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cpthk Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 24, 2005 Posts: 5
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Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 3:29 am Post subject: Garmin vs TomTom, which is a better brand? |
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Garmin vs TomTom, which is a better brand?
TomTom is a so popular unit, but some people said Garmin is a more reliable brand. Which one should I go with?
Basiclly, I am comparing TomTom 910, Garmin nuvi 360, and Garmin streetpilot c550
Which one should I go with?
Thanks. |
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gpsn3wbie Regular Visitor
Joined: Apr 05, 2006 Posts: 176
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Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:34 am Post subject: |
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IMO for ease of use the TomTom gets my vote. I always felt that Garmin units were a bit overcomplicated especially for people who have never had satnav before. |
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Scarecrow Lifetime Member
Joined: Jun 09, 2006 Posts: 185 Location: Kent
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Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:51 am Post subject: |
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I bought a Nuvi 360 as my first Sat Nav unit, and I don't find it 'complicated', quite the reverse. |
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DavidHobbs Regular Visitor
Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 181 Location: Kentucky
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Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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In looking at your options, I would go with the 910. The widescreen, ease of use, BT, ipod compatibility, etc. All the features just add up to make it a great device. Plus, I always prefer the Tele Atlas maps when I can use them. |
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JustinL Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jun 11, 2006 Posts: 1
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Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:12 am Post subject: |
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TBH what do you want from the device, I have heard that the new tomtom range are incredibly buggy, also do you really need all the addons such as IPOD connectivity going through a mono speaker...to me it's just a gimmick!
The new Garmin range are also BT, I have successfully paired both a blackberry and standard mobile to it. In the end of the day look at what you want from the unit. The Nuvi's screen for me is fine, when I am driving I only take the odd look at it, I'm far more reliant on the voice directions, really didn't need widescreen.
After much research I opted for the 310D and do not regret my purchase at all, just look at what you actually want the device for not the extra's that you may and may not use....then decide. |
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Pads Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 03, 2005 Posts: 29
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Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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I agree, the TT10 series are a disaster in terms of faults. I have opted for a Mio C710 whcih seems to combine most of my wants ... Fast, BT, and TMC integrated. |
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DavidHobbs Regular Visitor
Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 181 Location: Kentucky
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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JustinL wrote: | also do you really need all the addons such as IPOD connectivity going through a mono speaker...to me it's just a gimmick!
| Route the audio via the mount into your car stereo system and it will play in full Stereo audio, also the inbuilt 20GB drive allows plenty of space for your choice of mp3's to upload to the unit - OK mp3 isn't the best audio system (when compared to a CD system) but face it this is located in a car which is hardly the best audio enviroment - Mike |
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Skippy Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: 24/06/2003 00:22:12 Posts: 2946 Location: Escaped to the Antipodies! 36.83°S 174.75°E
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Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Garmin vs TomTom, which is a better brand? |
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cpthk wrote: | Garmin vs TomTom, which is a better brand? |
There isn't an answer to that one!
I'm a fan of Garmin units though I have used a couple of TomTom units and I have to admit that they are pretty good too.
Here are some things to look for (probably raising more questions than answers!):
"SiRF Star III" GPS chipset. This gets far better reception than the older Garmin or "SiRF II" receivers. Definately worth having.
Maps? I find that the GPS is a life saver when I am driving in Europe but buying a unit with full European map coverage is more expensive.
Memory cards? Does it come with all the Europe maps preloaded or does it have a smaller memory card that you have to selectively load maps onto it?
Do you want traffic reports? Is this an extra cost add-on or included in the price?
I would recommend that you find a shop that sells several brands and ask for a demo of a couple of units then see which one you like the feel of. Specialist retailers are better than the high street (PC World etc) where the staff often don't have a clue.
Good luck! _________________ Gone fishing! |
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tonys66 Lifetime Member
Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 510 Location: norfolk
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Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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Red wine or white
Best thing to do is compaire devices on a web page then go and play with some and then chouse whitch one you perfer every one has a faverite and doing so will curse the other they all have good points and bad it all will depend on what you want from it mines a 910 was looking at a nav 750 with the traffic pack but was put off by it looking like wire hell so stayed with the 910 iv'e been lucky i think have hade no problems at all with mine as yet |
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pitstop Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 25, 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Essex
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Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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As a newbie to sat nav and not sure of what features I wanted I purchased my first one a couple of weeks ago, a TT910 because it had everything. That lasted a couple of days before I got a replacement - usual probs, poor mounting and screen freezing. The replacement had a much better mount but still had the freezing problem. I had downloaded and installed the supposed 'fix' software too. Fed up with having to include a safety pin in my TT travel bag (The wife labelled it my 'manbag') to reset it on a regular basis I demanded, and got, a full refund from PC world. There was another TT910 customer complaining of screen freeze at the same time!
I then went for a Garmin Nuvi 360. A much better piece of kit. A lot smaller and lighter and more portable than the TT910. The aquisition of satellites was better too - it picks up indoors and you can leave it in the door pocket and just listen to it. The speed cam locater is good - it tells you when you are approaching one and the give out a constant 'bing' only when you are exceeding the stated camera speed limit.
Overall, I would definately rate the Garmin 360 above the TT910 but the TT has a louder speaker (mainly due to its sheer size I suppose) and a 'nicer' looking screen.
Whatever you get, you do need them to work first and foremost and the TT just didn't for me. |
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