Hot Deal Garmin Nuvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator With Speech Recognition

I purchased nuvi 855 to replace an iQue 3600 that has served very well, but is now obsolete (no new maps)for a 2 week road trip from L.A. to WA state and back. I did considerable research here on Amazon to help decide which model to get. The comments of others were helpful on
deciding to get the nuvi 855. I already have Bluetooth and MP3 equipment, so I focused on the voice activation (since hands-free is the law in Cali, and just plain smarter). The order arrived in the usual prompt Amazon fashion, and having already learned a lot from the many Garmin help web sites, setting it up before my trip went quickly. The initial map and firmware upgrade went flawlessly, along with downloading the custom items from the Garmin web site. I then loaded custom POI's on to an 8GB Micro SD card, and left town. The unit worked great, being on continuously daily, with only needing 2 hard re-boots the entire trip. Considering the sophistication of the miniature electronics inside the current GPS units today, I think that's pretty good. The many complaints I saw about low volume had some substance, but it was easily fixed by using a freeware program called TTS Voice Editor. It allows you to customize the voice files by increasing volume, slowing down phrasing(a big help to make it more intelligible), and even changing some phrases. Be kind and leave a donation for the author of this cool program if you download it. The voice activation worked great, and makes usage much safer. You do need to lower the stereo though. If you drive a convertible with the top down a lot, get a touch screen only model. The Lane Assist feature worked great, especially through the dreaded downtown Portland, OR I-5 mish mosh. Also worked great getting to Seattle Intl Airport through their snarls. I found the touch screen worked well, but was far better with fewer mistakes using a PDA type stylus. This unit has capability for FM traffic, but don't bother buying the optional cord for it. My other car has this feature built in to the stereo system, and I haven't found any place where it works.Some reviews I read complained the none of the units by any company can get them within 6 inches of their destinations. Sometimes you have to look around, read the signs, and see where you are. Otherwise, we should all get chauffeurs.It's possible some earlier releases of this model may have had some software or firmware problems, but as of right now, I heartily recommend this unit. I feel Garmin was the first on the block; and is still making the best stuff out there. Read more review

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