Garmin or TomTom

Dance with the one you don't?

Both manufacturers have their warts and their problems. From what I know of them, there is nothing wrong with your 360 that a little update probably wouldn't solve.

A set of the latest maps and perhaps spending a few extra dollars and a little time to replace the battery if you need to would let you extend the service life of the unit for a couple more years - and save a lot of aggravation over learning the new tips, tricks, foibles and miscues in a new unit.

I've always been happy with a Nuvi's features over a Tom Tom's. Plus, Garmin offers a lifetime map update for a relatively inexpensive price.

Thanks for your thoughts! Money is a little tight these days so I'm looking in the $200-$275 price range.

I found the Nuvi 855 for less than $220 and the 265WT for under $200. Traffic aside, in the real world, which is the better choice? Feel free to suggest another Nuvi too!

Thanks again!

Larry

You don't say if you have traffic on your 360. The 265WT is a 4.3 inch screen with traffic, the 855 doesn't have either but - the 855 does MP3 where the 265 doesn't. The 855 also gives you voice control but with the smaller screen.

If it was me and the 360 was operating OK, I'd just update the maps and maybe add traffic if I didn't have it. The 265 is almost the same unit except a wide screen.

I own the 855 and I love it since it is the only NUVI that lets you avoid roads on your route. the voice commands works like a champ.I bought the Garmin lifetime traffic module so I have lifetime traffic with the 855.

Please realize that no GPS is perfect but I've own Tomtoms, Garmins, Magellans, Navigon's, and I still own the Dash. Personally I love Garmin cause of the lifetime map updates, lifetime traffic, easy firmware upgrades, decent tech support, and they are easy to use.

@a_user. Thanks! I wish I could do that. Unfortunately, my 360's satellite reception is deteriorating. Not critical yet but noticibly worse.

Thus it would probably cost me more to update and have repaired than buying a new one.

I wasn't aware the 855 had a smaller screen than the 265WT. Thanks for the heads-up!

Hi gadget_man!

I'm leaning towards the 855. As well as what you mention, they also list the ability to plug it into your PC, locate destinations on Google maps, and download them. That will be very convenient!

The 200 series may have the same ability but Garmin doesn't list it as a feature like they do with the 855. I'm glad you're so positive on the voice commands. I like that feature too but have read mixed reviews.

Thanks,

Larry

Can't beat-em!

When I upgraded from my original 200 the two items were TTS and routes. The 885 was on special and was not that much more than a 500/550.

If they both the same price I would go with Garmin.

They both have the same size wide 4.3" screen.

I have the 885t and love it and now could not live without the voice navigation feature. The 855 is the same minus bluetooth.

Never tried the TomTom.
See them offered at pretty low prices.
It's all about the maps however.
Have always heard Garmin has the better map system.

I have heard in the past that rout (re)calculation was much faster on the Garmin. Don't know if that would still be true. Calculation speed is very important to me. If I make a mistake, or wrong turn, I would like to know as soon as possible how to go (rather than take 5 minutes to figure out a new route - meantime, another turn could have been missed)

What's so confusing about Garmin is the number of models which seem to do about the same thing. The upper end of the 700 series versus the upper end of the 200 series....

Still looking at the 885/885T. BTW, the MSN Direct service is being discontinued on Jan 1 2012. If you have MSN Direct, the GPS will still work but the MSN Direct won't.

Source: Garmin.com

I had purchased my 885 in June and did the lifetime sub to MSN about 30 days before they cancelled the service. Got back all the money I paid except for a few cents and free service till 2012. I figure I can then buy one of the FM traffic cables then but I'll miss being to send routes to the unit wirelessly from Bing maps.

Both are good units. Garmin's lifetime map update is less expensive than TomTom's map subscription. I don't use the traffic feature so I won't comment on either's capability there.

TomTom is more customizable than the Nuvis. TomTom's IQ Routes are better than Garmin's routes. That is not to say that Garmin's routings are bad, they aren't, but the IQ Routes take into consideration historical traffic patterns for different days and times of the day and Garmin does not. I rarely have a route that is more than 2 minutes off the original estimate.

With the Nuvi or the TomTom's you can select to instantly recalculate your route if you alter your course. I personally like that, but it is your choice.

You can get a GO 720 for under $200 and easily upgrade it to a 730 (and get IQ routing). If you want traffic, you can get TomTom Plus if your cellphone is compatible and it can connect via Bluetooth.

Good hunting!

Thanks Shooter!

I like the Garmin for their customer service. My Zumo 550 had a couple of minor problems and the Garmin Customer Service was great. Not like a lot of places you can't even talk to a real person.

I heard that Sam's Club is selling the TomTom 740 for $250.

Thanks for all your advice, everyone. In the end, I bought the Nuvi 765T. Tom Tom does have some features I wish Garmin did; like the ability to upload and download map corrections whenever you like.

In the end, it came down to 'go with the one who brung ya'. I've always had Garmins and the Tom Tom features I liked weren't worth the risk of switching brands. I bought it online so returns/exchanges would have been a hassle.

Thanks again!

Larry