GPS Suggestions (USB or standalone)?

[ski]

I am looking to get a GPS.

1) USB to my 15.4" laptop, under $100 -- inexpensive but more bulky, can't be mounted/easily seen while driving.
2) handheld unit (Navman iCN510 (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1683563,00.asp)), under $400 -- more expensive and only 3.5" screen but can be mounted and easily seen

I really like that Navman model, because it's only $330, has color touch screen, voice commands, and with a 512MB SD card it can fit 1/3 of the United States. Are there any others around this price range besides Navman?

If I got the USB one for my laptop, I'd have to be pulled over to look up maps/location, and the standalone could be used for hiking.

[_=DeltaForce=_]

If cost doesnt matter, get the Standlone... But if u want it cheap, bigger LCD screen, Go with the USB one

I m getting a USB one and I did some research and found that the Garmin GPS 18 is the best one avaiable... Its around $129 at staples... I am waiting for the $20 off coupon so I can use that and my employee discount to get it around $95 :)

[AlpineJay]

I know that the one that comes w/ Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005 is absolutely awful. You will often see deals on those so in case you were wondering, stay away from them.

Garmin standalone units are supposedly to be awesome, if cost is no object (or under ~700 bucks). They're one of the guys who have been in the market since the inception and I know many people who use it for hiking AND driving with the same unit who are extremely happy with it.

[ski]

I know that the one that comes w/ Microsoft Streets & Trips 2005 is absolutely awful. You will often see deals on those so in case you were wondering, stay away from them.
Yikes, that would have been the one I'd have gotten for USB! My friend got that package for $70 AR, works decently he said.

[bachviet]

If you travel a lot with your laptop, get the USB one.

[faither]

Santa brought me a USB version for my laptop that we used for our drive from NJ to FL. Give Santa a link and she...I me he, can't make a mistake.

I got the Garmin 18 Deluxe (linky (http://www.garmin.com/products/gps18/)) and it was great.

The software was excellent. Gives voice navigation (if you want it) and the resolution on my 15.4 WUXGA+ was tremendous. I'd say the SW alone (nRoute) was worth the cost and the GPS was top-notch, too.

[smthayer]

I bought a USB one off ebay about 2 years ago and love it, one thing with a laptop it is great if you have someone with you also then they can look at it, can also watch movies on the laptop. Of course you need a power cable for the laptop.

I use mappoint 2k4 and it updates every couple seconds. You can also find out what is ahead and alt routes. Map point also has construction info.


Edit to update my model is the BU 303 model, I bought mine from a guy on ebay in hong kong and he shipped quicker than most us auctions. They average about 50 - 60 bucks a piece on ebay

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/2c/1a/b1_2.JPG

Here is a picture of my laptop gps from when I went to florida from Indiana a couple years ago

http://www.shawnthayer.com/2003/florida/pics/P7120552.JPG

At 60 bucks for a laptop one you should just get both if you want to go hiking with one also