2010 Top Rated
Car GPS
Best Seller List
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2010 Top Rated
Handheld GPS
Best Seller List
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2010 Top Rated
In Dash GPS
Best Seller List
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Portable Car GPS Systems

Portable Car GPS Systems have some distinct advantages and disadvantages over In Dash Car GPS systems. Portable GPS devices have gotten quite a bit slimmer in design and can now fit inside your pocket or purse. Why is that an advantage? It's simple, Portable Car GPS devices can also be used as Pedestrian GPS units as well. In fact, some Portable Car GPS devices contain very specific features that lend themselves to walking and navigating by foot in urban locations.

So what features do I need with my Portable Car GPS? Take a quick look at what major features are most commonly offered with todays GPS units in our Portable Car GPS Features definitions to get an understanding of what is available. At the end of the day you may realize that selecting a car GPS unit is too complex and confusing. Again, that is why we are committed to bringing you the best information regarding which Portable and In-Dash Car GPS units buyers have already purchased, used and rated the highest. See the best Portable GPS units lists at our GPS Comparison page where we have listed the top GPS units that buyers have rated highest.

 

2010 Top Rated Car GPS Best Seller List (Portable Units)

#2 Garmin nuvi 295W 4.43 $174.90 3.5 - - Y Y - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer, Wi-Fi, MP3, Camera Reviews Similar Models Prices
#6 Garmin nuvi 1450 4.38 $177.60 5.0 - - Y Y Y - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#9 TomTom XXL 540S 4.10 see price 5.0 - - Y Y Y - US, MX, CN Reviews Similar Models Prices
#1 Garmin nuvi 265W/265WT 4.09 $159.96 4.3 Y Y Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#5 Garmin nuvi 1350/1350T 4.03 $148.38 4.3 - Y Y - Y - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#10 Garmin nuvi 1490/1490T 4.03 $190.50 5.0 Y Y Y Y Y - US, PR, CN MP3, Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#11 TomTom XXL 540TM 3.91 see price 5.0 - Y Y Y Y - US, MX, CN Reviews Similar Models Prices
#7 Garmin nuvi 1390/1390T 3.85 $189.99 4.3 Y Y Y - Y - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#8 Magellan Maestro 4700 3.84 $163.20 4.3 Y Y - Y Y - US, PR, CN Voice Command Reviews Similar Models Prices
#3 Garmin nuvi 765/765T 3.83 $270.22 4.3 Y Y Y Y Y Y US, PR, CN PhotoView Reviews Similar Models Prices
#12 Garmin nuvi 785/785T 3.74 $302.46 4.3 Y Y Y Y Y Y US, PR, CN MP3, PhotoView Reviews Similar Models Prices
#4 Garmin nuvi 755/755T 3.72 $175.66 4.3 Y Y - Y Y Y US, PR, CN MP3, PhotoView Reviews Similar Models Prices
   
DISCONTINUED MODELS
#8 Garmin nuvi 255        4.49 $94.98 3.5 - Y Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#1 Garmin nuvi 260W 4.34 $172.46 4.3 - - Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#4 Garmin nuvi 255W Refurb 4.32 $91.16 4.3 - - Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#2 Garmin nuvi 255W 4.32 $109.22 4.3 - - Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#5 Garmin nuvi 205W 4.24 $99.99 4.3 - - - - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#3 Garmin nuvi 285W/285WT 4.16 $157.72 4.3 Y Y Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#6 Garmin nuvi 265/265T 4.07 $156.88 3.5 Y Y Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#7 Garmin nuvi 780 4.06 $389.99 4.3 Y Y Y - - - US, PR, CN Photo Viewer Reviews Similar Models Prices
#9 Garmin nuvi 885/885T 3.76 $288.08 4.3 Y Y Y Y - Y US, PR, CN Speech, MP3, PhotoView Reviews Similar Models Prices

Chart Glossary - Regardless of the two main device types you choose, the Portable CAR GPS and In-Dash Car GPS features you must consider when making your purchase are as follows:

  1. TRAFFIC -The GPS device receives (or is capable to receive) alerts about traffic tie-ups, road construction or obstacles that lie ahead on your route. Traffic updates are provided thru free or subscription based services designated by the GPS device manufacturer. Fee based subscription services typically receive more detailed alerts about traffic tie-ups, road construction or obstacles that lie ahead on your route. Data is typically provided thru fee based subscription services designated by the GPS device manufacturer and may include advanced weather, news and local events information.
  2. BLUETOOTH -Bluetooth wireless technology pairs the GPS device with your compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone for hands-free calling using a built-in microphone on the GPS device.
  3. SPEAKS STREET NAMES-Commonly referred to as "Text-To-Speech", this feature means that device automatically calls out street names saying "turn left on Peachtree Street" instead of "turn left in 100 feet."
  4. MULTI-POINT ROUTING -The GPS Unit allows you to enter custom destinations into the device in order to assist you in travelling to multiple destinations in the shortest time possible during one trip.
  5. FM TRANSMITTER -The GPS device is able to transmit audio....including directions, MP3 music and audiobooks from the GPS device to your car radio.
  6. LANE GUIDANCE -Lane guidance feature provides you with what lane you are or should be travelling in preparation for upcoming turns.
  7. MP3 -Device is able to play MP3 encoded audio sources. Photo Viewer-Device is able to display JPG file format images.

Garmin nüvi 255 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The Garmin nüvi 255 is a sleek, slim unit that fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. It offers voice-activated turn by turn directions that speak street names and the optional MSN Direct to get you to your destination. It contains millions of destinations and maps for North America or Europe. The nüvi 255 is ready out of the package with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including points of interest (POIs), database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Touch the color screen to enter a destination, the nüvi 255 takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions. nüvi 255 includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, currency and measurement converters, calculator and more. The 255 is compatible with optional enhanced MSN Direct content (subscription and receiver required). Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 295W Wi-Fi Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 295W offers Wi-Fi® connectivity, a 3 MP camera with auto-focus and portrait or landscape orientation capability and much more. The Wi-Fi connectivity on the nuvi nüvi provides the full desktop web environment using an HTML browser. Check on your e-mail, Hotmail, G-mail, AOL mail, POP3 and IMAP. View email attachments in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and JPG. You can also search an abundance of customer-rated points of interest (POIs), such as restaurants, hotels. The nüvi 295W offers 1-touch navigation from your e-mail, address book (with up to 5,000 contacts) and local search results. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 1450 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The nüvi 1450 is thin and has a big 5-inch view screen. It offers multiple-point routing, spoken street names and lane assist guide you through busy road interchanges. Also included are the pedestrian routing and ecoRoute options to find the most fuel-efficient route. With its large display, you won't miss the details. It uses the Lane assist feature with junction view to guide you to the correct lane for an approaching turn, entrance or exit. It realistically depicts signs and road junctions to indicate the proper lane for navigation. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 1450's large screen. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin's nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. It combines a thinprofile and value compared to other nüvi 200-series GPS units. It gives directions in real street names and has a wide screen to see more of the road. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

Garmin nüvi 255W Refurbished GPS Units generally mean that this unit has been returned back to the manufacturer who returns the GPS unit back to like new conditions. Garmin's nüvi nüvi improves upon the other 200-series models by adding features such as FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content. Garmin is also introducing faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen, terrain maps, and photo navigation to this model. The 255W adds complete maps for North America and Text-to-Speech. Also included are travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency and measurement converters and calculator. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The 255W features faster satellite lock, redesigned screen, terrain maps, and a new photo navigation function. It adds complete maps for North America and Text-to-Speech, so you get turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets The 255W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The Garmin nüvi 2x5 models have been improved by adding FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content capability. Other significant improvements include faster satellite lock, redesigned screen layout with more information, terrain maps and a photo navigation feature. The 205W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you. The nüvi 2x5 models are of a slim design so they will fit in your pocket or purse. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The TomTom XXL 540S is complete navigation in a XXL widescreen device. Switch on and go right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico--including more than 7 million preloaded points of interest. Included Lane Guidance uses photoreal images to create even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits for more confidence on the road. An extra-wide 5.0-inch touchscreen helps you find your way a bit better as well. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Garmin's nüvi 265WT is considered one of the best gps units available. It includes free real-time traffic updating for the life of the device as well as Bluetooth connectivity to your mobile cell phone. The nüvi 265WT also includes a slim design a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, JPEG picture viewer, travel clock, currency converter, measurement converter and calculator. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Magellan Maestro 4700 4.7-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

The Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS device features the easy to use OneTouch favorites menu and an thin 4.7-inch color touch screen. NAVTEQ maps are inluded along with and six million points of interest for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These car GPS features make the Magellan Maestro 4700 GPS product ideal for business trips and vacations. It includes easy-to-use top end features, such as AAA TourBook, voice command, highway lane guide assist, predictive traffic, and Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling that will give you confidence on the road and deliver an exceptional navigation experience. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 780 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct Service

The nüvi 780 is considered one of the best GPS units in it's class. It uses enhanced MSN direct content and multi-destination routing to create a superior navigation device. Customers rate its display graphics high that results in an easy, intuitive user interface. It has detailed NAVTEQ maps for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico along with 6 million name-searchable points of interest. All of the 700-series navigators feature spoken directions, integrated traffic receivers, MP3 player, photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that plays voice prompts, MP3s, audio books through your vehicle's stereo system. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Almost twenty-five percent slimmer than other nüvis, you can take the ultra-thin 1350T anywhere. The widescreen Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T adds free traffic alerts . In contains maps of North America or Europe, Calls out streets by propoer name, guides you to proper lanes, uses pedestrian navigation options and calculates fuel-efficient routes. Download optional cityXplorer content for navigating public transit. It informas you where to walk, catch the bus,subway or tram. Lane assistance instructs you of the correct lane for exit and unfamiliar intersections. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nuvi 765/765T 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Garmin progresses with its nuvi 7xx series portable GPS navigators as demonstrated with the 765T. The Garmin nuvi 765T adds a bunch of easy to use routing and communication functionality that includes a 4.3-inch widescreen display, text-to-speech capabilities, a media player, and an FM transmitter for audio transmission that includes directions, MP3 music and audio book capability, as transmitted from the Garmin nuvi 765 to your own cars radio. An added new featurte to all 7x5 series GPS devices is whatGarmin calls its HotFix satellite prediction. This feature pinpoints your position fast and precisely. The unit also boasts of having Lane Assist that will provide lane guidance and junction views when possible. ) Automatic time zone transitions, 3D Structure views and Connect Photos features also will help you visually identify your position. The nuvi 765 / 765T also includes Bluetooth that allows you to connect to your cell phone. The unit includes free real-time traffic updates from Navteq (for the life of the device) using the included FM traffic receiver and vehicle power cable. This is a must consider device for the picky GPS buyer!Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart

Garmin nuvi 755/755T 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Ok, get ready, here comes Garmin again who continues to pacl its 700 line of car GPS navigators with the nuvi 755T. The 755T adds a bunch of simple to use communication and route specs including a 4.3-inch widescreen color display, text to speech ability, media player, and an FM transmitter for passing audio signals from the 755T GPS device to and through your car audio system. All nuvis give you fast satellite locking, a slim, pocket fitting design and a great looking color display. An easy, intuitive user interface, and detailed maps of North America (United States, Canada and Puerto Rico) are included as well as 6 million+ points of interest. The well lit, 4.3 inch touchscreen display uses anti-glare for better viewing daylight hours that will automatically change its color for adjusted viewing in diminished light. The Garmin Nuvi 755T also offers 2d or 3D perspective view. The widescreen format means you have seventy percent more actual screen area compared to a 3.5 inch screen. This is really helpful when viewing parks, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Also, the 755T device is bigger, meaning controls on the screen are spaced further apart and easier to touch. You won't go wrong with this beauty of a unit!

Garmin nüvi 1490/1490T 5-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

This is considered to be a refurbished GPS. Refurbished units have been returned to the brand manufacturer, who restores it to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain minor cosmetic defects. The nüvi 1490T uses multiple point routing, lane assist and junction view for busy highway interchanges. It features subscription-free traffic alerts, hands-free calling, pedestrian navigation and ecoRoute. With an intuitive interface that greets you with Where To? and View Map it's easy to look up addresses and services. Get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It includes the speed limit for major roads and displays digital elevation maps to show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels. And with advanced satellite prediction, the device determines your position faster. The 1490T integrates Bluetooth with a built-in microphone and speaker to pair it with your compatible phone. Talk hands-free through the 1490T while staying focused on the road. Steer clear of traffic with 1490T's included FM traffic receiver and free lifetime updates. Back to Portable Car GPS Comparison Chart