Choosing the best GPS for Father's Day
Finding the perfect gift for Father's Day can be a real challenge, especially if you've gone through the gifting staples of golf balls, ties, tools, action movies, and beer-of-the-month club through the years. If you're stuck for a great idea, a portable GPS navigation device can show your appreciation for dear ol' Dad.
The latest devices can help on daily commutes with real-time traffic data, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, and smart points-of-interest features to locate the cheapest, nearby gas station. Dad can use the photo viewer to proudly show off the kids, and display pictures of his favorite dream machine, or even sports team in action. No doubt, he would enjoy his new navigation tool and travel companion, especially on long road trips.
Of course, choosing the right one can make or break the gift.
Fatherly GPS buying advice
In choosing a device, weigh your budget against your father's needs. There are many extra features available that may sound enticing, but in the long-run he would most appreciate an easy-to-use device—the performance attribute that is weighted most heavily throughout our testing.
Features to consider:
An important feature commonly referred to as "text to speech" translates map data by speaking street names. So, rather than simple "left" or "right" instruction, the device would say, "Turn right on Main Street."
Wide screens not only display more map area, but provide larger touch-screen buttons to ease data entry —particularly appreciated by users with large fingers.
Bluetooth-connectivity can enable hands-free cell phone operation and pair with a phone to deliver traffic and other data to capable devices. This can be a welcomed feature for a mobile business person, though it is typically available only on mid-level and premium devices.
Be wary that traffic features often require a monthly service and possibly an extra-cost receiver. So, bear in mind that this feature will cost him money to use. (The Navigon 5100 and 7100 include free traffic.)
We also caution against buying a model based on bargain pricing over our Ratings, as we have found few low-cost units to be good. That said, both Garmin and TomTom have entry-level units that have performed well in our tests and are available with a full range of features. Of particular interest, the current TomTom One series is being replaced by the new 130 and soon-to-arrive 330 lines, driving a price reduction on the One and One XL models. The new TomTom devices feature a completely redesigned body, a new integrated locking mount, and larger speaker. While the hardware has been updated, the software has the familiar TomTom interface—similar to that used on the well-rated One 3rd Edition.
Garmin will soon release new Nuvi "2x5" models that build on the strong Nuvi 200 series with the promise of swifter satellite acquisition times, shaded maps to indicate elevation, and ability to choose user-supplied pictures from the Garmin Connect Photos site to use for seeking landmarks. We have not tested these Garmin units yet, but we expect they may lead to deals on the current Nuvi 200 models.
Latest GPS Ratings
We have just updated our exhaustive GPS navigation device ratings, adding:
- Garmin Nuvi 5000
- Mio Moov 310
- Navigon 2100 max
- TomTom One 130, One 130S, Go 730T, Go 930T
These join the ratings of dozens of other GPS devices from Alpine, Cobra, Dash, Delphi, Garmin, HP, Harman Kardon, Jensen, LG, Lowrance, Magellan, Navigon, Panasonic, Pharos, Pioneer, Sony, and TomTom.
In the weeks ahead, we plan to purchase and evaluate devices from Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, and Uniden.
If you do buy a unit for Father's Day, take the time to set it up with your dad's home address, favorite points of interest, and family photos—if capable. After all, he likely assembled many toys for you through the years.
For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.
Also read "A car guy's Father's Day, parts 1 and 2."
Posted by: ajay | Jun 6, 2008 12:22:37 AM
Buy GARMIN nuvi350 online - you get a good deal.
Posted by: OhJeep | Jun 6, 2008 7:44:20 PM
I just bought a Garmin nuvi 750 at Sam's Club for $299. I did considerable research & this was a great price & a terrific unit to consider.
Posted by: Good CSG | Jun 7, 2008 1:31:27 PM
I am looking for a good golf gsp - is skycaddie or golflogix good ones to purchase
Posted by: Up and Down | Jun 10, 2008 2:05:54 AM
I'm also looking for a GPS for golf. Any opinions on the Sky Caddie 5 or 2.5, Golf Buddy Pro, Sonocaddie v300, uPro, or Golf Guru? Some of these require annual memberships; some charge based on the number of courses you download. Some have been out for awhile; some are brand new. The Golf Guru claims to be the most accurate as it supports 16 channels while the others generally support 12. Curious if anyone has experience with any of these and can point me in the right direction. Thanks much.
Posted by: Robert | Jun 17, 2008 6:22:57 PM
Looks like lots of us are looking for a good golf GPS. Lots to choose from. CR should do a test.
Posted by: Ricky | Jun 18, 2008 12:43:01 AM
I agree CR needs to do a test on golf GP systems, with so many available it'd be nice to know whats best rated n what features n such
Posted by: David | Jun 18, 2008 8:50:31 AM
Count me in on asking CR to do their testing, evaluations, and recommendations on golf GPS products.
Posted by: Herb | Jun 18, 2008 11:36:23 AM
Don't limit the testing to a golf GPS. Include hiking also.
Posted by: John Culp | Jun 23, 2008 2:00:07 AM
Agreeing with several of the comments above, I would also like to see a CR report of Golf GPS (and other on course electronics.)
Posted by: Jim | Jun 24, 2008 12:24:34 AM
Golf GPS? I'm another who would like to these tested/reported.
Posted by: Jim | Jun 24, 2008 12:27:29 AM
I'm another who would like a golf GPS report.
Posted by: Robert Piacentino | Jun 24, 2008 1:50:08 PM
I am also looking for a good golf GPS. CR pl;ease help us make a more informed decision with these. Thanks
Posted by: Robert | Jun 24, 2008 11:03:09 PM
Check out the Upro Golf GPS, it looks to be the best
Posted by: RobertAF | Jul 1, 2008 10:44:30 AM
Has Consumer Reports rated or tested the NUVI 880 yet? Anyone have any comments comparing the NUVI 880 to the Tom Tom 930?
Posted by: David | Jul 12, 2008 6:53:04 PM
I also would like to see a Consumer Reports test and review of golf related GPS equipment.
Posted by: Roger | Jul 15, 2008 5:37:30 PM
CR please review golf GPS
Posted by: Rick Dill | Jul 18, 2008 7:37:13 PM
It's too bad nobody has come up with a gps that could be used on the road and the golf course, all in one unit that is portable.
Posted by: rob hendry | Jul 21, 2008 5:30:05 PM
All I wanted for my 60th Birthday was a Sky Caddietwo years ago, and afterwards remembered the phrase. You don't always want what you wish for. Mine is/was the SG2 series. It worked fine at first then started having problems finding satellites. I went through the instructions on how to reset and it would get a little better than lose all reception again. I finally took it to the pro shop and they sent it back. more than a month later i got it back and it worked for a short period. we then sent it back again with the same results, but this time the battery would no longer take a charge. We sent it back again May 2007 after several weeks I checked o n it and it wasn't back several more weeks still not back so pro shop called and Sky Caddie had no record of my SG2. The pro shop battled for what seemed to be monthes and believe it was, because low and behold in later September I received my SG2 back.
Mean time my back was out so din't again try to use it until this spring, no signal. I took it back and Sky Caddie told my pro shop that my subscription had run out and I would have to subscribe to download the new software. Naturally I wasn't going to spend $50 until I knew it would work, so again my pro shop went to battle got me a temporary subscribtion to only find out it wouldn't receive a signal.
Since I have bought for about the same $350 a Bushnell laser that doesn't require a subscription each year and works not only on all golf courses, but you can point it at a tree down the fair way and know how far you are.
The point of this whole review is customer service. Sky Caddie has none so therefore would warn all that unless they are positive they will never have a problem with one of their instruments, it then will only be as good as the service backing it, which is none. Thank goodness I have excellent service at the pro shop or know telling what I would have gone through.
Rob Hendry
S.M.T.D.
Which is at the bottom of all my emails, letters and business cards.
S.M.T.D. means SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Posted by: Mike | Jul 26, 2008 12:25:19 AM
I am looking for the same information. I have compared the Garmin Golflogix and the Skycaddie at the various internet golf warehouse sites, most product reviewers tend to say the same things as have been previously mentioned-Skycaddie has a hard time linking to satellites, and that the distances are not always accurate. I have heard the same from a Skycaddie owner, also indicating that customer support is poor.
UPro is interesting, but seems to be untested. I am ready to buy the Garmin Golflogix, it seems to be easiest to use and gives information in an easy format.
Posted by: Gail | Jul 27, 2008 1:46:06 PM
The commemts made in previous postings are one I would like to echo -- there would be tremendous value in CR reviewing and rating GPS devices for golf as there are many to select from. Golfers with whom I have spoken and who have tried Sky Caddie have expressed dissatisfaction with the product. I tried GolfBuddy which did not provide as much information as I would like, e.g. distance to haszards and of last shot. Am looking at the Golflogix and will try out a demo -- but, it would be most helpful to be able to review a side-by-side comparison of the different options.
Thanks.
Posted by: Perry Willis | Jul 31, 2008 8:53:14 PM
CR please do a review of Golf GPS units. The Bushnell Yardage Pro GPS just came out. I've trying to decide between it and the iGolf Neo. All I want is distance to F,B,C of green and ability to mark a few custom points. The $150-199 price point is great, but subscription w/out knowing what courses is scary. Are laser range finders the way to go? HELP! I really want to invest in one, but there are TOO many variables/unknowns.
Posted by: Joan Raker | Aug 5, 2008 2:46:49 PM
How can I find info on the iGolf Neo? My husband has a Golflogix unit that he likes very much - but not my borrowing it. He want me to get the iGolf because of the price, but I need to know if it really works.
Posted by: The Dude | Aug 6, 2008 9:40:24 AM
I would like to see CP NOT do a review of golf GPS units. I would like to see the "sport" (lol) of golf dissapear from the face of the earth. What do you need a golf gps for anyway? So you can find your way back to the clubhouse when your smashed?
Posted by: Dominic | Aug 6, 2008 2:31:56 PM
I want a review of these golf gps units before I spend $300-$500. Please review them soon. There are too many out there to decide. I want all the bells and whistles but cost is factor. I would prefer no monthly subscription. I like the idea of a score card intregrated into the unit. Also, I play many different courses so it needs to hold at least 20 courses at a time.
Posted by: V Kelly | Aug 13, 2008 1:17:05 AM
I too would like to see CR evaluate golf rangefinders and GPS units. I have a SkyCaddie SG4. For the most part I like it, but will echo the poor customer service. I plugged it into the wrong charger in the car and it went blank. I sent it to SkyGolf and it took over 6 weeks and numerous calls. They finally sent it back ground shipping even though they stated they would ship it back the same way I sent it - 2 day delivery FedEx. Their shipping policy changed but apparently the tech that gave me the RMA didn't know that. To their credit they extended my subscription two months and fixed it for free even though it was one year out of warranty. Before and after the fix, it had problems acquiring a signal. I have gotten into the habit of RESETTING THE GPS each time I play. The plus of a GPS is if you cannot see the target (flag/dogleg/end of fairway is up or over a hill) the rangefinder can't help make the measurement. But I do pay $50/year for US golf course maps. I know golfers that now carry both GPS and Rangefinders, with the introduction of laser units.
Posted by: Jay | Aug 13, 2008 4:46:12 PM
I too would like to see CR do a review on the golf GPS. I ditto the Sky Caddie comments concerning the difficultly receiving satellite signal.
Posted by: Keith Hymel | Aug 26, 2008 12:13:23 PM
Agree with all...CP should do GPS for golf and other areas. I was looking at golflogix and sky caddie
Posted by: greg | Sep 29, 2008 3:40:24 PM
Please review GPS Golf systems.
Posted by: Ken | Oct 4, 2008 12:24:09 AM
CR; can you please conduct some testing on golf GPS's as it seems to be a very popular item/subject? There are a lot of different choices. I would like one that is reasonably priced; under $300 and that does not require a subscription.
Thank you,
Ken
Posted by: Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports | Oct 4, 2008 9:19:48 AM
We have been monitoring the requests for Golf GPS reviews with great interest, though we do not currently have plans to test golf units. However, we will soon add buying advice and ratings for hiking-oriented handheld units due to reader feedback. Then shifting gears back to automotive GPS -- there are at least a dozen units coming out before the holidays that we'll be evaluating.