Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > The Lounge
o

Notices

The Lounge A Catch-All Area for NON-GUN topics.
PUT GUN TOPICS in the GUN FORUMS.
Keep it Family Friendly. See The Rules for Banned Topics!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-23-2009, 04:38 PM
kbm6893 kbm6893 is offline
SWCA Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 636
Liked 6,861 Times in 2,541 Posts
Default Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?

Want to pick one up this holiday season. Both are about the same price ($100). Anyone have experience with either one?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-23-2009, 04:46 PM
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 30,689
Likes: 57,536
Liked 52,812 Times in 16,465 Posts
Default

I have a Garmin, but suppose they're pretty much alike. Never leave home without it, even if I think I know the way.
Used it extensively in Maine, Florida and western NC recently. Helps find points of interest, restaurants, sporting goods stores ,fillin' stations and just about anything you may need.
Where they "get you" is the "yearly updates", when they offer to upgrade the software for a "fee". I don't do that every year as I figure not much could change, but do it like every 3 years.
Before making a trip we load up the GPS with evry place we may visit. Better to do it beforehand, imho, than when you get on the road. You can always delete whatever you don't need.
Hope this helps somewhat.
__________________
GOA/SAF
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-23-2009, 04:48 PM
Babalooie's Avatar
Babalooie Babalooie is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Chi-town
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 215
Liked 193 Times in 99 Posts
Default

I bought a Tom Tom for my car. Didn't like it. Was told TOM TOM is an English company and their North American software has issues. Ended up with a Garmin and am pleased.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-23-2009, 04:52 PM
windjammer's Avatar
windjammer windjammer is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Mid-Tennessee
Posts: 393
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I have a Garmin, which I like.......have no experence with others. They can be had in the same price range.
__________________
Regards,
Windjammer
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-23-2009, 05:57 PM
smitholdtimer smitholdtimer is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: N.C.
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 5,920
Liked 1,822 Times in 810 Posts
Default Magellan

The nice lady in my Magellan really enjoys arguing and uses the term "Make a legal U Turn" quite often.
__________________
Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:05 PM
IcarryS&W's Avatar
IcarryS&W IcarryS&W is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: East Texas
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Another vote for Garmin. Mine gets used extensively making customer service calls for a Propane Company in rural East Texas. Even most small dirt private roads are in the system.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:08 PM
Duster42's Avatar
Duster42 Duster42 is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 294
Likes: 1,640
Liked 70 Times in 38 Posts
Default

I like my Garmin the best.
__________________
U.S. Army Viet Nam Vet '68-69'
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:13 PM
kalei's Avatar
kalei kalei is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SW Florida Gulf Coast
Posts: 144
Likes: 2
Liked 87 Times in 40 Posts
Default

I personally like Garmin, tried the others and they don't work as well.

Log into garmin.com and you can check out all the models and comapre features
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:14 PM
tomf52 tomf52 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: North East PA
Posts: 530
Likes: 62
Liked 175 Times in 88 Posts
Default

Garmin! Love mine.
__________________
Lost in Penn's Woods

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:15 PM
ChadW's Avatar
ChadW ChadW is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts
Default

My wife loves her Garmin. It's very good from what I've seen.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:20 PM
cobra44 cobra44 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
Liked 69 Times in 40 Posts
Default

Magellan - We have 3 of them. Works great. I depend on them all the time.
I got the 4.3 inch screens, Roadmate.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:22 PM
Jerry N.'s Avatar
Jerry N. Jerry N. is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 412
Likes: 25
Liked 147 Times in 94 Posts
Default

I have a lower end Garmin. I like it except for one thing. It doesn't seem to have an option to stay on a main highway. We were driving from St. Louis to Detroit and it kept wanting to take state roads versus staying on the expressway. Generally though, I'd rather have any cheap one with all its flaws than none at all.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:37 PM
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 30,689
Likes: 57,536
Liked 52,812 Times in 16,465 Posts
Default

Jerry, do you have it set for fastest time or shortest distance? Using shortest distance could be why it's taking you off the Interstate.
__________________
GOA/SAF
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12-23-2009, 06:55 PM
Noah Zark's Avatar
Noah Zark Noah Zark is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PA
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
Liked 60 Times in 21 Posts
Default

We have two Garmins, both are 4.3" screens for ease of visibility at a quick glance. They have been trouble free for a few years now. Some friends bought Toms and Magellans and have had issues, and their experiences drove me to buy Garmins.

Both have the street name feature. This is VERY useful, because the device says, "In 500 yards turn left onto 1st Avenue," instead of "Turn left in 500 yds." That's fine, but how many people can judge distances away from the target range? Not many.

The larger-screen device with the street name annunciator feature is well worth the extra $$$, IMO. With these things, like many electronics gadgets, you definitely get what you pay for. Spend the extra $$$ for the user-friendly features.

JMO,

Noah
__________________
Nicht mehr als 30 Zeichen
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 12-23-2009, 07:02 PM
Milanfire2 Milanfire2 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 70
Likes: 9
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Garmin,the best.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 12-23-2009, 07:12 PM
Blkcat Blkcat is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I have a Magellan - works great. My only complaint is that firmware updates from Magellan's web site require a Windows PC. I am a Mac user, so always have to scrounge to borrow a friends PC when I need to update the firmware.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 12-23-2009, 07:39 PM
pete-driver's Avatar
pete-driver pete-driver is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Grand Rapids Michigan
Posts: 163
Likes: 72
Liked 19 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I use the Magellan. I like it. I drive a semi so it really allows me to focus on traffic rather than small road signs and building numbers. I use it every day and would not want to go back to maps.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 12-23-2009, 08:08 PM
leswad's Avatar
leswad leswad is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 2,537
Liked 3,172 Times in 573 Posts
Default

Gary and Min's product is the only way to go.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12-23-2009, 08:16 PM
sigp220.45's Avatar
sigp220.45 sigp220.45 is online now
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 8,075
Likes: 27,784
Liked 33,565 Times in 5,253 Posts
Default

I own 4 Tom Toms and they've all been great. They're easy to update, and they're the only GPS I've found that has reservation roads loaded in. Also, I've got Homer Simpson's voice in mine telling me where to go. D'oh!!
__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 12-23-2009, 09:36 PM
Hofstet's Avatar
Hofstet Hofstet is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Northern MI
Posts: 530
Likes: 4
Liked 51 Times in 13 Posts
Default

Have a Tom Tom and a Garmin. Both great units.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12-23-2009, 09:41 PM
smitty_bs smitty_bs is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 531
Likes: 1,140
Liked 474 Times in 130 Posts
Default

Garmin. The 205W is a pretty good model and they're on sale all over for just under a C note. Two family members have them and they work great.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12-23-2009, 09:49 PM
gunsmith11 gunsmith11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 829
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts
Default

i just download yahoo maps ...works for me
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12-23-2009, 09:56 PM
Springfield Bob Springfield Bob is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: West Springfield Ma
Posts: 239
Likes: 3
Liked 23 Times in 16 Posts
Default

Garmin for us. The wife & I drove a rented car from Los Angeles to W-Springfield Mass. It provided us with more information then I expected. Places to see,places to lodge at places to eat etc.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 12-23-2009, 10:11 PM
Brian41 Brian41 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Davison, Michigan
Posts: 2,622
Likes: 60
Liked 1,166 Times in 723 Posts
Default

I'm a sailor and have had GPSs since they came out. My first was a Magellan and a tricky program maybe now corrected.
It died and went with Garmin since. I even have one for my bird dog that gives his position, direction, distance and whether he's running or pointing. It's called Astro if interested in checking them out.
I think Garmin a good company and has it figured out on a user friendly basis.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 12-23-2009, 10:46 PM
jbcap's Avatar
jbcap jbcap is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: upstate, NY
Posts: 363
Likes: 69
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I have a Garmin, wouldn't buy any of the others. Most of the guys I work with have Garmins. A few previously had Tom-Toms but they were not as good, they have since gotten Garmins.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 12-23-2009, 10:49 PM
SWAT Lt. SWAT Lt. is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 287
Likes: 2
Liked 9 Times in 8 Posts
Default

I don't have any experience with Magellan or Tom Tom but I have a Garmin and am very satisfied with it.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 12-24-2009, 12:58 AM
ohiobuckeye ohiobuckeye is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Southern OH USA
Posts: 878
Likes: 43
Liked 69 Times in 44 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13 View Post
I have a Garmin.........Where they "get you" is the "yearly updates", when they offer to upgrade the software for a "fee". I don't do that every year as I figure not much could change, but do it like every 3 years.
I don't recall the exact amount but I think Garmin charges around 70 bucks if you just purchase a single update. For a few dollars more you can purchase a lifetime access that will let you do up to four updates per year. At least that applies to my Streetpilot C340, so I assume Garmin offers the same update options for all models.
I've encountered very few places where the Garmin was out of date. The glitches I've found are usually around some cities where orange barrels are a year round decoration and bypasses have been added or rerouted and/or exits have been changed. Cross country routes don't seem to change that much and the GPS is usually correct. That said, mine has given me some strange routing on a couple of occasions. It's always correct and gets me to the right place, but not always by the best route.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 12-24-2009, 02:37 AM
Class III Class III is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: West Tennessee
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 891
Liked 734 Times in 300 Posts
Default

I have a Garmin GPSMAP76CSx. I never have to transfer maps from the PC to the GPS as I bought the Mapsource road maps memory card. The memory card runs about $80.00 and contains maps of all the US & territories and most of Canada. I've used it driving from west Tennessee to Alaska and back, it never missed a beat. It has LOTS of useful software features, an altimeter, compass, is waterproof and it floats. I did have an issue with my first GPSMAP76CSx after it was out of warranty, USB power port died. Called Garmin and explained the problem to them. One year warranty was expired by six days. They replaced it at no cost, just had to pay shipping to and from. It's been going strong now for three years on the replacement unit. Garmin gets my vote.

Class III
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 12-24-2009, 03:13 AM
magnumforce629's Avatar
magnumforce629 magnumforce629 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I've had a Magellan 1400 for about 3 years and it is flawless. Never failed me once and I like the female voice alot since it's not as annoying as some of the other brands I have tried. IMHO that is the one to get so good luck to you!
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 12-24-2009, 03:39 AM
Wayne02 Wayne02 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Western WA
Posts: 938
Likes: 5
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Noah Zark View Post
Both have the street name feature. This is VERY useful, because the device says, "In 500 yards turn left onto 1st Avenue," instead of "Turn left in 500 yds." That's fine, but how many people can judge distances away from the target range? Not many.
JMO,
Noah
The lack of street names really drives me nuts when using our Tom Tom. Not calling out the actual street you are supposed to turn on in addition to the '500 yards' is very counter intuitive and requires far more effort on the part of the driver then it should for simple navigation tasks.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 12-24-2009, 04:02 AM
LESMITH LESMITH is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I have the TomTom 340 XL and love it. It also calls out the name of the street when you are about to turn. Articles I have read say that the TomTom devices have better function per dollar than the Garmin on the lower price models and the Garmin has better function per dollar at the high end. So it depends on which model you want and how much you want to spend.
__________________
Vote ALL incumbents out.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 12-24-2009, 10:22 AM
Damn Yankee Damn Yankee is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Gulf Coast Mississippi
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 147
Liked 1,067 Times in 376 Posts
Default

This is a article from MSN Money about company's that may not be around in 2020.

6. Magellan
Once a novelty, GPS -- the technology that plots your location via satellite -- is now ubiquitous. Besides dashboard GPS devices in cars, consumers can now get GPS access in smart phones and even cameras.

This is all part of a natural progression in technology in which software comes along to do the same thing you previously needed stand-alone devices for, Stevens says.

And it means that soon enough, consumers won't see any reason to buy GPS devices like those sold by Magellan, a private company but a well-known name, because software on their phone does the same thing.

To get a sense of the extent to which GPS is now a commodity, just consider the intense price competition in the space. On Black Friday, vendors such as Magellan were offering generic GPS devices as low as $69 -- $21 below the cost of materials in the devices -- just to try to keep shelf space, Deutsche Bank analyst Jonathan Goldberg says.

You know a business appears doomed when companies have to sell below costs, even temporarily, just to stay in the game.

Troubled companies, Kodak, Blockbuster, Sears, Palm - MSN Money
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 12-24-2009, 10:28 AM
Lee in Quartzsite's Avatar
Lee in Quartzsite Lee in Quartzsite is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Kingman, Arizona
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 758
Liked 2,916 Times in 947 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LESMITH View Post
I have the TomTom 340 XL and love it. It also calls out the name of the street when you are about to turn.
I just bought the TT 340 XL, and even where I live in the Boondocks, it calls out street names perfectly. Another great feature is being able to connect it to my computer for daily map updates, planning routes or adding way points.

I wasn't too fond with the holder that came with it, so I bought one from ProClip. They have holders for all makes of GPS and Cell Phones...a bit pricey, but it was a perfect fit and easy to install.

ProClip Mounting System - Device Holders and Dashboard Vehicle Mounts

TomTom ProClip Mounting System - Home - TomTom

I do have a handheld Garmin that I take ATVing and hunting. It also works great....I have had it for about 3 years.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 12-24-2009, 10:33 AM
Evil One's Avatar
Evil One Evil One is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Westminster SC, 29693
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 21
Liked 235 Times in 50 Posts
Default

We have 2 Magellan GPS units.
Mine works great, even while I was working in Canada.


Jim
__________________
Big bullets leave big holes
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 12-24-2009, 03:30 PM
tallpaul tallpaul is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NE ohio
Posts: 314
Likes: 14
Liked 11 Times in 7 Posts
Default

Just bought my first after having friends tell me I needed one for years... Sams had a tom tom on sale for about 55.oo black friday and I grabbed one... Used it hunting season this year and a couple trips. Shoulda got one years ago I think...
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 12-24-2009, 03:51 PM
loutent's Avatar
loutent loutent is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Del Aware
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 523
Liked 1,042 Times in 304 Posts
Default

We also have a Garmin 255Nuvi - it's great. It's about 99% accurate - we had one humorous incident when the "lady inside" continued to direct us to the opposite side of the lake of the hotel we were looking for. We could see the hotel but couldn't find the way to it - the lady simply told us to drive "off road" across the lake.
__________________
Lou
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 12-24-2009, 04:06 PM
raisedin99 raisedin99 is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Bluegrass state
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1,045
Liked 1,916 Times in 606 Posts
Default Magellan 1470

I have had a Magellan 1470 since the 1st of May, it went bad a few weeks ago ( locked up ), called the company and after over one hour on the phone, they decided to have it sent back to them for repair or replacement, on my dime I might add. After holding it hostage for a week they sent me #2.

#2 didn't work correctly ( would not save entered addresses or previous addresses or home address) called the company and spent another half hour on the phone, they decided that it needed to be returned for repair or replacement, this time i insisted that they send me a prepaid fed ex label and sent it off. they held #2 hostage for a week then sent me #3.

I received # 3 yesterday, took it for a drive #3 didn't work correctly ( would not save entered addresses or previous addresses or home address) called the company and spent another 1/4 hour on the phone with a tech, at which time I insisted on speaking to one of their managers in Nevada who I talked with for over a half hour.

I explained to the manager of the situation and requested my money back, that I had already lost a month of my warranty and that I was not happy, he would not return my money, instead he would send me a new higher level model, and a prepaid fed ex label to send #3 back to them.

#4 is scheduled to arrive 12/28 once I have it in hand I'll send #3 back to them.

I really liked the features of the 1470 but if I were to do it again I would not buy a Magellan.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 12-24-2009, 04:09 PM
fyimo's Avatar
fyimo fyimo is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 18,773
Likes: 6,048
Liked 5,762 Times in 1,992 Posts
Talking

I have a Garmin Model 205 W in the car and it rocks for the price. I also have Garmin Vista HCx hand held for when I hunt with topo maps loaded in and it's fantstic.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 12-24-2009, 04:30 PM
TACC1 TACC1 is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Wautoma, WI 54982
Posts: 4,118
Likes: 6,564
Liked 799 Times in 499 Posts
Default

GARMIN
I've got three, low-end (cheap) Garmins that I've got in company vehicles. I use the one in my company vehicle virtually every day,
and have something like 150-175,000 miles of use of it.
The wider screen is great, if you have a choice. The other two have standard screen. All work as advertised. Have only used them in four states. Wouldn't be w/o one. WalMart is selling them for about
$100 now; I'm thinking about getting another wide-screen.
It seems all the different mfr.s make good quality units.
Let us know which one you get, Merry CHRISTmas!! TACC1
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 12-24-2009, 05:03 PM
CW Spook's Avatar
CW Spook CW Spook is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: South of the Laurentian D
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 221
Liked 511 Times in 222 Posts
Default

Based on 10 years of experience, I'd say there's Garmin and then there are the wannabees.
__________________
Rick, W0FG
CTR2 68-72
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 12-24-2009, 11:00 PM
Jerry N.'s Avatar
Jerry N. Jerry N. is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 412
Likes: 25
Liked 147 Times in 94 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13 View Post
Jerry, do you have it set for fastest time or shortest distance? Using shortest distance could be why it's taking you off the Interstate.
I have it set for shortest time. I've noticed that when I stayed on the expressway, the time was a little longer (like a few minutes).

There were also comments about the GPS units that use the street names. I would second that as a good feature. It's nice to hear your directions and not have to look at your screen. There's also a little humor from time to time in the way the unit pronounces the street names.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 12-25-2009, 05:48 PM
paladin42 paladin42 is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: The Unaka Mountains in TN
Posts: 457
Likes: 233
Liked 122 Times in 36 Posts
Default

My wife loves her Garmin NuVi.
__________________
You are what you learn.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 12-25-2009, 07:19 PM
84CJ's Avatar
84CJ 84CJ is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 1
Liked 23 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I have the Garmin nuvi 255 WT would have rather gotten the 255 W that is on sale at sears for $ 119. I have the Traffic feature disabled because it is never right and will put ads on your screen. If I hit the highway for a long trip I may turn it back on. Most people say that the traffic feature is more ads than help and I agree.

I use a GPS for dummys in a delivery truck. Small screen but works turn for turn with my garmin. for $ 79 at CVS. Had to return one because of a bad LCD. And have had to reset it new one once. But for 79 dollars you cant expect much. Speaks street names and all. The Garmin is easier to use.
__________________
SC Army National Guard
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 12-25-2009, 11:34 PM
Mickey D's Avatar
Mickey D Mickey D is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Carmen, Idaho
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 5,570
Liked 3,587 Times in 1,298 Posts
Default

I'd go with the Portuguese named brand. Best known for their navigational feats.
__________________
Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 12-26-2009, 12:01 AM
scattershot's Avatar
scattershot scattershot is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 166
Liked 977 Times in 489 Posts
Default

Get the Garmin. I have a buddy who has had all three, and he didn't like the TomTom or the Magellan. Be sure to get the one that verbalizes street names. I.E. In 200 feet, turn left on MapleAvenue..."
Reply With Quote
  #46  
Old 12-26-2009, 11:40 AM
samuelrp's Avatar
samuelrp samuelrp is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 266
Likes: 23
Liked 109 Times in 62 Posts
Default

Tom Tom works well, but updating new roads is an issue.
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 12-28-2009, 02:56 AM
RABULL's Avatar
RABULL RABULL is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern California
Posts: 404
Likes: 95
Liked 65 Times in 43 Posts
Thumbs up

Garmin works very well for us....
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 12-28-2009, 07:25 AM
afriqueart afriqueart is offline
Banned
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: east o' the Mississippi
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default

GPSMAP® 60CSx with a couple of map packs. Not $100 but a great unit! I wouldn't even consider another brand.
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 12-28-2009, 11:04 AM
CAJUNLAWYER's Avatar
CAJUNLAWYER CAJUNLAWYER is offline
Member
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: On da Bayou Teche
Posts: 18,407
Likes: 18,440
Liked 58,599 Times in 9,622 Posts
Default

Got my wife an astrolabe-sometimes old IS better
__________________
Forum consigliere
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 12-28-2009, 03:35 PM
PALADIN85020's Avatar
PALADIN85020 PALADIN85020 is offline
US Veteran
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan? Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,440
Likes: 3,924
Liked 50,370 Times in 6,009 Posts
Default

I've had a Garmin nuvi 660 for about a year now, and it constantly amazes me in picking out better routes I didn't know existed, or if I did, that they would result in faster times. The 4.3" screen is nice, and the street name feature is worthwhile. It amuses me when I get off course, and it says "Recalculating" in a disappointed and condescending tone! A bean-bag mounting system is a must - nothing sticking to your windshield, and easy to stick in your trunk when you're away from the car so it doesn't get ripped off.

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
340, sig arms, springfield, stevens

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Portable GPS for cars kenv1950 The Lounge 34 04-26-2017 06:05 PM
Car / portable safes Cal44 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 3 12-22-2014 10:10 PM
WTS/WTT Portable Generator GLHunter Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 09-05-2012 01:16 PM
portable vault for car chaza64 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 8 03-21-2012 09:44 AM
Portable generator? gunnut44 The Lounge 15 02-22-2010 10:23 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:55 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)