GPS feedback, looking for fresh info

Rand McNally tnd 720LM without a doubt

 

Get a rand. It's keyed to your atlas (you have one right?) and it has the best support. I've been using one for 4 years now and it hasn't steered me wrong yet.

 

Rand is good for finding truck stops but that's about it. Garmin don't care and tells you to go someplace else for them. The high dollar ones are sluggish and buggy and the only decent route you get from them is if you only travel on the big road.

Ohh they have cool feature this, and cool feature that, and cool feature you will never use so they must be worth the money!

Try Copilot on a smartphone or tablet.

 

Here's the dirty little secret:

All the commercial GPS units that you buy in the store use the same map database. The only real difference in them is the user interface (UI), and any additional features the manufacturer may add (such as traffic).

Play with them all, and buy the one you like the best.

FYI, you won't want to give up Garmin's Voice Command once you get used to it. I keep trying to talk to my Qualcomm...

 

copilot is cheap. requires no hand held unit. buy license one time. can install on any phone or tablet you'll ever own. and doesn't steer you wrong.

as for all the fancy features. there's an app for that. FREE.

as for them other brands.

 

Although I have had a few issues with my Rand McNally TND units, they really do make a great unit... and their customer service is pretty darn good if/when you do have an issue. Like another person posted above, I also just bought a TND 720LM about two weeks ago and it's working great! However, since it looks like you've been driving for 12+ years, I trust you will always keep a good old paper atlas with you as well for those not-so-perfect situations a GPS will encounter from time to time. Good luck with your research!

BTW, Rand McNally was running a $80.00 mail-in rebate for this unit through TA, and it might still be running.. It's also likely that this special rebate is involved with other truck stops as well. Might help you save a few bucks.

 

Wrong info... TeleAtlas and HERE are the two Map Databases and the GPS's do not use only one.

 

http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm

 

I'm pretty much in the same place as the op in that I've been wanting to pull the trigger on a gps. Just when I make up my mind about one, I read something bad about it and hesitate.

Also mail in rebates are a pet peeve of mine. I'd you want to save the customer 80 bucks to increase sales, put it on sale. Don't make me jump through hoops and wait 2 months to get my rebate. Frankly it's part of the reason I haven't bought a rand 720 this month.