GPS Gurus, advice please

[Bow_Tied]

I would like to buy a GPS for my parents but I am not up to speed on all the models.

Requirements:
1. Easy to use for people of retirement age (my mom is windows user, but not savvy. My dad: "Wait, when I am done I have to click Start?")
2. Intuitive menus, minimal menu levels (see #1)
3. Minimal features (see #1)
4. Reasonable cost -Max $100 if possible, would consider a little more if there was a compelling reason.
5. On road use only, Canada (US maps a strong plus).

Preferrably not a Magellan, unless it is a clear winner. Just not happy enough with mine to want to buy another.
Dash mount/window suction cup preferred unless there is a different recommended option. Not hand held only.
No requirements to link to any other devices
screen size not important, but bigger is better of course.


Thanks in advance for any input.

[Morpheus]

I'm assuming in-car model.

I had the oppourtunity to try out 4 different models about a year or so ago, and the clear winner for me for ease of use by far is the tom-tom.

Their menu operation and whatnot is much easier to use than any of the other ones.

all the tom-toms run the same software, just with additional features.

Don't bother with one that has "bluetooth", they all sound like poop.

The other models I tried was a magellin - very difficuly to navigate menus, not user friendly at all.
A china no-name brand. Crap quality, only worked for about 2 weeks before it crapped out.
and the Alpine model that I am still currently using that integrated with my deck and is mounted under-dash.

[deeker]

Cheap Garmin Nuvi 255W model. Look at the Walmart or Cdn Tire ads that come out each week. Lots of times they are for sale at very good prices.
All the specs can be found here:
http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-255w.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Simon]

Cheap Garmin Nuvi 255W model. Look at the Walmart or Cdn Tire ads that come out each week. Lots of times they are for sale at very good prices.
All the specs can be found here:
http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-255w.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

x2

My dad just got one and a similarly priced Tom Tom unit, and found the Garmin far easier to use for a new GPS user in his 60's. He returned the Tom Tom.

[rmarles]

Though I'm seeing people say garmin, I can bring my tom-tom with me to kw tonight, if you want to see what it's like.

[Bow_Tied]

Thanks for all the feedback!!

[x-fisher]

A few years ago I bought my mom a Garmin and if she can use it anyone can, I went with one of the higher models that came with the lifetime subscription to the traffic updates, it was only $45 dollers more than the same model with out the traffic. The traffic receiver can be added after but then you will need to pay a yearly subscription. If doing a lot of city driving that can come in handy and it works in Canada and the U.S. I have used it myself and the GPS will let announce when there is traffic ahead on your route so you can choose a detour if desired, the down fall is the traffic only works on major highways near major cities. I have heard the TomTom has the same feature but I have never used one so I am not sure.

[X-Treme]

I'm not sure how valuable lifetime traffic is outside the Golden Horseshoe area (Hamilton-Toronto) but lifetime map updates are probably a worthwhile feature to consider.