The Maestro 5310's roomy 5-inch screen makes for much easier viewing.
(Credit: Amazon)Shopping for a GPS? You can get one with a 3.5-inch screen for as little as $50, a 4.3-inch screen for under $100, or a 5-inch screen for--well, these models are relatively rare, so prices start at around $300 and rise sharply from there.
Not today. TigerDirect has a refurbished Magellan Maestro 5310 5-inch GPS for $129.99 shipped.
What's the big deal about a 5-inch display? That seemingly small amount of extra screen estate makes maps easier to view and onscreen menus easier to operate. Consequently, I'd say it's a safer GPS than one with a 3.5-inch screen.
The Maestro offers everything else you'd want in a GPS, too, including text-to-speech (i.e. it pronounces street names), 6 million points of interest, a windshield mount, and optional real-time traffic.
Even if you don't spring for a traffic subscription (which costs $60 annually after a free three-month trial), you can use the Maestro's SmartDetour feature to plot a route around suddenly slow or stopped traffic.
You don't get a lot of fancy frills like Bluetooth or a media player, but I consider that stuff fairly superfluous anyway. The big screen is the big attraction here, and the traffic option is icing on the cake.
CNET hasn't reviewed the 5310, but the handful of user reviews over at Amazon are overwhelmingly positive.
Because this is a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 days. As always, I think that's a potential positive: whatever problem might have existed has already been corrected.
In any case, this deal has been running all weekend, so there's a chance it'll be ending soon. If you're in the market for a nav system and you'd budgeted $100 or so anyway, I'd definitely consider paying a little extra for this big, beautiful screen.
On Sale Now: $179.99 - $549.99
View the latest prices for Magellan Maestro 5310
If you like adventure games, monkeys, and/or free stuff, today's your lucky day. LucasArts is offering a free download of Tales of Monkey Island - Chapter 1: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal.
This offer is good today only, and the clock is already ticking, so hurry up lest ye miss yer chance, ye, um, scurvy dog.
(Did I mention today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day? That's LucasArts' impetus for the freebie. But I'm going to restrain myself from going all yo-ho-ho on you. Try to, anyway.)
If the name Monkey Island doesn't ring a bell, you were probably born sometime after 1980, damn you. These were "graphic adventures" at their finest and funniest, and it's terrific to see the series revived after all these years.
Tales of Monkey Island is actually a five-part series; today's download is the first chapter. I haven't had time to try it yet, but judging by the trailer, it's definitely the best-looking Monkey Island game to date.
So, who's your favorite pirate? Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow? Me, I'm partial to the Sea Captain from The Simpsons.
This nicely equipped GPS can be yours for under $50.
(Credit: TomTom)Gonna make this quick because I'm late for the airport (San Francisco, here I come!). Amazon has the refurbished TomTom One 130 GPS for $47.98 shipped.
That's after a $20 mail-in rebate, but still. The TomTom 130 has some pretty decent features for an entry-level GPS, including text-to-speech and an optional traffic receiver.
You can also have a little fun by adding celebrity voices. Remember the Homer Simpson GPS from a couple weeks ago? You can add that voice, and many others, to the 130.
Amazon doesn't list the warranty, but because this is a refurb, assume 90 days.
I know nobody likes rebates, but when you take that into account, this is the lowest price I've seen yet on any GPS. If you don't already have a nav system for your car, you'd be crazy not to hop on this deal.
Drop an extra $12.95 and this TomTom GPS will tell you where to go--as Homer Simpson.
(Credit: TomTom)Update: Sorry, folks, looks like Newegg sold out. That happens with many of the deals I post, so as always, if you see something you like, hurry before it's gone!
The best GPS deals these days fall in the $50-60 range, but sometimes it's worth paying a little extra. Case in point: Newegg has the refurbished TomTom One XL-S wide-screen GPS for $89.99 shipped.
So why is this model worth a few extra bucks? Two words: Homer Simpson. Like many TomTom nav systems, the XL-S lets you install (for a nominal charge) various celebrity voices.
The latest addition is "Simpsons" cast member Dan Castellaneta, who tells you where to go--as Homer.
Need I say more? Well, OK, I'll say more: The XL-S also offers a 4.3-inch touch screen, text-to-speech capabilities, Bluetooth, and an optional traffic-data receiver.
However, it's important to note that text-to-speech isn't available with the celebrity voices--only the built-in computer voice. Thus, Homer says things like, "At the end of the road, turn left," not, "Turn left on Evergreen Terrace."
Also, the Bluetooth capability doesn't afford hands-free calling like on some models. It does, however, allow you to download traffic data via your cell phone, without the need for the aforementioned receiver. (You still need a TomTom PLUS subscription, though.)
I particularly like TomTom's Map Share feature, which lets you make map changes and import changes made by other users. Also, the easy-to-use TomTom Home desktop software helps you update the device, install new voices, plan routes in advance, and so on.
The Homer voice costs $12.95, which I think is quite reasonable. It's optional, of course, and I'll admit the novelty does wear off--in about three years! Seriously, I so dig this that I'm selling the Sony GPS I bought a few months back and moving to the TomTom. You?
Though light on bells and whistles, the Pharos Drive 200 offers a 4-inch screen and text-to-speech.
(Credit: Pharos)If you're in the market for a GPS, I highly recommend one with a 4-inch-wide screen. Sure, you can save a few bucks on a square 3.5-incher, but those seem downright tiny in comparison.
Because a smaller screen is harder to see, you're likely to have to steal more glances at it--which means less time focused on the road. Nav systems are distracting enough as it is, so do yourself a favor and splurge on one that's easier on the eyes.
Actually, forget splurging: Dell has the Pharos Drive 200 wide-screen GPS on sale for just $58.49. Shipping is free, but be sure to apply coupon code VBGH?K188CBWMC at the checkout page.
This is a fairly bare-bones GPS, with no traffic updates or Bluetooth or anything like that. But it does offer text-to-speech, arguably the most valuable feature when it comes to actual navigation.
What's more, it has a list price of $149.95, meaning Dell's deal is saving you a bundle. However, some users have indicated that the 200's maps are about 18 months out of date, and Pharos says there won't be an update until late 2009 or early 2010. On the plus side, it does appear registered users will be able to get it for free.
What's more, this is a new unit, not a refurb, and you don't have to wait around on a rebate. Pretty smokin' deal on a wide-screen GPS, IMHO.
The Navigon 2100 Max features a 4.3-inch screen and free traffic updates for life.
(Credit: Navigon)It's no longer news to find a GPS navigation system selling for less than $100. But to find one with some killer bells and whistles? That's my kind of news.
And here it is: Newegg has the Navigon 2100 Max GPS with free lifetime traffic updates for $89.99 shipped. How good is this deal? The list price is $250.
Admittedly, this is a recertified unit, and for some reason there's no warranty information on Newegg's product page. I'd assume you get a 90-day guarantee, and I have no problem with that. A GPS has few (if any) moving parts, so what is there to break?
Plus, look at all the goodies you get: a 4.3-inch wide screen, text-to-speech, a lane-guidance tool, various emergency-assistance features, and, best of all, a built-in traffic receiver that works for free.
That alone is a big deal, as most traffic-enabled navigators make you spend anywhere from $60 to $100 per year to use that feature.
CNET's review of the Navigon 2100 Max was mixed, though keep in mind it was selling for $299 at the time. The key complaints were its occasionally confusing interface and sluggish performance.
I don't consider those deal-breakers, as most navigators have a learning curve, and I've yet to use one I'd describe as "fast." So if you're looking for a traffic-savvy, well-appointed GPS and want to get out the door for less than $100, here's your answer.
Think this $50 GPS is too good to be true? Hint: It probably is.
(Credit: Buy.com)How low can GPS prices go? I thought the refurbished Magellan from a few weeks ago was amazing at $60 (after rebate), but now Buy.com has the MyGuide PND 2150 GPS for an impossible $49.99.
This is a new unit, not a refurb, and that $50 price tag is out-the-door: no rebates; Buy.com picks up the shipping.
As you might expect, this is a strictly no-frills navigation system, offering a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a suction-cup windshield mount, and an impressive 4 million points of interest.
That's fine: Not everybody needs frills. But there are red flags all over this GPS, starting with the fact that MyGuide is a European company, and there's no indication that the 2150 comes with U.S./North American maps.
Meanwhile, the MyGuide site appears to be down, so I can't find any information regarding specs, warranty, map updates, etc. Plus, I've searched high and low and can't find any reviews of this model.
Thus, if you'll pardon the navigation pun, your course is clear: skip this GPS. Sometimes a deal is just plain too good to be true. If you need a nav system for 50 bucks, consider Buy.com's other option: the Magellan RoadMate 1200 for $49.99 (after a $20 mail-in rebate). Yep, it's a refurb with a 90-day warranty, but I'd choose that over the MyGuide any day of the week. Here endeth the lesson.
Power your portable devices for hours with Tekkeon's dirt-cheap travel charger.
(Credit: Amazon)Tired of running out of juice when you're on the run? The Tekkeon TekCharge MP1800 is a rechargeable portable battery pack that supplies power to phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth headsets, and other mobile devices.
It normally sells for around $45, but Amazon is selling the Tekkeon TekCharge for $28.99 with free shipping.
The charger comes with seven adapter tips for use with most kinds of mobile phones, but you can also use the USB cable that came with your iPod, Zune, or other device. In other words, it's almost universally compatible, provided that your gizmo can be charged via USB.
The TekCharge sports a status meter that shows available power, a voltage regulator to prevent damage to devices and batteries, and even a flashlight, in case you get stuck in the dark. It comes with a drawstring carrying case too.
Just one oversight: Tekkeon doesn't supply an AC adapter for charging the TekCharge itself (which takes about six hours, according to CNET's mostly positive review). For that, you need a USB port or a wall plug that supplies power to USB devices.
If you can overlook that annoying inconvenience, you should find the TekCharge a very welcome travel companion. Although it is compact enough to slip into a bag or even pocket, it delivers hours upon hours of extra talk time, video viewing, audio playback, and more.
Find your way with this incredibly inexpensive wide-screen GPS.
(Credit: Dell)Just last month, I was so stoked to find a Sony wide-screen GPS for $99.99, I actually bought one.
Too bad I didn't wait, as Dell has the Pharos Drive 200 wide-screen GPS for just $66.99. It's a new unit, not a refurb, and Dell picks up the shipping.
Needless to say, that blows away any previous deal I've posted on a wide-screen navigation system. (FYI, wide screen means a 4-inch, wide-format LCD, as opposed to the square-ish 3.5-inch screen on most cheapo GPS units. That half inch may not sound like much, but trust me: it makes for much easier viewing.)
As you might expect, the Pharos Drive 200 has a pretty basic feature set, including preloaded maps of the continental United States, a "walking" mode, and a windshield mount.
However, there's one higher-end ace in the feature hole: text-to-speech, meaning that the Drive 200 will announce street names instead of just saying, "Take next right." That's a mighty nice amenity, and I'm glad to see it in such a low-priced GPS.
OK, but is the GPS any good? I haven't found many reviews, but there's plenty of user feedback on Dell's site, if you care to read it. Most of the complaints seem pretty minor, so if you're itching for a cheap GPS and don't need a lot of bells and whistles, act fast. This will sell out quickly.
This surprisingly well-equipped navigation system can be yours for just 60 bucks.
(Credit: CNET)Ladies and gents, we have a new low! Buy.com has the Magellan RoadMate 2200T GPS for $59.99 shipped (after a $30 mail-in rebate). It's a refurbished unit, but it's also the least-expensive navigation system I've seen yet.
Needless to say, this model is a couple years old, so don't expect a lot of bells and whistles. It does offer text-to-speech, music and photo players, an optional traffic-monitoring kit, and a "smart detour" feature. Hmmm. Come to think of it, you get some bells and whistles, after all. It's even waterproof!
CNET awarded the RoadMate 2200T 3.5 stars out of 5, the major complaint being its sluggishness in switching between applications. I don't know about you, but I can live with that--seeing as I'd probably never use the other applications, anyway.
Because this is a refurb, the warranty lasts just 90 days. The rebate offer (PDF) expires February 4, but I suspect that these RoadMate 2200Ts will sell out well before that date. A full-feature navigation system for $60 is really tough to pass up.
