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[Joseph]

I'm shopping around for a GPS unit and would appreciate advice from anyone that has used one in the past.

I'm looking for one that can be used while I'm abroad (when I'm curious about my location) but more importantly can give me directions while I'm here in north america (i.e. when I'm driving around).

I like going places by car, but I don't often have a navigator, and I'm not very good at reading a map and remembering where to turn

Price is, of course, a concern, but usability is more important to me.

[Guest_radsolv_*]

I'm shopping around for a GPS unit and would appreciate advice from anyone that has used one in the past.

I'm looking for one that can be used while I'm abroad (when I'm curious about my location) but more importantly can give me directions while I'm here in north america (i.e. when I'm driving around).

I like going places by car, but I don't often have a navigator, and I'm not very good at reading a map and remembering where to turn

Price is, of course, a concern, but usability is more important to me.

I own a GPS Garmin III+ handheld unit. It can do amazing things but it is not what you are looking for. I suggest you check out www.garmin.com and www.magellen.com the two leaders in GPS and I am sure you will find what you are looking for there.

There are units that will talk to you and tell you you are coming up on a turn and to turn now etc. They also will have info on hotels, restaurants etc. Check with a major rental car company. They probably have cars equipped with such GPS units. Ask for a demo. See if it's what you want then try to find something similar for your own use. Circuit City sells such units. Some must be installed in the vehicle but there are portable units also.

radsolv

[martin.arg]

i have been using an GARMIN ETREX LEGEND COLOR( is handheld unit) for over a year and is great, cant compare to others because i haven´t use other, i decided for Garmin because is the most known in GPS, and all the free maps i could get to from the areas i have been travelling to, are made for garmin.
What is very important before buying a GPS is knowing what use are you going to give it, because usually, the units for the cars are only for cars... and cant take it with you so easily, other way if you think you will use it like for doing walks, hiking, sailing and driving, get a good advise from the seller, to get the right one for you.
If you want the detailed maps form Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil south, i can pass it to you.