TomTom Vs Garmin
83TomTom vs Garmin
Two of the most popular brands of GPS devices are TomTom and Garmin. Both have multiple models that are mobile and can be used inside or outside of your vehicle. GPS technology has expanded over the last several years to include mobile devices for cars and motorcycles, software for mobile devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and Pocket PCs.
GPS is more than just knowing where you are and where you are headed. Now you can receive real time traffic alerts, listen to your favorite MP3s and use Bluetooth to integrate information to and from your mobile phone including calls and voice read text messages. Even if you know your way around the area, GPS units can instantly locate airports, restaurants, hospitals and other points of interest with directions on how to get there from your present location.
When traveling in an unfamiliar area a GPS unit performs as a safety device. Car trouble or a flat tire in unfamiliar territory can cause you to doubt your immediate safety. If you find yourself in this situation a GPS device can aid in locating help or mobile repair services along with addresses and phone numbers.
Multiple routes can be accessed. Avoid toll roads, choose the scenic route instead of the quickest one.
TomTom is a global company based overseas. They are manufactured by a Dutch company and their customer service is located in Amsterdam. TomTom offers multiple stand alone units and they also offer software for other mobile devices,
Most all units have bright clear touchscreen displays and clear sounding speakers. They have adequate amounts of internal storage space as well as expansion slots for SD cards. Fast CPUs respond quickly to your demands. They are easily updated via a USB port.
Garmin's original founders were Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao. Although one was from the US and one was from Taiwan they joined together to form a company that both felt was the future of Navigation - GPS technology.
Garmin International, Inc., headquarters for the parent company, Garmin Ltd, is located in Olathe, Kansas. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Cayman Islands. The primary production facility, Garmin (Asia) Corp., is located in Taiwan.
Garmin has a wide variety of GPS units. They began with the GPS 100 which was a $2500 unit designed for marine use, Garmin then produced a hand held GPS unit that was popular with the military. Next Garmin introduced the wrist worn GPS devices for runners called the (Forerunner) and the Foretrex which is popular with hikers, off-road bikers and sailboat racers.
Prices for either the TomTom or Garmin units start at around $200 and go up to over $600. The more these units progress the more features are included. They are actually becoming as much a personal assistant and they are GPS units. They are now small enough to be carried in your pocket or purse and can be used inside or outside of the vehicle. The voice integration is a real safety feature as is the Bluetooth handsfree ability for your cell phone.
Users have reported that the stand alone GPS units are more user friendly than many built in units that are found in vehicles. Many users also like to the option of moving the units between cars.
Garmin Nuvi 880 test drive
The TomTom ONE XL Portable Extra-wide Screen GPS Navigation System is a mid priced unit with high end features.
- The widescreen display is a generous 4.3 inches of touchscreen delight that provides a wide screen version of maps.
- Optional real-time traffic reports
- Maps that include all 50 states and Canada
- Turn-by-turn voice directions
- Integrated Bluetooth
- Compass mode
- Anti glare screen
- Included windshield mount
- Withstands temperatures of 14 degrees to 131 degrees Fahrenheit
One of their most popular units is the Garmin StreetPilot series. One of the mid-priced Garmin GPS units is the Nuvi 360 Pocket Vehicle GPS Navigator with Maps for North America.
- 2D or 3D views
- Maps for all 50 US states, Puerto Rico and Canada
- Turn-by-turn directions with street names
- Real time traffic and weather
- 2.8 in touchscreen (can be viewed in daylight)
- Translator
- Picture album
- Audio book player
- Travel alarm
- Currency converter
- Included suction dash mount
TomTom Speed Camera Warning
Personally I think that the stand alone units would be very useful when shopping in an unfamiliar city. When you are in a maze of tall buildings it is often difficult to get your bearings. The newer models have less trouble reading the sky even in this situation. The POI (point of interest) feature should point you in the right direction. Another experience that I've had is jogging in a neighborhood that most houses and streets look alike. While visiting family overnight and going for a morning run I was totally turn around. There were no good landmarks that I could remember. One of these GPS units would have got me back to the house sooner.
Read more of my GPS hubs:
Garmin Nuvi GPS Sorted by Features
TomTom Features List
Garmin Nuvi 705 Series with Lane Assist
Garmin Nuvi 850 and 880
Garmin Nuvi 1390T
Garmin Nuvi GPS Garage Sale Navigation
Garmin Nuvi GPS Open House Navigation
GPS Navigation Garmin StreetPilot c330 vs 340
Garmin StreetPilot 7500 GPS – XM and Remote Control
Garmin Forerunner 205 vs 305
Garmin GPS Forerunner with Foot Pod vs Nike Sport Kit
Garmin GPS Bicycle Fitness Edge 305 vs Edge 705
Disclosure: I may earn affiliate income if you make a purchase from this Hub
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I bought a Garmin on sale at Best Buy. I found it very easy to use and it was spot on when finding addresses. But I did not like that it would stutter and mispronounce street names. So I took it back and got a TomTom. Big mistake... the Garmin is superior in use and accuracy. I've found that both brands mispronounce street names. Wish I stayed with the Garmin.
Useful hub,thanks
I am still voting TomTom for president!
I had a TOM TOM that I entered the address for my dautghter in Nevada and it couldn't find the address. So I went to several stores that had both TOM TOM and Garmin and entered the address on both units and only the garmin found the address every time and not one TOM TOM could come up with the address. The TOM TOM also couldn't find an address in my neighborhood.
My pick is Garmin every time after this research.
C. Moury Florida
Great split Deb! Great hub.
Hi nAT,
Typically you do have to purchase the updated maps. Yes I like the Nuvi 255wt.
DO you have to pay for updates? I am new to GPS I recently purchased the Garmin Nuv255wt is that good model
I personally use TomTom for iPhone 4, but my girlfriend has Garmin. It's much more advanced, therefore, gives more option. You can create your own maps, download and install other maps.
My own choice is TomTom.
is there a way to change the route garmin tells you to take and keep/store that route for the next time you make the same trip?
I have 2 TOMTOM units. One for the SUV and one for the bike. I like the op friendly controls. I once had the TOMTOM send me on a crazy narrow lane off the highway on the Almalfi coast in Italy. With any GPS you still have to use your common sense. You should never blindly follow any GPS unit.
My vote is for the Garmin.
Actually, i know you can get TomTom on the iPhone. I also know you can get Garmin and TomTom on a Symbian based phone. I had Garmin Mobile on my Nokia a while ago, it did a great job except drained the battery.
Debbie - you seem to have a fair knowledge of gps devices, tell me, how does Navigon fair amongst TomTom and Garmin? I know they pulled out of N.America a while ago and have recently entered the South African market (where I'm from) and I'm considering buying the Navigon 3300 Max, instead of going with the usual suspects.
Everyone i know has either Garmin or TomTom, but after looking at the features of the Navigon, especially the text-to-speech directions, I'm beginning to like it more and more. And for the price it seems like a real bargain
- what do you think?
Great hub btw :)
Most of the really good GPS Apps require a monthly fee or a hefty upfront charge. When I get in a hurry to find a location I turn to my stand-alone GPS. I use Google Maps on my iPhone sometimes although at times I get really frustrated with it. :-)
With all these smartphone apps coming out do you think it's more economical to have your phone do it? Thanks for the great hub =)
I'm a Hackney driver and been using a Tomtom 510 Go for over two years, I also have a BMW motorcycle and wanted a Satnav for it. Lots of biking people seemed to go for the Garmin Zumo which I recently purchased as it has Car & Motorcycle mounts.
Now although most people will use Sat Nav's for door to door journeys' I however in the course of my work have found it very very useful to see the road layout ahead i.e. showing side roads and when a bend is coming up and the severity of that bend allowing me to adjust my speed accordingly.
Having run both Sat Nav's side by side the Tomtom wins hands down its road depiction is far more relevant to the actual road layout which is a must for Bikers and serious drivers.
I have a Garmin for 2 years but I'm not completely like the software. Overall is a good device. The search search by name is very slow. Sometime, the route is questionable. For example, it routes one way to and a completely different route on the return trip even thought there are not one way streets. It would be nice if it can show an overview from start to destination. That way, I can make sure the route it provides is the best route. I wonder if someone would point out somethings that they wants to improve on Tom Tom so we can compare. Thanks!
I think there is no point of comparison between both because some features are important for some people but not for others.
I have Garmin nüvi® 1450 which has extra-wide, 5-inch touchscreen display, lane assist with junction view, preloaded street maps for North America, speaks street names, Where am I?, pedestrian navigation options, optional FM lifetime traffic. I love it. Thanks for your great hub.
tomtom all way
Both companies have great repute in GPS devices. Just need to look into the features of both and you can choose that suits you more.
Based on experience, I would honestly trust either of these brands to direct me to any destination. Both Garmin and TomTom make reliable GPS devices.
What maps do Garmin AND TomTom use? Which map is better? Are the "Lifetime" map updates available from TomTom worth it over buying Garmin?
Looking at buying a TomTom 350TM.
Great Hub, I am a Garmin fan all the way, I have one in my car and I have a garmin motorcycle mount for my bike...it is super reliable and I would rather leave the wife at home than my Garmin....(At least my Garmin can read a map hehe..)
No directions came with the purchase of the TomTom. I either need directions, or I need to know if I can program a route that I want to use. It only gives me the route that it thinks I should follow.
Why didn't I get directions with the purchase??
Sandy
Most excellent comparison hub. I am happy with my iphone and the free gps apps on it right now, but if I change my mind I will make sure to visit your hub before I buy :-)
Nick
Hi just wondering I want a GPS thats pretty accurate. Used to drive just around texas to get to places. And, I would like to know an opinion on which is better for that usage. Either a TomTom or Garmin? and If so, which one?
Would the TomTom ONE XL Portable Extra-wide Screen be a decent one?
Thanks.
both are equally good. its about taste and preference.
Something no one seems to have mentioned is receiver accuracy. Through my work I have had the opportunity to test and compare several makes and have found quite a difference in accuracy. I have not tested TomTom, but have tested Trimble, Magellan, Garmin and USGlobalsat receivers. Compared to the differentially corrected Trimble professional units, I found the USGlobalsat to have 3 to 5 metre error, the Garmin about 10 metres while the Magellan over had 30 metres of error. The 20 channel Sirf III chip used in the USGlobalsat and some garmin units has excellent accuracy. For in-car use, I use IGuidance on my PDA, combined with a USGlobalsat bluetooth receiver.
I got a tomtom for christmas... love it.
I've just bought a new Tom Tom, so far I'm very happy with it
Very useful!
Very useful!
I have a 720 and I wanted maps for Australia so I went on the Canadian web site and went to the Maps download guess what its down for repairs, not to much problem except that it has been that way for at least 4 months.
Tom Toms answer is use another country web site guess what your credit card details cannot be entered with the correct Canadian address on any other website except the canadian website ,Tom Toms answer is get credit card from Australia or some other country great How as I dont live there or any where else except Canada
So I bought a garmin much easier to get maps for it
Tom Tom still refuses to even accept that there is a problem as far as there support is concerned
Just bought a TomTom XL330 AND a garmin nuvi 765 for $219
TomTom had a more accurate estimate of the time. I followed that Garmins Route.. but it kept adding minutes at each stop light... The TomTom held it's course, and was very accurate.. I arrived well after Garmin said I'd be there, and a minute after TomTom said I'd be there... TOMTOM by a mile
TomTom's can be updated... on the device itself! I frequent the same places... and my new garmin 855 was driving me nutz with stuff that wasn't there... I can just add it with tomtom.
new housing developments? add them with tomtom
Now, safety...
Garmin is much easier to see.
TomTom has much much much better audio instructions.
Garmin is down right dangerous. It starts talking right when you are past the decision point to do what it said... and it tells you plans while you are merging and other dangerous stuff...
Tom Tom will tell you to exit in the future.. more often after you are safely on the road and can listen.
Garmin Just talks and talks and talks.
The MAJOR plus of a garmin is that it has a trail log.. breadcrumb feature. that you can see.
TomTom does not have this... This makes editing the maps harder.
So, I reccomend buying a top of the line TomTom, and a super cheap garmin... the garmin can keep a log.. and the TomTom can be used for routing and directions.
Don't buy a garmin. Their support is clearly lacking. I bought the garmin 880 which is their high end unit (very expensive) and it locks up and sometimes won't even come on. I got a recall letter on it and so far they still have not solved the problem. I'm finally frustrated and think I will have to live with it. My next unit will be a Tom Tom.
I have both a Garmin 265WT and TomTom XXL 540-S. Frankly, both have their advantages and disadvantages. If I had to use just one, though I'd go with the TomTom. It gives advanced lane guidance and the quickfix via a weekly computer update (which also updates other users' map corrections) is much faster than Garmin's auto sat tracking. Garmin's computer voice text-to-speech is a little better. TomTom has more options, more good stuff on the main screen and is more fun to use. I find it (as opposed to someone else here) more "Mac-like" than the Garmin.Everything is where you expect, you don't have to go through a slew of screens to get the right menu, and it's logical. It is also much more customizable as far as splash screens, exit screens, etc. The software on the computer for both is good, either for Macs or PCs. I love the huge 5" screen on the XXL. Garmin has free (ad supported) traffic on the 265, but it requires a special, heavy power cord. Reviews of this feature agree that it is over rated. It hasn't helped me avoid traffic yet. You can get traffic on a T2 for $60 (with no ads) including a 1-yr. subscription. The Garmin doesn't show as many nearby street names, including the street you're on at the time- a problem for me sometimes. The routing also tells me to go where there is horrendous traffic near my house. The T2's intelligent routing is better for me. I'm going to keep both, but again I prefer the TomTom.
Personally I'd go for the iPhone, built into the phone, no need for an additional one!
I have been going crazy trying to decide between a TomTom or Garmin. I want a unit that I can speak to for options as well as user friendly and has voice turn by turn directions. Having the option of audio books and photos is ok, but not a must. I would like to have the option of Bluetooth and real-time traffic reports along side of internet access if I choose to pay for that at a later time. 4.3 inch screen minimum. Any suggestions with price, models, and use will greatly help.
I have a GPS Application in my mobile phone thesedays, it's amazing how quickly technology advances!
Very well written hub .....
very much informative ......
Thank you very much for your great hub, for good advice, good wishes and support. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.
I've had several aviation and marine units from Garmin. All were flawless. However, my latest purchase was a $2800 Garmin Chartplotter. Sixteen months after my purchase the unit malfunctioned. It was out of warranty, I had no reciept and I had purchased from an eBay Store which I could not recall. Yet, GARMIN gave me a brand new unit at no charge..WOW
Do you know if you have to pay for map updates on all GPS units?
I have the tom tom. Love it, never failed me yet. easy to use visually good and it offers a lot of information.. i would think by now all offer the same ease of use and satisfaction.
I bought a Tom Tom One XL S. The menus and maps etc. all seem very easy to operate and I really like it but this model only comes with 1 meg of memory and the maps alone take nearly all of that. A rep told me to delete the computer voice in order to make room for the "Guaranteed map update" but this does away with text to speech. So, I bought a 2 gb SD card in order to download all the available features but then I find that the program and maps have to run on the card also so this slows everything down so much that the computer voice cannot keep up and it sounds like a record skipping. I called the company and they told me it could be a corrupted file or a bad speaker so I deleted and reinstalled the files to no avail. Then I returned the first Tom Tom for another of the same type and it does the exact same thing. I've concluded that this model cannot operate at sufficient speed when operating from the SD card. The newer models have more memory and have done away with the SD card slot so that should tell you something. Stay away from the One XL S.
Hi Debbie! Thanks for putting up this post, I have a Tomtom unit, but can I use Garmin-compatible maps with it? Unfortunately, we only have Garmin maps available in the Philippines and it would be such a waste if I won't be able to use my Tomtom when I get home from Europe next year..
Hi Mister G, Thanks for reading my hubs!
I don't mind and the answer so far is no - not yet.
Debbie, I hope you won't mind my asking, but do you have a relationship with any manufacturer or provider of GPS systems, like Garmin or Tom Tom?
Wow, I am so sorry that you have had such problems. I hope that you get your files from your ruined cell phone - you may have helped a lot of people remember to back up thier cell phone files just in case.
WARNING: I have a Tom Tom ONE XL, and I liked it initially, although it occasionally led me to nonexistent places (closed or relocated businesses) or took me by unnecessarily circuitous routes to places that did exist. But I need to warn anybody who uses Verizon as their wireless carrier: there's an incompatibility between some Verizon phones and Tom Tom's QuickGPSFix software, an incompatibility that can destroy your phone.
Most unconscionable is the fact that they knew about this incompatibility but chose not to post a warning with their instructions to download the software (who wants to lose all those potential customers who use Verizon, right?).
I found this out the hard way, when my Motorola V3m phone was destroyed (a Motorola tech support rep verified that the Tom Tom software was the likely cause).
I had downloaded "update" software from Tom Tom's website -- big mistake. When the downloads were completed, my unit couldn't find any satellites. So I referenced the online support documentation, which advised I use a Bluetooth link to download their QuickGPSFix software. There was no warning about the incompatibility issue, so I tried downloading the software using my Verizon phone's Bluetooth link, as advised. Now the phone won't work -- completely fried -- only shows a weird blue Motorola logo I'd never seen before, with a subtext: "Bootloader USB init"...and all my photos, etc., are now inaccessible.
I took it to Verizon, but they couldn't fix it and advised that I contact Motorola to see if they might be able to access my phone's files (I already have a new phone and just want the files at this point). I contacted Tom Tom's "support" online, and at first they lied and said their software couldn't have damaged my phone. After I told them that a Motorola technician said otherwise, they admitted there was a compatibility issue -- but they refused to accept responsibility for destroying my phone, despite their failure to warn of the known issue. I told them they should at least fund the phone's repair, if it's reparable at all; but they preferred to then resort to their original lie, that their software couldn't have done the damage. I reminded them that they'd already admitted the incompatibility issue, and I promised to warn others about their potentially destructive software and their policy of irresponsibility. So, there you have it.
Bottom line: if you're in the market for a GPS unit, get a Garmin. I've heard nothing but praise for their product, and every comparision I've read online favors Garmin. Among other things, they're much better at locating what Tom Tom calls "points of interest." Tom Tom is pathetic in that regard: e.g., I looked up "schools" in a major city and got about twelve. And last time I asked to be directed to a gas station, it took me to an empty lot. Go with Garmin.
P.S.
Before you buy into the public relations talk about Tom Tom's wonderful map updates, go to their website and check out the prices for those updates.
I believe that YOU are Great !
My husband has a garmin and I have a tomtom and I would tell everyone to get a garmin, it is so much better then the tomtom that I have.
Between the two I choose TomTom... I've a TomTom One XL and I'm very pleased with it!
I bought a TOM TOM 720 and a Garmin 780w for Christmas . I have to say I first like the Tom Tom , but when you use it everyday it has a lot of shortcomings. I like the map rendering on the Garmin better. It also has way more POIS though the correct mapshare feature on Tom Tom is great. The routing on the Garmin is better also. Tom Tom finds the sattelites much faster than the Garmin. Tom Tom is much more customizable. Garmin is more simplr to use. Garmin uses a lot less buttons than Tom Tom to do the same. I would say Garmin is more like a Mac. And Tom Tom like a PC......
The Garmin Forerunner 405 has recently been released in the UK. Have US users had good experiences with it. Are there any problems or issues.
Ken (Half Marathon Runner)
Can anyone recommend a small GPS with a long battery life?
I found this interesting. The only problem is the portable ones get stolen out of cars, so to avoid being broken in to Australians have taken to removing not only the suction pad mount off the window, but even the mark it left. It seems thieves will check to see if you put it under the seat!
I just lost mine overnight someone broke in to my ute, did some damage too, and stole my GPS which is why I read this hub. All the brands you mentioned work well in Australia as far as I know. If I get another one it will be pocket sized with a good battery life.
Thanks for sharing such a usefull information.
I'm from croatia and i use garmin and only they have good and proper maps, at least for croatia...
These are global companies but do they have GPS in developing countries?
last I heard is just the G7 countries. It would be nice when going abroad I have traveled to other countries and their roads are just as good sometimes or better than ones in the USA. But I know Garmin is tops from everybody I hear from
I thought the article and reading everybodies comments was very helpful in deciding which GPS i should get. I went a little cheaper and got the Garmin 250W and so far am more than impressed with it. I compared it to my friends TomTom, not sure what version he has off hand, and I thought the Garmin out performed the TomTom in a lot of ways. *wider screen *easier to type in destinations *clearer picture *WAY more POI's *more options. I just moved to downtown Buffalo and the Garmin GPS has been an insane help on navigating throughout the city, i also love the "detour" option, and the arrival time is always exact.
Garmin uses NAVTEQ maps so I would definitely buy a Garmin. Even if it is a little more expensive it is worth it. NAVTEQ employees drive streets everyday to make sure their maps are up to date. Tomtom uses Tele Atlas maps and they don't have nearly as many employees in the US. Get a Garmin, you won't be disappointed..
i need more opinion to purchase my gps ,garmin or tom tom
Dave, thanks for reading my hub. Hopefully these hubs will help answer your question.
Looking for advice on buying a decent sat nav.
I would like to have a multiple point route planning feature as i will be using it for travelling from client to client all over Ireland.
Also i have found using a garmin before that it did not display the names of adjacent streets on the route. Is this the same with the Tomtom.
Can anyone recommend a really good model
Nice information. It appears that TomTom has been making inroads into Garmin's market share lead of late.
Thanks for the information. We have been considering getting one. One thing I have noticed is that the screens are not always user friendly for those of us over 50. Did I just say that? I can't see the screen - even with my glasses! Some have a much bigger screen with larger print.
Great Information of GPS System.
Informative hub! Thanks for the sharing.
I could use one of these. I'm terrible with directions!
so who wins? You also said you think this would be a useful tool. How do they work in your life? I mean I read a bunch of regurgitated information. Wiki would have been more useful and have given better reviews and links.
My husband wants to get the Garmin Zumo for his motorcycle, and I've been resistant to the idea. Your article was very informative and pointed out ways that a GPS is helpful that I had not considered. What an excellent starting-off point for more information. Thanks!
Very useful hub
what an absolute waste of a review.. is this GPS 101 for retards??
Very timely for me as I am in the market at this time exploring GPS systems.
Same with me. Not tradeing my garmin for anything else. It's proven itself repeatedly in my line of work and finding site locations with sheer GPS coordinates of a tower or new build job site
The Garmin is my favorite. I've gone through several models and currently enjoy the 200w. Great hub!
I use a blackberry pearl with a built in GPS and downloaded the Google maps tool... totally indespensible, I will never travel to unknown lands again without it.
i guess garmin is the best......
I have found many sources for maps, red ligh cameras etc. I have a etc (free!) just by searching google or whatever u like,I have a garmin 250w, according to their site speed cameras are not available in Oz. However I found a free site with all the files I need and how to install
Thanks for all the great info on the Gps I am looking at one for my car
Jumping junipers!
Hi Neil,
You can access real time weather reports on the TomTom 920 by using TomTom Plus Services in combination with a bluetooth enabled cell phone. There are several cell phones that are compatible from Nokia, HTC, Sony, Motorola. I plan to write a hub with this in more detail very soon.
Hi Debbie,
Great thread! I'm leaning towards TomTom 920. However, I couldn't find any information if it does support displaying of weather. Do you have any information?
Thanks,
Neil
Wesley,
Thanks for reading my hub.
The TomTom GO920T, 920, 720 and the TomTom One 3rd Edition have the "Map Share" feature. The maps can be updated whenever you like from the TomTom website.
My research shows that the Garmin updates the maps once a year.
i run a business that involves me going to clients all the time . which would be better for my drivers to use to get around. english is their secound language .either tom tom or garmin. i currently have a garmin nuvi200w but i would like an easy to use , cost effective navigation that can be updated easily and regularly
Mokki, You can check out my hub on Garmin Nuvi GPS sorted by features. It would give you an idea of the features that are available. Hope this helps.
i want to buy a GPS for my hubby's b-day but i'm clueless what brand to get or what model????? H E L P!!!
Sandy I am so glad that the problem was just that unit. Electronics are great when they work! Hopefully if anyone else has the same problem they will see what you wrote and will know what to do.
The TomTom 920T has alot of great features and I like that you can update from home. It only make sense to have that ability.
Thanks for keeping me updated and I'd love to hear about any new discoveries you find on your new TomTom.
Well, here it is,, I gave up on the garimin, took it back, and they said that there's something wrong with it. North on the mapping is off, so the unit is defective. Bought a TomTom Go 920T,, and so far we love it,, so easy to use and has a ton of options,, and it can even find my home address.... I love to conect it to the internet to Tom Tom Home and download all the updates.. So easy. Thanks Debbie for all your help with the Garmin. But the Garmin already had the 2008 map version.
I've got an old Garmin eMap that still works well, but I've been thinking about upgrading. I have to say though that the iPhone's location capabilitycombined with Google maps works better than I'd expected, so I've ended up putting off an upgrade longer than I originally planned.
I find that the Tom Tom is a lot more clear and bright as compared to the Garmin.
I put the town, Estevan, Saskatchewan and once again the Garmin wants to send me all the way North to Saskatoon, when it's south I need to go.. Why is this happening? Anybody out there know why? I live in Stettler, Alberta, and seems stupid to want to send me North to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
I am impressed with your knowledge and abilities with technologies. I am very low tech, but learning!
thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Did Garmin say what their latest update is? Amazon has the 2008 version.
TomTom does allow you to make updates to the maps and then share them as well. Then an interesting feature of the Garmin 700 and 800 series is the "Where Am I". I have a hub that breaks down the Nuvi series feature by feature. It may help you choose.
I have an idea that you may try. Add your own POI (Point of interests) that are near by the areas that you are wanting to Navigate. Once you get to that address maybe the addresses would start to be picked up by your GPS. That way you will know at what location your Garmin will start giving you correct information.
Thanks, Debbie, I did e-mail garmin, but they want me to fill out a form so that it can be added to an update which only comes out once a year they tell me. I did search for updates and they say there is no updates at this time. I am considering buying a Tom Tom Go 920T. I am really frustrated with these GPS's. Been doing research, I would really like to know which one is the most updated version. From my research I can update my own map and share it with other users, is this correct? Think this would be better than having to wait a year to get updates from Garmin.
Sandy, Sorry to hear that you have having such a difficult time getting a GPS to work in your area.
I did a quick search on Google and found that there are maps that can be ordered specifically for Canada. Maybe your unit needs an updated map - posssibly there are updates for yours. I would suggest contacting either the manufacturer support or contacting a third party that sells maps for your unit.
Good Luck! If I come across any other information that might help I will post it here. Thanks
At first I bought a TomTom720, and plugged it into the computer overnight, and the next day, went to install the disc, and it wouldn't install. Then my computer wouldn't recognize the device when I plugged it into the usb port. So I took it back and got the Garmin nuvi 260, it works but I live in Stettler, Alberta and the map doesn't shoe any street names in this town, and can't even find my home address, travelled from Stettler, Alberta to Regina, Saskatchewan and it kept on wanting to send me to Saskatoon,, I can't figure out which unit is better than the other.. Can anyone help me,, I also almost got lost in Calgary, Alberta the map didn't recognize the overpass on McKnight Blvd, and 36th, it kept saying turn left, when I couldn't make a left turn. Can anyone help me?
It's good to know. Thanks. I personally prefer Garmin.
I have enjoyed reading your article on GPS devices. Lots of great information here. I have always known what a GPS Device was but now I feel as if I want one! :-)
Big thanks.. really nice info..
Thanks great info. I know now what I am going to buy.
Thanks for that Deb your a star
I did a quick Google search and found ads for the battery (listed in the sidebar)and I also found some on ebay.com - just type in Garmin c320 battery.
Thanks,
Deb
Hi
I have a Garmin c320 and after 18 months it now has a dead battery any idea if it can be replaced?
Thanks
With GPS System it help me in my Malaysia trip. Great technology
Where I live in Germany there are two types of Americans, those that have GPS systems in their vehicles and those that never travel anywhere. What a great thing for reducing stress while utilizing quality time with your family on the road.
I must get one of these - I have no sense of direction whatsoever!
Its not just Garmin and Tom Tom anymore. There are lots of new names out there that have great features. Investigate before you buy. Look for the features that are important to you. I have a Navigon and it has free traffic updates for life! Great if you live in a city like boston that's supported.
i thought this article is going to be on the actual comanies instaed of their product :|
Interesting post! Do you ever talk about politics?
I do:
tomtoms are better, more user friendly etc, its abit like Nokia vs SonyEricson!
I like the Garmin better. We have one for the Car and also one for the boat. I would buy this brand again.
I have sold a few GPS's via my gadget blog and found TomTom to be more popular than Garmin.
Nice hub by the way.
The information about GPS units is very useful.
Wonderful things ... extremely handy!
its amaging, no other words suitable for the function of This item
While the GPS portables are wonderful, the one item that I find is severely lacking is battery life. My first TomTom One died a horrible death and was replaced in short order with another one. After three or four long trips, I found that if I didnt keep it plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, it would die within about an hour or so. This was rather inconvenient since most places I was going were 1-1.5 hours in distance and the thing would die just as I was looking for the place I was going.
While this might be am isolated problem with only mine, I highly doubt it based on battery life of other electronices. They definately need to do more work in this area in order to make the GPS truely portable.
The garmin is great, I wouldn't trade it for nothing else.
JimDoyle 5 months ago
Fantastic Site with a lot of followers.Hope I can be as big one day.