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| Author |
Tomtom vs magellan vs garmin
|
|
| planetx 2007-05-18, 10:33 pm |
| I have been looking around at the tomtom 910, the magellan roadmate
2200T, nuvi 350 and maybe streetpilot c550. I know the price ranges
are very erratic. I am curious on some questions please:
1. I assume buying a tomtom 910 at this point in time will have a
fixed mount? I have also heard of some people complaining about old
maps?
2. I hear the 2200T has very slow routing and calculations?
Thanks for any comments or information.
| |
|
| planetx <planetx@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1179544774.420444.291000@e65g2000hsc.googlegroups.com:
> I have been looking around at the tomtom 910, the magellan roadmate
> 2200T, nuvi 350 and maybe streetpilot c550. I know the price ranges
> are very erratic. I am curious on some questions please:
>
> 1. I assume buying a tomtom 910 at this point in time will have a
> fixed mount? I have also heard of some people complaining about old
> maps?
>
> 2. I hear the 2200T has very slow routing and calculations?
>
> Thanks for any comments or information.
>
>
I'm very happy with the TomTom910 that I bought when it first came out.
I don't bother to attach mine to the windshield. It operates fine when I
place it in my center console. I don't have to watch the screen because I
just listen for the turn by turn directions and advance announcements of
the streets coming up.
But I don't use it too often since I only need it around my city if I have
to travel to an unfamiliar area. If I did a lot of long distance travel
then I might attach the TomTom.
The maps on mine seem fine for my area.
| |
| Larry G 2007-05-19, 10:33 am |
| On May 19, 12:06 am, FM <f...@am3.fm8.net> wrote:
> planetx <plan...@gmail.com> wrote innews:1179544774.420444.291000@e65g2000hsc.googlegroups.com:
>
>
>
>
>
> I'm very happy with the TomTom910 that I bought when it first came out.
> I don't bother to attach mine to the windshield. It operates fine when I
> place it in my center console. I don't have to watch the screen because I
> just listen for the turn by turn directions and advance announcements of
> the streets coming up.
> But I don't use it too often since I only need it around my city if I have
> to travel to an unfamiliar area. If I did a lot of long distance travel
> then I might attach the TomTom.
> The maps on mine seem fine for my area.
I have a Tom Tom 300. I'd be curious to know what one gets "more" or
"better" with a 910.
also.. yes.. maps either start out - out of date - or eventually they
get out of date and it's important to know/understand the HOW behind
each brand.. in terms of how it is done.. the cost.. and the frequency
of the updates.
I live in a fast growing area but I've noticed other places where new
or expanded roads have been built.. and the Tom Tom is out of date. I
did get the update but they sent it on a DVD and my machine only does
CDs... When I contacted them for alternate solutions.. they suggested
that I go to a retailer and ask them to do the install...
Since I paid them $50 for the upgrade.. I had assumed that it would
either be a download.. or a choice of media... so I don't give Tom Tom
very high marks on this although perhaps your mileage might vary.
I have no clue how Magellan and Garmin update their maps... but the
important thing to remember.. is that the unit.. as time goes by -
will get out of date and it's continued usefullness is tied to getting
it's maps (and it's software) updated and if that process is painful
and/or expensive.. it's certainly something to be aware of.
| |
| helena 2007-05-21, 7:33 am |
| > I have no clue how Magellan and Garmin update their maps... but the
> important thing to remember.. is that the unit.. as time goes by -
> will get out of date and it's continued usefullness is tied to getting
> it's maps (and it's software) updated and if that process is painful
> and/or expensive.. it's certainly something to be aware of.- Hide quoted text -
>
I've used the TomTom GO 910 and ONE and was impressed by the maps on
both. In my experience, it seems like Tele Atlas does a good job of
creating updates (and TomTom featured some free map updates recently,
so that helps with the cost). They (TA) have the Map Insight program
where you can provide feedback if you find inaccuracies of your
maps...I tried it out the other day and it was really easy to use. In
any case, I'd definitely go with the TomTom - I have nothing but good
things about both of their products that I've tried.
| |
| ChanOtt@gmail.com 2007-05-24, 3:33 pm |
| I have bought a nuvi 350 last week. I'm pleased with its ease of use,
bright display, fast response, nice text-to-speech and portable.
However, there are 2 things that bothers me:
- Map: even with latest version (v.8), the map misses out many
street names and business that existed more than 3 years ago in
Ottawa, Canada. When I contact Garmin, they said a new version is due
this summer, but the upgrade is $75, not free.
- Lousy search: if search a place or business by name, under SPELL
option, it may take several minutes or sometimes can't find it at
all. Yet, these places can't be found if selecting the right category
such as Attractions, Shoppings, etc... I know that the StreetPilot
2720 can find all Garmin offices around the world, but not the nuvi
350.
I hope Garmin reads this.
| |
| helena 2007-05-25, 3:33 pm |
| On May 24, 3:26 pm, Chan...@gmail.com wrote:
> I have bought a nuvi 350 last week. I'm pleased with its ease of use,
> bright display, fast response, nice text-to-speech and portable.
> However, there are 2 things that bothers me:
>
> - Map: even with latest version (v.8), the map misses out many
> street names and business that existed more than 3 years ago in
> Ottawa, Canada. When I contact Garmin, they said a new version is due
> this summer, but the upgrade is $75, not free.
>
Well TomTom uses Tele Atlas maps - which did a recent map update and
it's really accurate...I had the latest maps installed on the GO 910 i
was using and had no issues...I've read up on this a bit and it seems
that the TA maps are the most up-to-date out there...I was pretty
pleased with my experience with them.
| |
| Russell Patterson 2007-06-17, 4:33 am |
| On 21 May 2007 05:16:38 -0700, helena < helenasand_2@hotmail
.com>
wrote:
>
>I've used the TomTom GO 910 and ONE and was impressed by the maps on
>both. In my experience, it seems like Tele Atlas does a good job of
>creating updates (and TomTom featured some free map updates recently,
>so that helps with the cost). They (TA) have the Map Insight program
>where you can provide feedback if you find inaccuracies of your
>maps...I tried it out the other day and it was really easy to use. In
>any case, I'd definitely go with the TomTom - I have nothing but good
>things about both of their products that I've tried.
I also have the ONE, and have been offered to download a new set of NA
maps for $100. IMHO that is way too expensive for a download upgrade.
This is an area that I would definitely do some research before I
would buy another GPS, which will likely happen in the future if Tom
Tom's upgrade price stays where it is now.
| |
| mcp6453 2007-06-17, 10:33 pm |
| Russell Patterson wrote:
> On 21 May 2007 05:16:38 -0700, helena < helenasand_2@hotmail
.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> I also have the ONE, and have been offered to download a new set of NA
> maps for $100. IMHO that is way too expensive for a download upgrade.
> This is an area that I would definitely do some research before I
> would buy another GPS, which will likely happen in the future if Tom
> Tom's upgrade price stays where it is now.
I just got an XL One for Father's Day. If updates are this expensive,
maybe I need to investigate returning it to BestBuy and getting a
different brand. The maps on this brand new unit are definitely not up
to date (as I lamented in another post.)
| |
| Holger Issle 2007-06-18, 4:33 am |
| On Sun, 17 Jun 2007 23:09:30 GMT, mcp6453 wrote:
> The maps on this brand new unit are definitely not up
> to date (as I lamented in another post.)
a) Check if the latest availabale maps (by release date) are installed
on your machine, and if not, ask for a free upgrade or return it
b) NO map may ever be totally up to date. First, maps need to be
updated by field research (someone to go there, map the streets, and
collect all the additional data needed to navigate). Then, map updates
are released quarterly by map manufacturers. Third, navigation
companies buy these (not neccessarily the latest, but the most
economic release) and translate the data in their format, test it, and
then sell at their convenience (TomTom and Navigon most often related
to CeBit fair, Garmin always in late summer...).
If you don't like b), make up your own company to collect maps. Or go
to openstreetmap.org, take that, and write your own navi software.
--
Ciao,
Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
cu @ http://www.issle.de
| |
| MartinDC 2007-06-18, 7:33 am |
| On Jun 18, 7:19 am, Holger Issle <Hol...@Issle.de> wrote:
> b) NO map may ever be totally up to date. First, maps need to be
> updated by field research (someone to go there, map the streets, and
> collect all the additional data needed to navigate). Then, mapupdates
> are released quarterly by map manufacturers. Third, navigation
> companies buy these (not neccessarily the latest, but the most
> economic release) and translate the data in their format, test it, and
> then sell at their convenience (TomTomand Navigon most often related
> to CeBit fair, Garmin always in late summer...).
I should point out, as TomTom for one is not very informative on this
issue, that you DON'T get any map updates. If you want a new map, you
buy one, for the full price.
I have a 2006 Europe map, and if I want a 2007 one, it will cost me
=8099.
regards
Martin
| |
| Holger Issle 2007-06-18, 10:33 am |
| On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:30:27 -0000, MartinDC wrote:
> I should point out, as TomTom for one is not very informative on this
> issue, that you DON'T get any map updates. If you want a new map, you
> buy one, for the full price.
At least Garmin offers free upgrades to their bundles in a specific
date range (some 45 days before upgrades are available, to avoid
taking back the outdated units and ship new ones). That is why I
mentioned you may want to check if there is a free one.
--
Ciao,
Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
cu @ http://www.issle.de
| |
| Larry G 2007-06-19, 10:33 am |
| On Jun 18, 10:51 am, Holger Issle <Hol...@Issle.de> wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:30:27 -0000, MartinDC wrote:
>
> At least Garmin offers free upgrades to their bundles in a specific
> date range (some 45 days before upgrades are available, to avoid
> taking back the outdated units and ship new ones). That is why I
> mentioned you may want to check if there is a free one.
> --
>
> Ciao,
> Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
>
> 90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
> 95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
>
> cu @http://www.issle.de
the maps.. their availability, the process for updating them, and
their cost are huge issues. No matter how good the unit might be out
of the box.. within as little as a year... the maps will no longer
reflect changes... ongoing
| |
|
| In my experience Magellan does not provide long-term support for their
products. I bought a Magellan RoadMate 500 just over three years ago and
paid $99 for an update about a year and a half ago.
Now Magellan informs me that there will be no more updates for that unit but
they'll graciously allow me to trade it in for a different (refurbished)
model. (Their "discount" price isn't much less than I could buy a new unit
for.)
I like the unit when the map is up-to-date and I wouldn't mind paying
something like $99 per year for updated maps but to spend as much as I did
on the unit and the update and then having to dump it after just three years
makes the total cost of owning a Magellan unacceptable.
--
Gary
Visit Lucy & Gary and do the jigsaw puzzle at
www.under-1-roof.com
"Larry G" <gross.larry@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1182266747.741260.158560@u2g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> On Jun 18, 10:51 am, Holger Issle <Hol...@Issle.de> wrote:
>
> the maps.. their availability, the process for updating them, and
> their cost are huge issues. No matter how good the unit might be out
> of the box.. within as little as a year... the maps will no longer
> reflect changes... ongoing
>
| |
| Holger Issle 2007-06-20, 4:33 am |
| On Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:12:28 -0500, "Gary" wrote:
> and then having to dump it after just three years
> makes the total cost of owning a Magellan unacceptable.
You think this is any different with other vendors? Garmin is the
same, newer map products won't run usefully on old hardware. And the
same is true for PocketPC type of units, be it with called PDA or PNA
.... after some years, the software has that many features the older
units are not capable of handling.
See it as any PC: It is worth a 3y lifecycle, after that use it as is
or replace it.
--
Ciao,
Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
cu @ http://www.issle.de
| |
| Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com 2007-06-20, 4:33 am |
| On 2007-06-18 15:51:57 +0100, Holger Issle <Holger@Issle.de> said:
>
> At least Garmin offers free upgrades to their bundles in a specific
> date range (some 45 days before upgrades are available, to avoid
> taking back the outdated units and ship new ones). That is why I
> mentioned you may want to check if there is a free one.
They 'used' to. Apparently they have just announced this will no
longer be the case moving forward. TomTom have been giving users a
freee upgrade if they recently purchased a unit that did not have the
latest map.
--
Darren Griffin
PocketGPSWorld - www.PocketGPSWorld.com
The Premier GPS Resource for News, Reviews and Forums
| |
|
| "Holger Issle" <Holger@Issle.de> wrote in message
news:51dh73l8rr1g3ao
2laafjev4sldeluba6e@
4ax.com...
> On Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:12:28 -0500, "Gary" wrote:
>
>
> You think this is any different with other vendors? Garmin is the
> same, newer map products won't run usefully on old hardware. And the
> same is true for PocketPC type of units, be it with called PDA or PNA
> ... after some years, the software has that many features the older
> units are not capable of handling.
I guess that you're right. I was looking at it more like something that
would be useful for a longer period--as long as I was willing to spend the
money to upgrade the maps. (Maybe like an automobile or an appliance that
the manufacturer supports with repair parts for 10 years.) Now that I know
that whatever I buy will be virtually useless in two to three years I'll
probably buy the least expensive unit that will do a decent job and not
worry about it.>
> See it as any PC: It is worth a 3y lifecycle, after that use it as is
> or replace it.
> --
The difference is that after three years a PC may not run the latest and
greatest programs but it will still do what it was designed to do. An auto
navigation GPS unit with out-of-date maps will not do what it was designed
to do--route the user safely and efficiently from one location to another.
Using the obsolete GPS is really not an option.
--
Gary
Visit Lucy & Gary and do the jigsaw puzzle at
www.under-1-roof.com
| |
| Holger Issle 2007-06-20, 10:33 am |
| On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:53:49 -0500, "Gary" wrote:
> to do--route the user safely and efficiently from one location to another.
> Using the obsolete GPS is really not an option.
I would say that you can use outdated maps for about 3y after last
update with not a big issue. So that would extend the units life to
around 5y or more.
--
Ciao,
Holger (GUS-KOTAL, GUS#1100)
90-92 Honda CB400 10 Mm | 93-95 Yamaha TDM 850 26 Mm
95-97 KTM 620 LC4 13 Mm | seit 97 BMW R1100GS 50 Mm (Die Renndrecksau!)
cu @ http://www.issle.de
| |
|
|
"Holger Issle" <Holger@Issle.de> wrote in message
news:7lci73pk9vt84mt
qqh813udir5njiecrhj@
4ax.com...
> On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 07:53:49 -0500, "Gary" wrote:
>
>
> I would say that you can use outdated maps for about 3y after last
> update with not a big issue. So that would extend the units life to
> around 5y or more.
> --
A three-year-old map is a bit of a hassle (or worse) if you happen to be
traveling through an area that has a lot of fairly recent road construction.
Recently left the airport at ABE and had my GPS send me down a dead-end road
because the exit roads were changed a couple of years ago. Not
life-threatening but an inconvenience. Exiting I-270 westbound to
southbound I-170 near STL could be life-threatening if you are relying on an
out-of-date map software.
--
Gary
Visit Lucy & Gary and do the jigsaw puzzle at
www.under-1-roof.com
| |
| Anthony R. Gold 2007-06-21, 4:33 am |
| On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:30:37 -0500, "Gary" <gary@under-1-roof.com> wrote:
> Exiting I-270 westbound to
> southbound I-170 near STL could be life-threatening if you are relying on an
> out-of-date map software.
If an out-of-date map threatens your life or the lives of those around you
then you should not be driving.
Tony
| |
|
| Duh! I myself wouldn't be relying that much on an in-cab GPS but I'd be
willing to bet that there are people who do. The situation is that I-170
had been a left lane exit off of I-270 for a lot of years and that's what an
out-of-date GPS will tell you to do. Combine that with less than optimal
signage and imagine how unprepared a driver could be when they have to exit
on the new exit on the right instead of on the left and have to cross three
lanes of heavy high-speed traffic to make the exit. Now, I know that YOU
would just go on to the next exit and reverse course and would never just
try to shoot back across traffic to make it off. And, I certainly wouldn't,
I'm sure! B-) But, I'd be willing to bet that there are people who
would--possibly life-threatening to me and anyone else who happened to be on
that stretch of road at that time.
--
Gary
Visit Lucy & Gary and do the jigsaw puzzle at
www.under-1-roof.com
"Anthony R. Gold" <not-for-mail@ahjg.co.uk> wrote in message
news:npak7317imn0r5r
mitcsolcrc3elbap26k@
4ax.com...
> On Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:30:37 -0500, "Gary" <gary@under-1-roof.com> wrote:
>
>
> If an out-of-date map threatens your life or the lives of those around you
> then you should not be driving.
>
> Tony
| |
|
| "Gary" <gary@under-1-roof.com> wrote:
> "Holger Issle" <Holger@Issle.de> wrote in message=20
> news:7lci73pk9vt84mt
qqh813udir5njiecrhj@
4ax.com...
> A three-year-old map is a bit of a hassle (or worse) if you happen to =
be=20
> traveling through an area that has a lot of fairly recent road =
construction.=20
> Recently left the airport at ABE and had my GPS send me down a dead-end=
road=20
> because the exit roads were changed a couple of years ago. Not=20
> life-threatening but an inconvenience. Exiting I-270 westbound to=20
> southbound I-170 near STL could be life-threatening if you are relying =
on an=20
> out-of-date map software.
This is one of the reasons why I would take the 5-6 years old =
StreetPilot
III and City Navigator v4.01 instead of the newer Nuvi 6xx with newer
version of City Navigator but older map. Because the StreetPilot has =
some
nice features that Garmin has removed them on newer model's.
| |
| Larry G 2007-06-21, 10:33 am |
| On Jun 21, 8:07 am, "Gary" <g...@under-1-roof.com> wrote:
> Duh! I myself wouldn't be relying that much on an in-cab GPS but I'd be
> willing to bet that there are people who do. The situation is that I-170
> had been a left lane exit off of I-270 for a lot of years and that's what an
> out-of-date GPS will tell you to do. Combine that with less than optimal
> signage and imagine how unprepared a driver could be when they have to exit
> on the new exit on the right instead of on the left and have to cross three
> lanes of heavy high-speed traffic to make the exit. Now, I know that YOU
> would just go on to the next exit and reverse course and would never just
> try to shoot back across traffic to make it off. And, I certainly wouldn't,
> I'm sure! B-) But, I'd be willing to bet that there are people who
> would--possibly life-threatening to me and anyone else who happened to be on
> that stretch of road at that time.
>
> --
> Gary
> Visit Lucy & Gary and do the jigsaw puzzle atwww.under-1-roof.com
>
> "Anthony R. Gold" <not-for-m...@ahjg.co.uk> wrote in messagenews:npak7317
imn0r5rmitcsolcrc3el
bap26k@4ax.com...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
I think he has a point. It's one thing for a new road to not be shown
on a map but if there is an existing one that's reconfigured ... think
heavy traffic in a rain/night scenario... bad stuff could result.
Yes.. you should be using your eyes... so perhaps knowing this flaw
should be a warning to all who use GPS's that they are not only
fallible... but that it could be deadly to totally rely on them..
without reservations.. especially in circumstances where other factors
are in play.
| |
|
|
| Larry G 2007-06-22, 10:33 am |
| On Jun 21, 12:08 pm, "Anthony R. Gold" <not-for-m...@ahjg.co.uk>
wrote:
> On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:12:35 -0000, Larry G <gross.la...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> You ain't kiddin'.
>
> http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/10/...m/articles/2007
0511/102354.shtmlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_west/6646331.stm
>
> Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm
> not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
>
> Tony
great links! thanx for sharing.
| |
| Smart1 2007-06-29, 5:28 pm |
| If you have a mobile phone then you can consider using your phone for navigation. This way your map and business database is always updated.
Telenav and Mapquest charges $10 per month.
I just signed up a free one @ RoadComm.net, it works as good or better while it's free.
A feature I like very much is I can import my Outlook and Yahoo address book thus I don't need to type addresses.
quote:
Originally
posted by planetx
I have been looking around at the tomtom 910, the magellan roadmate
2200T, nuvi 350 and maybe streetpilot c550. I know the price ranges
are very erratic. I am curious on some questions please:
1. I assume buying a tomtom 910 at this point in time will have a
fixed mount? I have also heard of some people complaining about old
maps?
2. I hear the 2200T has very slow routing and calculations?
Thanks for any comments or information.
|
|
|
|
|