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Quick Picks

Best Overall:

• Garmin Nuvi 880 , $800
• Garmin Nuvi 760 , $400
• TomTom Go 730T , $500


All three units are simple to operate, yet are feature rich. Setting the current benchmark for portable GPS navigators, the Garmin Nuvi 880 is a premium, full-featured navigator with few, minor shortcomings. The voice-recognition system is state-of-the-art and easy to use. The system enables users to perform such common tasks as entering destinations, changing volume and brightness settings, and accessing all menus in a convenient, hands-free manner.

The Garmin Nuvi 760 has a wide 4.4-inch (diagonal) screen, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 player, photo viewer, spoken street names, and a trip computer. It is not only traffic ready with an included FM receiver, but it is also MSN Direct compatible. (However, an MSN Direct receiver is necessary to subscribe to that premium service.) The similar Nuvi 750, 770, and 780 are all good choices, with slight variations in features. The next-evolution for Nuvi 700 series is coming in October. Known as the 7x5, the updated line includes the 755T, 765T, and 775T. As the "T" in the names suggest, these upscale units include reality view, traffic receiver, and "lifetime" traffic service. The Nuvi 785T comes with an MSN Direct receiver.

The well-equipped TomTom Go 730T has most essential features sought in a portable navigation device, plus a few extras. Key features include a wide, 4.4-inch screen, FM transmitter, spoken street names, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod interface, traffic capability with an included FM receiver, and pre-loaded maps for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Go 730T does not include an AC adapter, and the tested battery life is shorter than the other Quick Picks at just two hours. We found the Go 730T easy to use overall, with good controls and quick route calculation time.

Bargain hunters will find much of the same strengths available in lower-priced Garmin units, sacrificing some features for cost savings. For example, the well-rated Garmin Nuvi 255 gives up the wide screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and FM transmitter, while retaining the core features that matter most in daily driving.

Best on a budget:

• Garmin Nuvi 255W , $280, CR Best Buy
• Garmin Nuvi 255 , $230, CR Best Buy
• TomTom One 130 , $170
• Garmin Nuvi 200 , $150, CR Best Buy


Both the Nuvi 200 and newer Nuvi 255 have an easy-to-use interface that helps these units stand out from the competition. The Nuvi 200 is a very good, entry-level device that excels at basic navigation chores. Other models in the 200 line build on this foundation, and they differ mostly in map coverage. The Nuvi 200 includes maps for the 48-contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

The Garmin Nuvi 255 is a smart choice for an entry-level navigator. Compared to the 200 line, it adds niceties like spoken street names, quicker route-calculation time, and a location help feature. Plus, it is traffic capable with an optional receiver. The similar Nuvi 255W provides the same functions coupled with a larger screen that is easier to read and use. All Garmin devices benefit from a friendly interface that should particularly appeal to first-time users. Three new models expand the well-rated Nuvi 2x5 line in October, adding Bluetooth connectivity and standard traffic receiver, with free traffic service.

The TomTom One 130 is a solid, value-priced performer with an appealing interface and the ability to personalize many features, including the voices. The One 130 is traffic capable, with the purchase of an optional FM receiver. Stepping up to the One 130 S adds text-to-speech, allowing it to provide helpful spoken street names. All four budget picks-Garmin Nuvi 200, Garmin Nuvi 255, Garmin Nuvi 255W, and TomTom One 130-provide very good navigation performance at an attractive price.

I have used a TomTom 700 series ! I liked it. I have also used the Alpine Blackbird, which I really liked. I own a Pioneer in dash GPS which is better then all of them but also more expensive.