I have an Alpine W200 and up until recently I have been using the Blackbird portable navi with dock to control the Blackbird. I recently dropped the Blackbird and the screen cracked. It works, but I dont think without the docking station since the touch screen is messed up. I'm considering two options:
1. Get another Blackbird
2. Get a Blackbird II
3. Get a totally different navi
Going with option 1 will cost me no more than 250, however, there are several things I don't like about the unit. It doesn't pick up signal as quickly as other GPS units. Searching for a destination has flaws, and sometimes it freezes when I have it docked and I have to reset.
Option 2 is much more expensive, roughly 600 bucks on
eBay and from my understanding only difference between this and the previous blackbird is that GPS routing is quicker. It uses 20 channel satellites (or somethng like that) rather than 16, like the Blackbird I have. It also has Bluetooth integration, which isn't a big deal for me.
The final option could cost anything. Could be 250-500, new or used. I just don't know what to get, but I am looking for an upgrade if I do get a different unit. I just don't know what to look for.
In all, I don't mind going with a separate navigation rather than integrating it with the W200. Sure, it is nice, but I want to pay for functionality rather than looks. I'm leaning more towards the last option. That said, what are some good portable GPS units to consider?
