[Poll] Best in-car GPS device?

[aiasib]

This has been discussed before, but there hasn't been a poll option. I know I can just mosey over to my nearest car blog's top ten list of in-car GPS devices, but I want some testimonials from you veterans; I want to put my ear to the ground, as it were. So here it is:

Which is the overall best brand for automotive GPS device? Which model in particular? Feel free to go into the specifics of specific models. I would appreciate an elaboration on your voting choice. Any pros/cons you have noticed as well.

Yes, I am currently looking to buy a GPS Device =)

[pimento]

I look up Google Maps before I leave..

I had a TomTom when I had a car, it was pretty great.

[Matra et Alpine]

Built in maps in a decent phone can be a winner.

I still hang on to my Nokia N95 with Nokiamaps for uk and europe and does a better job than mates dedicated BMW one on his bike :)

You can also purchase many of the stand-alone solutions as apps for smartphones.

[thebrochureman]

I'll say TomTom, but i don't know much about GPS devices.

[NSXType-R]

My parents were always curious about buying one, they're all relatively cheap now, but we don't go anywhere where we'd potentially need one anyway.

[Ferrer]

When I had one in the Mini I seldom used it, but now that I don't have it I've always arrived where I wanted to go.

They can be useful, but not really a must have in my opinion.

Having said that, I have absolutely no idea about which is the best one. I can only say that I once used one to get the hotel we had booked in Tolouse we did sort of arrive at first try. Can't recall the brand though. Garmin maybe?

[henk4]

paper ones.

[Kitdy]

paper ones.

I use the hybrid route; google maps print offs.

I hate GPSs. Their mechanized voices constantly telling you to turn left, merge right, etc drives one mad.

[pimento]

You can turn the voices off usually, then you just have to watch for arrows and whatnot.

My TomTom had a John Cleese voise set (that actually really was Mr Cleese) which made the voices somewhat more bearable. And somewhat more amusing.

[Ferrer]

I hate GPSs. Their mechanized voices constantly telling you to turn left, merge right, etc drives one mad.
Uh yes, whenever a GPS gives me order I have sudden urge to do the exact opposite...

[henk4]

Uh yes, whenever a GPS gives me order I have sudden urge to do the exact opposite...

it is like getting driving lessons, always a teacher and/or and examiner telling you where to go...

[S.O.S]

My Galaxy SII's navigation is brilliant and got me out of many tight squeezes. I don't even place it in a cradle on the windscreen i just place it in the leather case and stick it in the compartment ahead of the shifter and it tells me 100% spot on.

[csl177]

The nav system in our last Audi was excellent, but nearly every rental we've had in the past couple of years that included a GPS sucked, always seeming late with info, or in one case showing a road that didn't exist. We have a TomTom but I never use it. I prefer maps and if needed the simplicity of Google. Usually, if travelling someplace we haven't been before, I study Google maps of the area beforehand, looking at street views which is great preparation. Recognizing landmarks of a place you haven't been is very useful.

[Niko_Fx]

I currently own a TomTom, it's pretty good for a $60 item, but a comparable Garmin is much better... easier to navigate through the device and overall faster.

[NSXType-R]

I look up Google Maps before I leave..

I had a TomTom when I had a car, it was pretty great.

Agreed, I love Google Maps!

paper ones.

One of my weaknesses at rest stops and I also enjoy poring over atlases in my spare time.

I use the hybrid route; google maps print offs.

I hate GPSs. Their mechanized voices constantly telling you to turn left, merge right, etc drives one mad.

I do like Google Maps. Paired with street view, it's an excellent tool.