Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?

[Jerry N.]

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.

 

[paladin42]

My wife loves her Garmin NuVi.

 

[84CJ]

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.

 

[Mickey D]

I'd go with the Portuguese named brand. Best known for their navigational feats.

 

[scattershot]

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..."

 

[samuelrp]

Tom Tom works well, but updating new roads is an issue.

 

[RABULL]

Garmin works very well for us....

 

[afriqueart]

GPSMAP® 60CSx with a couple of map packs. Not $100 but a great unit! I wouldn't even consider another brand.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Got my wife an astrolabe-sometimes old IS better

 

[PALADIN85020]

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.

 

[raisedin99]

DO NOT BUY A MAGELLAN

I am now on my fifth magellan from the original purchase.

The one I now have is starting to show signs of problems and I am sure I will have to deal with them again.

As I see it once they have your money there is no way that you will get it back. This is a warning !!!


http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/114843-portable-gps-tom-tom-magellan.html

 

[redsfan2]

For our trucks, we use PCMILER. They do a really good job unless you miss a turn. I've had mine tell me to go down a dirt road in Arkansas so I could turn around and get back on route. At that point, you refer to the Atlas.
Glad to hear about the Garmins .... I'm going to be getting one this week or next.

 

[PALADIN85020]

About 2 months ago, I upgraded to a Garmin Nuvi 1450, and liked it so much I bought one for my wife, as well. It has a larger 5" screen, tells you the speed limit and your speed as you drive to your destination. It also has a lane assist feature to prep you for getting in the right lane to make turns. It comes with one on-line map upgrade, so it will be up to the minute when you buy it. I also find it has a much faster satellite acquisition time than my previous Nuvi 660. I really like the larger screen - much better for aging eyes. These are discounted at various places; I bought mine at Sam's Club.

I would suggest buying the protective case, a beanbag mount, and a home charger. These are useful accessories that do not come with the unit as a package.

Here's the web address for the scoop on the 1450:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=63932

John

 

[sheriffoconee]

My wife has ONE thing that she won't negotiate...that is her Garmin
SHE has it in HER car, or whatever car she is driving all the time. She loves it
I bought a Tom Tom two weeks ago...forget the model number..I am VERY happy with it.

 

[K-22]

Garmin Updates

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.

For a flat $116, Garmin will give you 4 updates a year for your Garmin GPS a long as you own it.
Best,
Gary

 

[oldman45]

I drive about 80,000 miles each year going to places I have never been before. Had a Tom Tom and it was trash. Got me lost more than it helped.

Studied a lot and learned Garmin built the navigational sats for the government so I figured the best one to track the sats would be a garmin. Got one. Now I have three and save about $50 a month on gas. Have not had a single time they led me astray. Been using them for five years now. Less than $150 on sale and worth every cent of it. ABout to buy my youngest daughter (30 yrs old) one for her car.