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.
Portable GPS: Tom Tom or Magellan?
- Thread starter kbm6893
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Damn Yankee
Member
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
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
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
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.
Evil One
Member
We have 2 Magellan GPS units.
Mine works great, even while I was working in Canada.
Jim
Mine works great, even while I was working in Canada.
Jim
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...
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.
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.
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.
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
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
CW Spook
US Veteran
Based on 10 years of experience, I'd say there's Garmin and then there are the wannabees.
Jerry N.
Member
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.
My wife loves her Garmin NuVi.
84CJ
US Veteran
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.
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
Member
I'd go with the Portuguese named brand. Best known for their navigational feats.
scattershot
Member
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
Member
Tom Tom works well, but updating new roads is an issue.
RABULL
Member
Garmin works very well for us....
afriqueart
Member
GPSMAP® 60CSx with a couple of map packs. Not $100 but a great unit! I wouldn't even consider another brand.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Got my wife an astrolabe-sometimes old IS better 
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.
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
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
US Veteran
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.
Glad to hear about the Garmins .... I'm going to be getting one this week or next.
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
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
Member
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.
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
Member
Garmin Updates
For a flat $116, Garmin will give you 4 updates a year for your Garmin GPS a long as you own it.
Best,
Gary
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
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.
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.
