I admit I'm not up with gadgets and techno-toys. However....what portable Garmin GPS do I get for brother-in-law who really wants a good one? Also, what do I need to get with a WII (is that it) for my sister. She really wants one and knowing there's one under the tree would lift her spirits I think. Not really worried about costs within reason - I just don't have time to research these right now and Christmas is only a few weeks away! Help! (And thanks!)

Hey Sue:

I went on the Consumer Reports site and found the following...

The 4 top rated:

Garmin nuvi 660 @ $700 Overall rating 83
Garmin 350 @ $500 Overall rating 80
Tom Tom Go 910 @ $500 Overall rating 75
Magellan Crossover GPS @ $500 Overall rating 75

Their "best buys"...

Tom Tom One @ $300 Overall rating 73
Magallen Roadmate 2000 @ $250 Overall rating 70
Garmin Street Pilot c330 @ $300 Overall rating 69

As to the wii, it looks like it comes with all the hardware you need right out of the box. Here\'s a link to the site. As far as games, I have no idea. I'll leave that question up to the gamers on board.

Hope that helps.

Thanks so much! I'm a blithering idiot when it comes to stuff like this.

Hi Sue. In my opinion the more expensive GPS models are not necessarily better, they just have more features. If you don't need Bluetooth, an mp3 player or photo storage on your GPS, there's no need to pay more than $300.

The Tom Tom One an Garmin Nuvi 200 are very good basic models that work well right out of the box, have all the basic features including voice prompts, and shouldn't cost more than $300.

The only feature I would spend more for is a larger screen if that's important to you.

You have to think about how you are going to use the device. I use mine 80% of the time when I'm in a rented car when I travel. So portability is important. I rarely use it in my own car because I use the car mostly to go to the same places.

By the way, once you get one you can't believe how you ever got by without one. It has saved me hours of getting directions to places. Good luck. Tom.

Give them a great holiday, buy them a new car with a GPS built in.

What a nice thought Bill - today is my birthday and if you are so inclined......

Sue - good luck trying to find a Wii - it's one of the hottest Xmas gifts this season and they're sold out essentially everywhere. If you can find one, I'd also buy the game "Wii Play" which would give you another Wii controller so two people can play at the same time. Other than that, the Wii comes with the game "Wii Sports" which will keep her busy by itself for quite a while.

Masaki

I found Wii available on Amazon from third party vendors - prices are high but if you've gotta have one I think you can find one there.

I order one for my daughter in early Nov. the prices were about $100 lower at that point - no problems with delivery etc.

Margo - wow ... they're selling for over 2x their MSRP. :( The scalpers are making money, that's for sure.

Masaki

Sue - just found this:

Gamestop has bundles available for presale with shipping on 12/19/07 - might be an option? Hope you see this soon because they might sell out.

http://www.gamestop.com/search.asp?N=138+83

Masaki