GPS - Buy here or in Europe?

I didn't check the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the Euro, but when comparing to US dollars, I would buy it here -- especially if you find one you like. Save yourself the trouble of finding a place to buy one in Europe. Our TomTom 920 model last year came loaded with maps of Europe. Can you purchase from Costco? Usually good deals with them online.

gerri,

I can't believe anyone at Future Shop would suggest such a goofy idea! Perhaps they should consider another line of work, as they're not providing customers with good advice.

Buying a GPS unit in Europe will be far more expensive, especially considering the exchange rate between the Cdn.$ and Euro. In addition, you'd most likely wouldn't have any warranty on a unit purchased in Europe. The AC Charger would also be equipped with a Euro-style Plug, meaning you'd have to use a Plug Adapter to charge it at home.

Check the Garmin Nuvi x70 series, as they should be equipped with Europe as well as North American maps. I'm using a slightly "dated" Nuvi 370 and it works just fine in Europe. That model has been discontinued, so you may be able to find some at good "clearance" prices.

Happy travels!

Future Shop... am I not surprised by their suggestion?

Buy it here, pay a little more for the EU maps and when you come home you can use it here as well.

Jon,

I should have added that I'm not surprised by the FS suggestion either. I've come to expect that from most of the discount chains. I've had some heated "discussions" with sales staff on a few occasions when they were trying to "push" a particular product. I've been involved with electronics for about 40 years, so can usually spot a "phony" sales pitch fairly quickly.

I suggest buying it here, primarily because you have a chance to learn how to use it and can preprogram some of your destinations into the unit. Getting the most of your GPS takes a little more than pushing the power button.

I use a TomTom 920 that came with North American and European maps. It has worked great. I also hear good things about Garmins. I probably wouldn't use a GPS other than one of those two brands until I start hearing some good reports on them.

If you are renting a car, a GPS often comes standard. Looking at Sixt.com, the presence or lack of a GPS has no bearing on the cost of the rental. The price is determined by the model of the car.

I'd buy it here so that you can spend some time getting comfortable with how to use it.

The other reason for purchasing in US is that assuming you speak English, the GPS you purchase in Europe may not speak English well - in addition to all the reasons mentioned above.

It is really, really hard to go wrong with the Garmin Nuvi 270 for $140 . . .

It depends entirely on price, though I would suggest getting it here since you will not have much time to comparision shop there (sort of at the mercy of what is available where you will be) and, it would be valuable to learn how to use it before you hit the Autobahn. As for other concerns, the Garmins, Nuvis, and TomToms sold here and there are pretty universal, all use a 12V source, USB, even the maps and language options are common, so poorly spoken english will not be an issue. What you will notice is what maps and software options come standard vs having to buy; so check what Maps comes Standard and how much you need to upgrade.

Unless you're planning on taking your laptop to Europe with you, it would seem to make more sense to buy your unit in Canada or the US. Even the newest models may have to be registered with the manufacturer in order to download updates to the software and map data and it will be easier to do that before your trip. Secondly, if you're planning on using a wall charger to keep your unit charged, keep in mind the plug differences. If you buy a European unit, I would think that you'll quickly get tired of using an adapter every time you want to plug the charger in while back home.