[rpoz-29]

I'm thinking about a GPS for my Mom and Dad. My Dad has diabetes and can't see well enough to drive or read a map any more. This frustrates my Mom who now has only herself to blame when they get lost. They don't travel out of town a lot, but frequently meet with friends for dinner, a movie, or a play.(Apparently never in the same place twice.) They'll need the most simple model out there. It doesn't need a bunch of features, because they'll never use them. The more on-line reviews I read about them, the more confused I become. Anyone have an opinion on them? Thanks!!

[slowTA]

I would, obviously, look for a big touch screen with a long lasting battery and a brand name. It would be up to you to figure out what you think your parents are capable of using when it comes to the user interface. Try finding a place that has working units to play with, not the 'non-working display models'.

I bought my dad one, then a year or two later I bought one for myself. The differences in technology are very noticeable. His has a 20 hour battery, but you have to plug it into the cigarette lighter to get any verbal directions (the speaker is in the cigarette lighter plug). Also you have to use push buttons to navigate a keyboard to type in an address. On mine the battery only lasts 4 hours, but the speaker is internal. It has a touch screen with only 1 push button, for power. Both are Garmins.

I would buy a newer model since it should have the newest maps, lower chance of getting 'old stock'. Most you can update for a fee after a year or so.

The main problem is learning how to use it for some people, hopefully it doesn't turn into a source of frustration for them. I would sit down with them and go over exactly how it works, take them for a ride to point out the quirks, tell them it is great, but only if you know how to use it. I used my dads for a road trip before I gave it to him, just to figure out the best way of teaching him how to use it!

Hope this helps.