GPS Car navigation -- need recommendations

I would like to get a GPS unit for my wife; she is technically savvy,
so we don't need an idiot-proof unit (she has computer science
background & works for the "network is the computer" company). But
neither of us is a "bleeding-edge technology adopter" ... (e.g., we
own no iphone, we only have a cheapie ipod nano)

Anyway, the features I would like, in order of importance, are:

-- Newer, slim thickness models (approx 1 inch).
-- About 3.5" to 4" wide screen
-- Multi-point / multi-destination routing
-- Voice prompts, but able to turn if off, if I want to.
-- The new Sirf III chipset

-- I want to be able to PAN left-right-up-down ... meaning, being able
to look far to the left, or right of teh cutrrent location, without
zooming out.

-- Navteq maps, rather than TeleAtlas -- online review at GPS magazine
said that Navteq maps are better than Teleatlas, although I suppose
they both get their maps digitized and updated at probably the same
GIS vendor in India :)

-- Voice command/control, but able to turn it off, if need be, and
WITHOUT subscription / add-on costs. Not a must.

We don't go off-roading, but we do often go on long rural drives, and
taking many random detours, sometimes on unpaved, 1-lane, gravel
roads.

Costco has Garmin Nuvi 650 for $300, but it does not have multi-
destination routing, or voice control. Magellan 4050 which seems to
have all ofthe above features, for $450. Only disadvantage of this
model seems short battery life, just 2 hours, versus 7 hours for
Garmin. I know nothing about Navigo, which is also available at
Costco.

I would appreciate all recommendations and suggestions, or links to
any Thanksgiving deals.

Thanks.

Bhoot Nath

I don't think battery life is much of an issue for automobile use. Most
units use your accessory plug.

Bhoot Nath wrote:

True, but not all autos provide accessory power with the ignition off,
so battery power can be pretty handy.


--

That a belief is useful does not mean it is true.

...Unknown

You dont need hours of time on battery for a GPS in a car that
doesnt power the accessory power with the ignition off tho.

However, I know of someone who took his unit abroad only to find the power
socket in the hire car had been disabled!!