TMS, I have the Garmin StreetPilot c340, which is under $300 now and I find it does the job. I'm not sure if it gives all the features you're looking for, though. I only got the GPS for the GPS capabilities. One setting my girlfriend changed was that the english speaker talks a little fast at times (didn't bug me, but was bugging her). She switched it the Australian speaker, who speaks a little slower, although now we get, "turn left at country ROOT 123" instead of "turn left at country route 123".

Nontheless, the Garmin definitely has some of the text-speech to capabilities. It tells you when your turn is coming up, as well as naming the road, e.g. it will say stuff like:

"In 50 feet, turn right onto so-and-so road."
"Take ramp, on right, to US-46 west"
"In 0.3 miles, take ramp, on right, to Two-Bridges road"

I think it's a good model and overall my reviews are highly positive. Caveats are minor, but occasionally (maybe 5% of the time) the GPS tells me when to turn a little later than I'd like (could just be that I like to be told earlier). However you can always scroll ahead to see what the upcoming turns are if you're unsure. Also, the yellow pages stored in the GPS seem like they're out of date. I've had it take me to a store that has been out of business for years and replaced by a different store (although it used to be there), as well as having some gaps in what it knows (e.g.: it tells me a store is 6 miles away when there's a closer one at 3 that it didn't know about). I think you can download updates from online, but it never bugged me enough to check it out. Finally, the last annoyance is occasionally it takes a little while to connect to satellites (as long as a minute or so).

Overall, I like it, and the price is reasonable.

On Amazon: $258.48 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-StreetPilot-Traffic-Ready-Vehicle-Navigator/dp/B000A5TAT2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-6064644-4119813?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1192021488&sr=8-2


[Edited by - Solace on Oct 10 2007 09:08 AM]

Sage, thanks for the tip but don't Garmin units have the best & most frequent updates & best mapping?

Solace, i've used the streetpilots in some rental cars i've driven & i think i'd prefer something a little more portable in terms of size... they are good units tho, i agree.

Nalod, have u used the traffic notification feature on your Nuvi yet? is it a subscription service or is it free when you guy the unit?

I might just get the Nuvi 350 instead... that $600 pricetag is a bit much for something i won't be using all that much everyday.