not think so. Read the manual and learn how to navigate the system and you won't have a problem.

Several times I have taken cross-country off road trips and used this GPS to navigate and I have never gotten lost. I have found blocked passages and trails that required me to back track using the trail marking function but it saved me and I found a new way around.

I big plus to this GPS is it is cheap found now for under $200.00 (Bass Pro Shop) if there is one near.

Only drawback is the screen could be larger but in my case it allowed it to fit in my overhead console.

Joe Frith
OffRoad Rage
Louisville KY

I would recommend a Garmin Nuvi for the car, though I have not seen one that is good for offroad yet.

I use a handheld gps (but it also has a car mount) so you can put it up in the dash. I think a great one for offroad would be the Oregon 300T (t for topo maps pre-installed) I have the 300 (no maps), you can buy a small chip with the maps on it and just install the maps you want. (holds 2000 waypoints)

Another great handheld is the GARMIN 60CSX, easy to use, versatile you can buy various mounts for car, bike, etc. Holds 1000 waypoints.

The biggest difference from car gps and handhelds is screen size and the noises they make, especially if you want a voice to guide you turn by turn. the handhelds only beep.

Otherwise they both come in bright color screens, they both have maps you can download and upgrade, they both navigate you turn by turn to wherever you are going. Both have points of interest, like restaurants, airports, parks, etc.

I actually find the handhelds to be MORE versatile.
I design outdoor adventure courses using gps navigation for a living. I travel all over the US and in some foreign countries using my gps' and they work fantastic. I own about 5 different ones, all Garmin, 3 different handhelds and 2 for cars, both Nuvis.

Good Luck,

Tanya