Stick with a Brand Name

I bought this GPS as my first car navigation system back in October 2006.  At first, I was pleased with my purchase as the price was very reasonable.  The software allows for good control of the route, often providing more features than my more expensive Garmin.

Averatec's website advertised that the system could connect to a PC.  I later found this to be false as Averatec does not sell the special cable required. 

The 1.6 million POI database ended up being well outdated, which brings me to my biggest complaint.  Averatec has discontinued this model and does not support it; they never did.  No updated maps, POI databases, or software updates were ever released, nor will they be.  You can buy a new SD memory card, but it will have the same 2005 maps as the original product. 

I finally bought a Garmon Zumo 550, have have been fairly pleased.  Although the Garmin doesn't allow for the same control over the route (such as avoiding certain roads), I'm happy with the support and regular software updates.  If I want new maps, they are available almost every year.  I will never buy an off-brand GPS again.