Sound Advice: There are other GPS options besides Garmin

By DON LINDICH, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: October 16, 2009 - 4:52 PM

Q It seems that navigation systems have come down in price, and I would like to get one with a screen of at least 4 inches. Are there any recommendations you have for $200 or less?

J. MARKS, Greensburg, Pa.

A Put the 4.3-inch Garmin Nuvi 255W on your shopping list. When it comes to GPS, Garmin is considered the leader and has a devoted following. The interface is extremely easy to use, product support is excellent and Garmin units seem to be the most consistent at giving precise, accurate directions.

Despite this, I've never warmed much to Garmins because of the display, which shows much less trip information than I like, and the value equation, because you can get more for your money elsewhere. I tested two units this summer you should consider, too. Both include maps of the United States and Canada.

The new 4.7-inch Mio Moov S501 (www.mio.com) lists for $199 but can frequently be purchased for $150. It has Mio's new iPhone-like Spirit interface, and an amazing 12 million points of interest are preloaded.

The S501's screen provides written instructions, lane guidance and the clear, simple map is one of the most attractive I have seen. A drop-down list on the right shows time to destination, distance to destination and driving time remaining.

Sophisticated PC software is included for tracking your driving habits and to download destinations from Google maps.

Altogether it is a compelling system that shows high-tech moxie while offering an unbeatable feature set for the price, but some small navigational errors keep it short of flawless. But I can still easily recommend it.

The other unit I tested was the Nextar SNAP7 (www.nextar.com), which has a 7-inch, colorful display.

The SNAP7 is a sleeper of a fun GPS unit that continually impressed and satisfied me. The interface was logically set up and facilitated quick entry of information. Directions are easy to read and the map has 3-D buildings for major cities. Driving past the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas I was treated to a huge sphinx and pyramid next to the car as I drove past.

What's more, the SNAP7 never led me astray and provided excellent directions. Although it usually sells for $349, I have often seen it offered for $200 or less.

The most notable SNAP7 downside is the preloaded points of interest, which at "over 1 million" is well short of competitors.

If you are thinking the SNAP7 might be for you, be warned that the huge screen is best for bigger cars, trucks and SUVs, and its weight demands careful mounting. If you can fit it in your vehicle, I suspect you will love it.

If the SNAP7 is too big, Nextar also has a 5-inch version, the SNAP5, which sells for under $150 online.

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