Michael
http://gpsmapsoftware.go-article.com

Works well, we’ve used it for a several trips around the valley and down to the coast, as well as around towns.

Now I wish I had a gps receiver of some sort. Other than my startup I am running (click my name) I also run a consulting business in San Diego. We do custom programming projects, mostly web, for companies. So, I do a lot of traveling to meet with clients. I have a stack of Google Maps in my back seat

I do have a few Pocket Pcs and through one of my review sites we get sent GPS receivers all the time. Maybe I can commandeer one for my own use

I was very interested in Magellan products because my father owns one and it’s a great system. We also used one while I was “touring” for colleges out in Colorado in a rental. …saved our butt on more than one occasion. Everyone was talking about how Garmin StreetPilot was the best of the best, and had purchased one. I just didn’t like the way it looked.

Alas, after doing all my research and searching (for about 2 weeks or so), I came to the conclusion that Garmin was in fact the current team leader of automotive GPS units. I decided on getting the Garmin Nuvi 360. It’s portable, uses a suction mount, and capable of updating the maps using an SD card and/or connecting it to your computer (via USB). This is great because it means that it’s future proof from new construction, etc… If you’ll be in a city area (Redmond), you may also want to get the traffic receiver subscription. It can re-route you if there’s congestion. I didn’t research this as I didn’t need or want it, so you might want to look into that aspect yourself. I would highly recommend the Nuvi series of Garmin’s products. It’s more expensive than the TomTom models, but much, much, much more reliable. (In quality, future-proofing, craftsmanship, portability, and features…as well as directions!)

Garmin is also the leader in text to speech technology for their GPS system. According to reviewers, it’s the clearest sounding. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn good. You can zoom in/out on the map as well (in case you need a close up of all the streets, or an overview of the area’s major roadways).

Oh, did I mention it’s available from BestBuy and Circuit City? …I would suggest buying it from an online merchant such as Buy.com, Chumbo.com, or GetFeetWet.com though, you’ll save anywhere from $200-$400. I got all the prices from these three sites just 20 minutes ago, so if you want you’re more than welcome to email me and I’ll send them along. If you have any questions or concerns that I could answer, also let me know.

One thing to be aware of with the mounts: Suction cups look kinda ugly on windows, and leaving it on the window will let people “in-the-know” know you have one, perhaps a target for thieves. I’ve had problems with my black suction mount in the summer: it melts slightly to the window pane, causing corrosion on the suction cup. It still has suction, but eventually I’ll have to replace it. (I think a clear suction cup would be better than black.) I bought my unit from GetFeetWet.com when I was originally planning on spending may be up to $300 on one…I spent $800 in total (after getting an enormous SD card) – and it retailed (w/o card) for $999 at that point. So…considering that, I think it’s worth it.