Best portable nav?

[Sister Betty]

I've had both Garmin and TomTom units and prefer the Garmin. I find the Garmin software to be more accurate and intuitive. Plus, with Garmin you can upload an image of your Smart to represent you on the map - how cute is that?

[Trena]

GPS Wireless backup camera color monitor RV Truck Trailer Rear View Backup Wireless Camera RVCam Day & Night Vision

I wanted a back up camera and GPS in the same screen. This unit goes for $275 on the webpage, and similar price on Amazon. Not very many reviews to read on Amazon, but they are satisfactory. The mapping system is Navtech, the same Garmin uses, run by Destinator 7 software. It's a 4.3" screen. When you put car in reverse, it switches to back up camera video and has night vision, which reviewers rave about. Put car back out of reverse and your map returns. It has a lot of features that other higher end nav's have. The maps don't look quite as pretty as Garmin or other new systems, but is still better than my factory Prius maps. The company has reputation for excellent customer service and will walk you thru installation issues. Here's the manual for the nav that the company sent me by email when I inquired about the nav software:

http://www.4ucam.com/download/UM_Destinator_V7_Standard_EnglishUS.pdf


I think for my simple needs, this is the answer. Reviewers (what little there were on Amazon) had a few concerns about the nav, but no worse than for any other reviewed nav I've seen, or for things that I am not really concerned about. If anyone has experience with this system and would like to weigh in on it, please do! Thanks for all the responses! If I decide against this one for some reason, I'm pretty sold on a Garmin Nuvi 200W. ...I'm just a simple girl.

[mroland]

i also have the 4250. where did you install the portable antenna? what type of holding devise are you using? in other words, in the smart car where and how are you using the 4250? i tried all different ways and it worked, but maybe you'll have a better answer.

[Trena]

Originally Posted by mroland

i also have the 4250. where did you install the portable antenna? what type of holding devise are you using? in other words, in the smart car where and how are you using the 4250? i tried all different ways and it worked, but maybe you'll have a better answer.

i didn't. i don't have the unit or the car yet. i am planning ahead. hope to get a car in the next few months. some of the dealerships have orphans available at reasonable prices...some don't. will see....

do you like the unit?

[MsJoanne]

Originally Posted by Trena

help! i am looking for a portable (read: inexpensive and easily replaceable) nav system. having a tough time sifting thru the garmin, tomtom and mio reviews/info on amazon.com. what are your pro's and cons of the different brands and/or models of these and other brands? also, i am reading about a terrible time lapse waiting for garmin to sync with satellites on start-up on some models. is there a relatively basic model that has a quick start-up?

Tiger Direct has a Magellan at $89.00. ( www.tigerdirect.com )

I use Magellan in all the Hertz cars I rent. It's not too bad. Personally, I am looking at the Navagon...but waiting for the price to come down.

But I would get a Magellan.

FWIW.