Looking at a basic GPS with lifetime maps for elderly neighbor who does not have mobile phone or internet. Yet I do. So can update the GPS and new maps for him when they become available.
Was tossing up between Garmin Nuvi 52LM and TomTom VIA 280 But according to johnny applseed web site both the Garmin 52LM and Tomtom VIA 280 are discontinued models. Probably being replaced with newer models? So now unsure what one would be good to get.
My Other option is to go Android tablet with GPS and run something like IGO primo, which I am currently running on my a mobile and find very good. Just not sure how good tablets are for GPS in terms of speaker/sound volume levels and can be run for long periods off the car charger without going flat and turning off. Although a stand alone GPS unit would be much easier to use.
Before your post disappears unanswered, I'll just offer a few thoughts that might be of some use to you, studiously avoiding the word 'guide' for 'to-obvious-a-pun' reasons…
I bought a Garmin bt model a few years ago at what was a very good price at the time (even though an equivalent, but slightly better model with then version of 'lifetime maps' ended-up on special for half the price within six months. Not that I'm bitter or anything…)
Anyway, unit was very good, and still works, but beyond potential theft reasons was never left in its holder and locked in a hot cabin. A good plan/routine to impress upon your friend, for any unit purchased.
'Choice' mag has tested GPS navigation models fairly regularly over the years, with the Tom-Tom models always slightly shading the equivalent-level Garmins in Choice's (sometimes slightly skewy) recommendations .
So, little between them, but if I was buying a standalone unit again, I would probably buy a Tom-Tom, if only out of curiosity to see the practical value - if any - of the 'community' map updates.
If I particularly wanted or thought I needed the preloaded NZ maps of the Garmins, that would, no doubt, skew the decision in the other 'direction'…
Incidentally, and from memory, Choice tested a few GPS navigation apps a while back, and though they regarded the apps, including the Tom-Tom one, as having improved hugely over original versions, they were still recommending standalone GPS units for most regular users. That probably is good advice, particularly for your elderly neighbour.
Pursuant to that, of all the tabs or phones I own or have done, only one (phone - Motorola Razr HD - still occasionally used) has an internal speaker properly loud enough for navigation-duty.
Issues relating to charging (or screen staying on; worst case scenario - there are apps for that), are minor, but your neighbour would almost certainly need to use an additional speaker with the alternative app+tab scenario that you're considering.
Hope some of that helps you to decide. Some other OzBargainers may wish to chime-in with some other thoughts for you.