Update Hardware or Maps...

[PeterSm]

Hi, after asking a bit of advice, given some of the recent threads re poor garmin service, lack of updates etc..

I have a Garmin 250W with last years (NT 2009,purchased at £70 before the updates 4 life came about!) map upgrade and its now telling me the maps are out of date again.....

Garmin have their update for life maps at £105 but you can now buy newer units for that price(or close to), so wonder what others are doing ??

Upgrade maps or upgrade hardware???
Sticking with Garmin, swapping to TomTom or another ???

Regards
PeterSm..

[BigPerk]

A one year old map doesn't really make any noticeable difference in most cases, unless you happen to do travelling where major changes have been incorporated. I think most people would say don't worry about it unless you have a problem. Garmin's website ought to show where the major changes are.

The warning can be slightly irritating, though - I'm not sure if it can be disabled.

If you did need to upgrade, I would say maps, if you really love the 250; or similarly priced hardware otherwise - as long as it's got the facilities you want.

And it's the facilities you particularly want which will drive your choice of device I reckon - so if you want people on here to recommend the best Garmin, AND the best TomTom, AND the best of everything else we've all got (Navigon from me, of course!) , post your important requirements here, or in a 'what sat/nav' type of topic.
_________________
David
(Navigon 70 Live, Nuvi 360)

[darrengsaw]

If you do decide to buy the numaps lifetime updates, you can get them much cheaper at either Handtec or Amazon for about £80, a significant saving.

Should you go for a different device? Thats a tricky one, most brands have their usp's, here are my thoughts of each devices plus's and negs.

Garmin +

Navteq maps, IMHO way more accurate than Teleatlas on TomTom
Good user interface, easy to use
Very good bright screen does not wash out in bright sunlight that easily
Firmware and map updates are USUALLY simple and straightforward
PocketGPSWorld camera database is easily installed and maintained
Generally stable operating system

Garmin -

Not a lot of options to personalise your gps
Aftersales service isn't brilliant, though better than TomTom
Biggest downside No IQ Routes or HD Traffic as per TomTom


TomTom +

Lots of functionality and innovative features
Lots of options allow you to personalise your device
IQ Routes is excellent, a historic database of real road speeds that really helps in ETA and routing
HD traffic on the GO models is very good (when it works)
Mapshare allows you to receive map updates from other TT users

TomTom -

Teleatlas map data, pretty poor
The Home software is exceptionally unreliable and often bricks the device or at least leads to longs bouts of email tennis with the incompetent service team.
Poor screen washes out in sunlight
Operating system is a bit less stable than Garmin


Those are my thoughts, others may disagree, I hope that helps.[/b]

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