What GPS unit should we get?

You made it easy by already deciding to get a Garmin. The newest GPS line from Garmin is called nuvi. These models share the same basic navigation system, offer a high number of points of interest (hotels, restaurants, gas stations, useful if you travel out of town a lot), and have a nice, compact design.

While there are many models, the 4 main price points are:

nuvi 200 (amazon price $200): basic unit, but does a good job getting you around. Preloaded with map of US except for Alaska (no Canada either). Does not include AC adapter or USB cable. Battery life 5 hours.

nuvi 260 (amazon price $280): same as nuvi 200, but adds text-to-speech (it gives you the street name in addition to telling to turn right or left, very useful). Preloaded with North America maps, including Canada.

nuvi 360 (amazon price $320): same as nuvi 260, but adds

MP3 player (also audio books, nice for long trips) and headphone jack, Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone operation, optional live traffic updates. Includes AC adapter, USB cable and carrying case. Battery life 8 hours.

nuvi 660 (amazon price $480): same as nuvi 360 but has wider screen (3.8 inch wide display instead of 2.8 inch, easier to see map and type addresses), FM transmitter so sound can go through car radio. 3-month subscription to traffic update.

The full line is listed here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134 and here: http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/0... . You can start with the above four models and see what features and price ranges suit you best, and look for the models in between and beyond if necessary.

I think something between the 260 and 360 would do a good job for most people. Keep in mind that the 200 and 260 don't include an AC adapter and USB cable which I think most people will need, so if you factor that in, the 360 price looks a little more reasonable.

As for weather updates, I think you get that only if you subscribe to the live traffic updates, but I have not tried it and don't know how good that service is. Good luck with your decision.

In the US, where the signal from a GPS satellite is very high - we're talking 95%-100% all the time in urban areas, and 75%-90% in rural areas - GPS units don't make that many mistakes. Saying that, however, my Garmin once took me to an FBI Office in New Jersey when I asked for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in NYC. Overall though, they're pretty good and accurate. Although, if you wait a while, the EU are launching Galileo which will be accurate to 2m anywhere on the globe - GPS is accurate to 15-20m.