GPS buying help, Garmin or TomTom?

TomTom's are crapcrap - get the garmin you'll be happier

 

Actually TomTom 540TM ($192 amazon) and 340TM($160 amazon) have free lifetime traffic and lifetime map update. Their free lifetime traffic doesn't have ads, like Garmins.

 

get an android phone ... you will surprised how good google's integration is ... voice recognition that actually works ...

 

Since the OPs in the US, I'd recommend against TomTom or any other PNDs that use Tele Atlas map data. See http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...min-nuvi-350-any-other-good-alternatives.html as to why.

Uhh, that's assuming that the OP wants to pay for a smart phone and in most cases be locked into a ~$70/mo plan (for data + voice) for 2 years (~$1680), they can find a reasonable mounting solution for the Android phone, are satisfied with a small screen and can find a reasonable solution to power the device.

I have a T-Mobile myTouch which only has Android 1.6 (and an iPhone 3G). I've download the Google Maps Navigation Beta for the Android phone to try it. But, I NEVER use my Android phone in place of my Garmin PND (in my 350Z) or the nav unit in my Prius. I don't wish to spend extra $ on a mounting solution nor something with which to power it.

 

I own both and each has their pros and cons. If I had to choose between either of them it would be a very tough decision. There are some features on the Tom Tom that are absent from Garmin. As an example, Tom Tom has a feature that allows users to submit error corrections on map data. On a weekly basis if you update your Tom Tom you will get these updates loaded on to your unit. Another feature is the multitude of voices you can download for guidance. Some are free and some you have to pay for. You can also download icons that represent your vehicle (I downloaded a blue Prius). They also have an update on where the satellites are slated to be in the sky so that warm up times are much shorter when the unit has this information as to where to seek out the satellite signal.

The Garmin is also a very solid unit and its routing algorithms seem to make more sense than the Tom Tom. As others have said, the maps that Garmin uses are supposedly a little better than what Tom Tom uses. There are LESS user adjustments but overall in the end I think I'd stick with Garmin. It is a US based company (publicly traded) and I think their customer service is better too.

As an aside, I have the Tom Tom APP on my iPhone and it is pretty decent. I also have evaluated the Navigon APP (their hardware is no longer sold in North America) and I prefer the Tom Tom over the Navigon APP. Based on your question, I'm assuming you prefer to purchase a stand alone unit as opposed to a software based solution to your needs. Hope I was helpful.

 

I have an Android smart phone (Samsung Moment) from
Sprint, and I use its GPS all the time. I don't completely
agree with Pooka's advice.

Cell phone-based GPS is an acceptable basic nav solution
for getting around town.

There are many times, though, that I would like to have
a hammer and smash it into a million pieces!

The two biggest deficiencies of a phone GPS are:

1. No phone service also means no GPS service - so
don't get lost in the sticks!
2. Can take a long time to start up, both loading the
software and calculating a route; I've seen as much
as 5-10 minutes.

--

If you want a "Pro" GPS solution, get a real GPS, from
a major league GPS technology company. I have used
Garmin products and wouldn't hesitate to recommend
them. I haven't used Tom Tom, so can't speak to those.

 

I recently purchased the first GPS I've ever owned. So I can't compare it to many other units. It's a cheaper Garmin. All I can say is that it works very well. I'm happy with it.

If you want a relatively economical GPS unit that works well I'd recommend a Garmin.

 

Garmin.

 

Hmm... I have the "moment" as well:

Something is off with your phone - I am on Joeykrim's rooted Android 2.1 ROM - you can get it from:
[Kernel - DE03] joeykrim-SDX - v2.0.4!!! - May 28th 2010

anyhoo, even without a rooted moment, I think you are mistaken about usage of phone service:

your gripes, i think are with the Sprint Nav App rather than the phones - do NOT use the Sprint Nav app - it is a toture device.

1. you can get I go My way (app) which store MAPs on the SD card just like Garmin or Tom Tom - so it is always there. or you can get Tom Tom app for Iphone. you can also get "i go" for android for free (wink) if you know where to look. Do NOT use Sprint Nav - use the free Google Maps or i Go. The free Google app is evry good and only going to improve.

2. I have timed against BMW X5 (pretty good) / Mercedes (CLS 550 - sucks) / Toyota ... even the stock Google Maps beats them handily (and that is without using voice recognition) ... you must be near a powerline or soemthing for 5-10 minutes sat locktime.

The only advantage besides (big screen) that in-dash systems have is that they ahve speed sensor conencted to the car and retain some direction when going under tunnels etc ... again the standalone gps in this thread do not have this ability as well ...

The phones are getting better each day and soon they will overtake standalone gps units imho ...

google comes with lifetime updates / TTS / traffic info / weather info - no wonder garmin is trying to promote its nuvifone.

hope this helps! and hope its not a TJ.

 

Garmin without Doubt.

All my friends have TomTom but I have a Garmin. Everyone wish they had mine. No joke.

 

I researched them to death recently and ended up buying a Garmin Nuvi 755T...love it and highly recommend the model. Best deal I found was at newegg.com

 

I have a Garmin and my brother in-law has a Tom-Tom. We recently took a trip with his Tom-Tom which is OK but seriously get the Garmin. Voice and directions are much better IMO.

 

Quick question about the Garmin...

If you don't turn where it tells you to turn, will it continue to tell you to turn around over and over and over and over, or does it self-correct and re-direct you from where you are?

My TomTom self-corrects, which I find VERY handy. I also find it's very easy to use, but I don't have any experience with Garmin.

 

It will give directions on how to return to a missed turn but after going 1/4 mile, the Garmin recalculates the next route.

I added a nuvi 265W with Bluetooth for our 2003 Prius and it works pretty good. The Ericsson phone sometimes gets a little confused so I've had to enter the passcode a couple of times. Still, it has worked well enough.

Bob Wilson

 

I also vote for Garmin. I upgraded to Kenwood DNX6960 head unit because it has Garmin Navigation.

 

I recommend Garmin hands down. Garmin is coming out with a redesigned model, which is slimmer with a little larger screen. I believe it is the 3700 series. With the competition from the smart phones, they are more competitive in pricing with more features.

 

I have an older Tom Tom and have never had a problem. Its the basic model, small screen, but its solid. I have never owned a garmin.