Garmin GPS 18 USB GPS Kit

Best GPS around for the money

By Vincent  Dec 19, 2005 | 2 out of 2 found this Garmin GPS 18 USB review helpful

Pros: Contains all the features of other GPS costing $100s more

Cons: Need a bulky laptop to go with it

The Garmin GPS-18 was my first GPS ever. I had it for a year and drove all over the West coast with it. At around $100 with software, it is a true bargain. The software has all the features of a top-of-the line GPS and takes full advantage of your la...ptop storing capacity and processing power. The plus is that your laptop has a much bigger screen and is much more powerful than even a $2000 GPS (including GPS systems that come with a new car). At a click of the TouchPad, you can see all the waypoints you entered before going on your trip, routes you saved, step-by-step driving directions, satellites status... and much more. The screen of your laptop is also much bigger than then screen of GPS of comparable prices, making it easier to read off the screen. One problem I found is that your laptop sits on the passenger seat, or on the passenger's lap if you are not driving alone! There are laptop holders out there (check eBay) if you want to secure your laptop in front of the passenger seat, but they are a pain to install and look really ugly. Best would be a wider car or a minivan where the laptop can fit between the seats. Another annoying problem is that the new Garmin CitySelect NorthAmerica v7 software (just upgraded from v6) still contains errors with U-turns restrictions and one-way streets that have not changed since v6! Nothing is more annoying that the GPS telling you to U-turn when you see a big "no U-turn" sign ahead! Read more Less