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.

—Jeff Bartlett

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."

Comments

[Jay]

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.

[Keith Hymel]

Agree with all...CP should do GPS for golf and other areas. I was looking at golflogix and sky caddie

[greg]

Please review GPS Golf systems.

[Ken]

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

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

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.

[George Dammeyer]

Also would like to request an evaluation of golf GPS units. I'm sure there are many of us golfers out there who would be grateful for that information. Thank you.

[Osiris]

CR please review a golf gps. As you can see from the comments, there is a high demand for this info. Thanks in advance.

[Randall]

I too would like to see a comparison of golf GPS units. The tests should also be conducted at different locations, courses and maybe even regions to see if the reception is consistent. Quite frankly, there is no excuse for poor reception as all golf courses are outside and away from most tall structures. Thus they should have unobstructed connection to the satellites. The only time my Nuvi has reception problems is inside a parking structure or on streets surrounded by close, tall buildings.

Seems that more of CR subscribers would like to see a test of a golf GPS than a hiking one.

[Ray]

What is one of the largest demographic groups in the country ? Baby Boomers. What are they getting ready (some have started) to do? Retire. What do retirees do ? THEY PLAY GOLF. For crying out loud CR give us a comparison of golf GPS units. And do it before Christmas.

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

You guys are making a strong case for the golf GPS units! In 2008, we saw significant demand for hiking units and added that to our test program. Our first report will go live this coming week, and other results will follow in November. For now, the team is committed to testing the latest automotive units in time for the holidays. As for 2009... We'll see.

[Ken Dibble]

This last post from Jeff Bartlett at CR is confusing. Jeff, are you saying CR is going to post the first test report on HIKING units or GOLF units? Not very clear. As for the last statment, it's typical and redundant (as usual) of CR to do automotive gps reports along with other unending reports on products without new items being even considered. BTDT. Move on to other new equipment that people use and request (see above thread). As for a hiking unit report over a golf unit report...please. You got to be kidding, right?

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

We added hiking units to our GPS testing program for 2008. Simply, there was greater demand for the hiking units. Portable automotive GPS units continue to see increased interest and sales, and we remain committed to testing the most significant models as they are introduced.

[Paul Wood]

I can't believe there are more hikers then Golfers. I did a lot of research on Golf units and bought the Golf Buddy Pro. I'll test it today at my home course. Aquiring satellites is one thing, but how the company mapped the course is another. Aerial views, satellite or walking the course. I would think walking is more accurate, but don't know.

If I don't get a warm and fuzzy after testing the Golf Buddy Pro today, then I'll take it back and get the iGolf Neo for less then half the price. The internet, a friend and my local golf store say the same thing about customer service with Sky Caddie and Garmin. Not so good.

I'll look forward to your review in 2009 and please show detail on how these companies map the courses and if it makes a difference.

[Rosemary Schirm]

I would like to purchase as a GIFT, a golf course GPS....would LOVE your input, so as to make an informed decision....HELP!

[Lorne Staples]

I think golf GPS units are going to be the biggest thing since Calloway revolutionized golf equipment. Golfers are anxious to own one! The delay is choosing which one.
Please,please help us by comparing the various units as the message board has requested! These units make great Christmas presents too!

[Larry Beamer]

I'm interested in purchasing either a golf laser range finder or a golf gps system and need help sorting out the pro's and con's for each. Since I live in a remote location, about 75 miles away from a quality golf equipment outlet, I welcome the advice your testing can provide about the various products that are on the market. In particular, I am interested in information comparing laser range finders for Gold Laser Link and the Bushnell models. Please help!

[David Barnes]

I would like Consumer Report to test Golf GPS and give me the best one on the market. I would like them to do that before Christmas so that I can have accurate information before I get mine for Christmas so that I can tell them which one I want. I would hate to spend $400 and find out that I did not buy the best one for the money. Thanks CR. Do it now, that is what I am paying for.

[John Heffernan]

I too would like to see a review of Golf GPS Units.
I can't believe it has not been done yet.

[Paul Wood]

I've used the Golf Buddy Pro twice now and plan to keep it. It is within a yard of the markers and that is more than accuate enough for my game. I had 6 to 7 satellites acquired and I hear that makes a difference. Not sure if different areas of the country would differ, or if overcast makes a difference on signals, but clear sky both times.

It gives the distance to hazards and to clear the hazard, but does not show a outline of the fairway. That would be a nice feature. I've used it twice and plenty of battery left for another game.

The belt clip is cheap and I would not trust it for those that walk the course, but it sits in the cart cup holder just fine and was easy to read at a glace. It did take a few seconds to settle on a distance when I drove to the ball, but within 3 yards.

No annual fee and has all the courses. Their website was easy to use for patches and new courses. I would like to hear from someone with a iGolf Neo. At less then half the price, small enough to carry in your pocket, holds 10 courses and 100 on your computer to swap out with, no annual fee after the first downloading, it sounds like a better deal if accuate.

[Gary Martin]

Have a skycaddie SGS2. Power receptical went bad on the first one due to know fault of my own. It was out of warranty. I sent it back and skycaddie said they couldn't fix it. They said a refurbished one would cost $179 which I bought. Have no idea what they do with my original "unrepairable" unit but would bet a dollar to donut they fixed and sold as "refurbished". I would not buy Skycaddie again without looking very carefully at others. I think from what I have heard that the Garmin golfogix is a winner without an annual fee and will map any course in the US. Agree that Skycaddie customer service is poor.

[Patricia]

Please HELP ASAP! Which Golf GPS should I buy my husband as a group birthday gift. Is color helpful. What is most important. Which ones work flawlessly.
Since CR has not review them, PLEASE, let me hear from those that have one they love and couldn't live without.
Thanks,
Patricia

[The Hankster]

Thinking about a gps for golf but after reading the reviews I am changing my mind. I have a Bushness Pin Seeker and it works well. If you know your clubs you should be able to get it on the green if you can see the pin. However it would be nice to how far you hit each shot. By the sounds of it there is now need for you to do a report until they do some extensive work on the GPS that are out there. Definitely not worth the money now.

Thanks Dennis H.

[SWilson]

My husband is wanting a GPS for Christmas and is torn about which to choose. We are considering the uPro (color screen with depiction of the hole layout) versus a Skycaddie5... I really hoped that CR would have evaluated these in time for Christmas but since it doesn't appear to be in the cards this year, could anyone else respond with their experiences. Thanks for your feedback...

[Wavy Gravy]

I along with the multitudes am confused about the relative merits of the various golf gps unit claims. Please help us oh mighty CR!

[waash]

Yes, please do a review of golf GPS units.