Best GPS for Car
Leigh
What is the best brand of GPS for Autos: Tom-Tom or Garmin. What experiences
has anyone had with these two brands. These two brands seem to be the
prominent ones on retailers have on their shelves.
Thanks in advance for your help and support.
Leigh
frijoli
menu layouts, and ruggedness of the Garmins.
TomTom have more of the "Cutesy" stuff than the Garmins do
and tend to be cheaper but I wouldn't pay anywhere near
retail for a Tomtom. I would if I wanted a particular Garmin.
Both will probably do what you want if this is your first unit.
What do you want to do with it?
Clay
Wayne R.
clarity & insight):
My argument: The GPS system is provided by the USA, so why would you
not also get your devices from an American company?
And it helps that the Garmin stuff is also the best...
Leigh
"frijoli" <c...@dud.gov> wrote in message
news:hgufrf$1md$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
Thanks for your input. I will use a GPS mainly when I am on vacation or
driving way out of my local area that I am not familiar with.
I have heard lots of good comments about the Garmin.
Leigh
"Wayne R." <wruf...@KomKast.net> wrote in message
news:2qh5j5pso5lf9o710...@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:55:19 -0600, "Leigh" <l...@cts.com> wrote (with
> clarity & insight):
>
>>Greetings,
>>
>>What is the best brand of GPS for Autos: Tom-Tom or Garmin. What
>>experiences
>>has anyone had with these two brands. These two brands seem to be the
>>prominent ones on retailers have on their shelves.
>>
>>Thanks in advance for your help and support.
>>
>>Leigh
>
> My argument: The GPS system is provided by the USA, so why would you
> not also get your devices from an American company?
Interesting Point. What American company sells GPS devices?
frijoli
Either way I would buy the best product, not necessarily the
American one. Having said this, I believe Garmin is the best
GPSr product.
Clay
Sam Wormley
Leigh--If there was a "best" brand, the others might not do
well in the market place. To answer your question, you should
list some criteria or expectations or cost limits. You have
provided us with no information to base an answer. See the
table in the article below. I know you are not after a GIS
GPS receiver, but I want you to understand that there are design
trade offs. You should probably base a decision on user features
and user interface. Go look at the receivers.
> GPS Receivers for GIS Data Collection
> Survey & Construction Newsletter, Mid-June 2009
> Jun 22, 2009
> By: Eric Gakstatter
> GPS World
> In my last issue, I proclaimed the start of GPS/GIS month, with a focus on the subject in
> three of my newsletters. This is the second in that series. The first column can be read
> here. Also, I�m hosting a webinar June 30 to discuss using GPS receivers and technology
> for GIS data collection. In my last newsletter I discussed the use of consumer GPS
> receivers for GIS data collection. Remember the analogy I used�a Volkswagen Beetle wasn�t
> designed to run in a Formula One race? This column is going to focus on the Formula One
> cars, not the Volkswagen Beetles. In other words, it will focus on the GPS receivers on
> the market that are designed for GIS data collection. I will refer to them as GPS/GIS
> receivers.
> What differentiates a GPS/GIS receiver from any other GPS receiver?
> The number-one differentiator is that GPS/GIS receivers are designed do a better job of
> optimizing tracking and accuracy in areas where GIS data collection is performed. The
> operative term is �are designed.� Specifically, engineers who designed GPS/GIS receivers
> do so with different design criteria than engineers who design consumer GPS receivers and
> even survey GPS receivers. For example, a GPS/GIS receiver must be designed to operate
> where GIS data is collected and with reasonable accuracy. On the other hand, consumer GPS
> receivers are designed to track in tough conditions, but at the expense of accuracy.
> Furthermore, survey GPS receivers hold accuracy as the number-one priority so they
> sacrifice the ability to track in many environments.
> The following matrix illustrates my point
> (1 = Highest priority design consideration, 5 = Lowest priority design consideration):
> Consumer GPS GPS/GIS receivers Survey receivers
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Accuracy 4 2 1
> Tracking 1 3 5
> Data collection 5 1 2
> There are thousands of designers of consumer GPS receivers (Garmin, TomTom, Magellan,
> etc.) and probably only 10 designers of GPS receivers for surveying (Trimble,
> Leica/NovAtel, Topcon, Magellan, Septentrio, JAVAD GNSS, NavCom, etc.). There are even
> fewer designers of GPS/GIS receivers � less than 10 (Trimble, Magellan, Topcon, Geneq,
> Sokkia, Hemisphere, JAVAD GNSS, ViaSat).
> o The market for GPS/GIS receivers is a complicated one. That�s the primary reason why
> there are only a few manufacturers. Here are some of the reasons why it is complex:
> o Users require a GPS receiver that will work effectively in many different and
> challenging environments such as under trees, in mountainous areas and near buildings.
> There is not one product on the market that will meet every user�s requirements.
> o Users have various needs for the type of GIS data collected. For example, some only need
> two or three attributes for a utility pole and others may need to collect dynamic line
> segments such as speed zones and road lane types.
> There is not an effective way for manufacturers to distribute such products. The
> traditional survey instrument dealers (not all) are not typically trained or experienced
> in GPS/GIS technology. Since there is not an effective distribution channel, the
> alternative is to create a grass-roots distribution channel, which is very time-consuming.
> There are many factors to consider when attempting to determine what sort of GPS/GIS data
> collection system best fits a user�s requirements. Here are some in order of priority:
> 1. Budget. One could argue that data collection requirements should be #1. Maybe, but that
> depends on what stage of planning you�re in. If you are in the budget planning phase and
> are able to influence it, then I agree that user requirements should be the first
> priority. However, the vast majority of people I encounter are given an established budget
> to work within. In that case, budget should be #1 because it�s a waste of time to consider
> solutions outside of the budget constraint.
> 2. Accuracy. When I ask a potential GPS/GIS user what their accuracy requirement is, the
> typical answer is �as accurate as I can get�. Of course, you can imagine the ensuing
> conversation�
> Me: Well, Ok, you can achieve results around a centimeter.
> Them: That�s great. A centimeter is perfect.
> Me: Ok, here are the cost and training requirements.
> Them: Wow, why is it so expensive???????
> Me: There is a direct relationship between accuracy and cost. The more accurate you want,
> the more expensive it�s going to be.
> Them: Well, Ok, we reeeeally only need to be within about three feet.
> Me: Do you need elevation values within three feet?
> Them (now leery of the response to their answers): Will those cost more?
> Me: Yes, probably quite a bit more.
> Them: No, we don�t need elevations.
> 3. Data collection requirements. Essentially, consumer GPS receivers and survey GPS
> systems �think� in terms of points. More specifically, consumer GPS receivers operate in
> terms of waypoints and survey GPS systems operate in terms of point averaging.
> Some of the more sophisticated survey GPS systems offer Field-to-Finish (F2F) capability
> whereas points are automatically connected to form a line back in the office such as with
> curbs and property lines.
> GIS data collection systems are different. GIS �sees� the world in one of three ways;
> points, lines (or polylines) and areas (or polygons). All have some level of database
> information attached. For example, a fire hydrant is a point on a map but there is also
> information in the GIS about that fire hydrant such as condition, last inspection date,
> etc. A parcel is a polygon on a map but there is also information in the GIS about that
> parcel such as ownership, tax id, etc.
> Additionally, there are several methods to record all three.
> For example, a wetland biologist may be mapping the perimeter of a wetland area but wants
> to �take points� on certain habitat nests he/she sees while walking the perimeter. Some of
> the more powerful GIS data collection software is built so the biologist can temporarily
> suspend mapping the perimeter and be allowed to map the next site and resume mapping the
> perimeter when point recording is finished.
> Using the proper data collection software that matches the user requirements can save a
> significant amount of time and energy.
> 4. Data collection conditions. This is the biggest �gotcha� for GPS/GIS receivers. A
> certain GPS receiver designed for GIS data collection may perform flawlessly in the
> open-sky and works perfectly well for uses such as agriculture or other open-sky
> environments. However, most uses consist of some or all work done in �less-than-ideal� GPS
> conditions. Tree canopy is the biggest culprit. In that scenario, receiver performance can
> differ significantly. Some won�t track at all in those environments and some will track
> very well, but accept excessively noisy satellite measurements (which significantly
> degrades accuracy). The best ones are designed with a keen balance of satellite tracking
> and accuracy � with settings the user can change depending on the environment.
> Why are GPS/GIS receivers so much more expensive than consumer GPS receivers?
> Part of the reason that consumer GPS receivers are adapted to GPS/GIS data collection is
> the significant difference in cost. A consumer GPS receiver can be purchased for well
> under US$200. The entry level price for a GPS receiver with comparable accuracy, but with
> GIS data collection features is four times that. Furthermore, the entry level price for a
> GPS/GIS receiver capable of sub-meter accuracy is about $2,000.
> There are several specific and justifiable reasons for the price difference, but suffice
> to say that significantly more design engineering, technical support and sales effort is
> involved with GPS/GIS receivers. Furthermore, the volume of GPS/GIS receivers is miniscule
> compared to consumer receivers. If there were tens of millions of GPS/GIS receivers
> manufactured and sold every year, the price would be under US$200 each. But the GIS market
> just isn�t that large. Therefore, GPS/GIS manufacturers have to charge more per unit to
> account for engineering, technical support and sales overhead.
> Lastly, as mentioned above, there are not very many manufacturers of GPS/GIS receivers.
> Lack of competition usually results in higher prices to the end user.
> What sources of GPS corrections are available?
> Autonomous (no differential correction applied) GPS is pretty accurate these days�on the
> order of a few meters. For this reason, consumer GPS receiver manufacturers tend to leave
> out information on GPS corrections in their specifications. Their rationale is that
> consumers don�t really care as long as they can navigate effectively.
> However, the GPS/GIS receiver market is much more concerned with accuracy. Therefore, some
> sort of GPS correction source is highly recommended and necessary to achieve the desired
> accuracy.
> There are essentially two types of GPS corrections: real-time and post-processing.
> Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, post-processing was the dominant method of correcting GPS
> data. Even then, 2-5 meter accuracy was the norm for GPS/GIS receivers after
> post-processing was applied. Sub-meter GPS technology (using GPS/GIS receivers) only
> became possible towards the end of the 1990�s. Users were accustomed to going through the
> post-processing exercise (downloading base station data, QAing post-processed data, etc.).
> At that time, the only option for using real-time corrections were commercial services
> such as OmniSTAR.
> In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) established the DGPS system that broadcast
> real-time GPS corrections free of charge along the US coastlines and major waterways. The
> user only needed to purchase equipment (beacon receiver) to receive the signal. The
> success of that program lead to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the
> program to cover inland regions that were out of the USCG domain. That was the GPS/GIS
> user�s first taste of free DGPS corrections�and they liked it because it eliminated the
> time-consuming (and sometimes painful) process of post-processing.
> The break-out milestone for real-time corrections came in 2003 when the Federal Aviation
> Administration (FAA) declared the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) operational. WAAS
> took real-time GPS corrections to another level of simplicity. Not only is WAAS free of
> charge to users, but unlike the USCG DGPS and commercial DGPS services, it�s broadcast on
> the same frequency as GPS. This means that no extra antenna or receiver is required to
> utilize the signal. Furthermore, it�s broadcast nation-wide in the US where ever the WAAS
> satellites are visible to the user. Due to the success of WAAS, several other regions in
> the world have deployed similar systems; EGNOS in Western Europe, MSAS in Japan/Korea and
> GAGAN in India.
> Finally, in the early part of this decade, local networks of reference stations began
> springing up. These are called RTK Networks. While built primarily for users of survey GPS
> receivers who require cm-level accuracy, there is a growing population of GPS/GIS users
> who are connecting their GPS/GIS receivers to these networks to obtain GPS corrections.
> However, the costs can be expensive. Some network operators charge a fee to access their
> network and the user must also have a data subscription with a wireless provider (GSM or
> CDMA) which has a monthly fee associated with it � similar to a mobile phone.
> The Future is Clear
> The trend is clearly towards using real-time GPS corrections no matter which source is
> used. The time consumed by post-processing and the expense of maintaining software and
> training requirements adds too much overhead in most applications for organizations to
> consider it.Although not the dominate correction technology any longer, post-processing in
> the GPS/GIS segment still has a niche � the so-called �sub-foot� niche. While the majority
> of GIS applications are satisfied with �sub-meter� (or even 1-3 meter) accuracy, there are
> certain applications where �sub-foot� accuracy is required. With these receivers, the
> users must post-process against several reference stations or tie into an RTK Network.
> Integrated �All-in-one� GPS/GIS receiver or separate stand-alone receiver?
> In the GPS/GIS receiver market, there are clearly two types of systems. The �All-in-one�
> receivers have the GPS receiver, antenna and data collector built into a hand-held format.
> These are products such as the Trimble GeoXT/XH, Magellan Mobile Mapper CX/6 and Topcon GMS-2.
> The �stand-alone� receivers are a �black box� which houses only the GPS receiver, GPS
> antenna and optionally a battery. Other devices such as PDAs, tablet computers and
> notebook computers receive GPS data from these stand-alone receivers typically via
> Bluetooth interface or cable connection. These are products such as the Trimble ProXT/XH,
> Geneq SX Blue, Sokkia GIR1600, Hemisphere A100 and Javad GISMore.
> There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
> �All-in-one� receivers house everything one needs in a single hand-held unit. The
> advantage is that the data collector, GPS receiver, antenna, battery system, etc. are all
> designed by one company to work together. On the other hand, designing all of these
> components into a single hand-held can make for a somewhat heavier unit. Also, PDA
> technology is evolving rapidly. �All-in-one� receivers aren�t updated nearly as fast as
> PDA technology so an �All-in-one� unit may have an out-dated operating system and/or
> processor if the design is a few years old.
> �Stand-alone� receivers are separate receivers that send GPS data to a PDA, tablet
> computer or notebook computer via wireless Bluetooth or cable connection. The advantage of
> these systems is flexibility. On one project, they can be interfaced to a PDA. On the next
> project, they can be interfaced to a notebook computer running different mapping software.
> They aren�t affected by the advancement of PDA, operating system or computer processor
> technology.
> The Final Analysis � GPS/GIS receivers for GIS data collection.
> There a myriad of GPS receiver technologies being used for GIS data collection. It�s a
> complex industry. Some receivers being used are purpose-built and others have been adapted
> from other industries like consumer GPS.
> There is no magic formula to determine which GPS receiver will work best because it really
> depends on the user�s requirements and in GIS, the user requirement vary greatly. �Try
> before you buy� is the best advice to follow when going through the equipment/software
> selection process.
Dan
"Sam Wormley" <swor...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:8e6dnVIHLoObZa_W...@mchsi.com...
> On 12/23/09 6:55 PM, Leigh wrote:
>> Greetings,
>>
>> What is the best brand of GPS for Autos: Tom-Tom or Garmin. What
>> experiences
>> has anyone had with these two brands. These two brands seem to be the
>> prominent ones on retailers have on their shelves.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help and support.
>>
I have a Tom-Tom. I am disappointed with it. Possibly the main reason for
disappointment is the quality of the maps used. I have a garmin hand held
for geocaching. I am very happy with it, but I have never used a Garmin car
navigator.
Cheers,
Dan
vello
> "Sam Wormley" <sworml...@gmail.com> wrote in message
not too often mentioned, but important anyway: Garmin do have bright
screen, Tomtom not. Makes a big difference in direct sunlight.
Wayne R.
clarity & insight):
>> My argument: The GPS system is provided by the USA, so why would you
>> not also get your devices from an American company?
>
>Interesting Point. What American company sells GPS devices?
Garmin is based in Olathe, Kansas. Can't get more American than that.
Josiah Jenkins
>
>What is the best brand of GPS for Autos: Tom-Tom or Garmin.
>What experiences has anyone had with these two brands.
I looked closely at Tom-Tom when I decided to replace my
4 year old Garmin c330 and decided against it, I ended up
buying a Nuvi 255W.
Check the specifications of each unit and decide what you
want, what you don't and what you NEED !
FWIW.
I *needed* full European mapping for holidays.
I didn't need/want an mp3 player, I have a perfectly good
CD/mp3 player in the motorhome.
Check Amazon and similar sites for the unit(s) you're thinking
about and see what the user feedback is like.
Best of luck.
--
http://www.ian-stewart.eu
Don B
with them. I think any issues I have with them is not the fault of the
GPS, but mostly the fault of the company that does the maps.
Check out the Nuvi 855 on Amazon $189.00, I bought one a month ago and
it seems to be a pretty nice unit.
RsH
wrote:
Not being in the U.S. I have no reason to buy U.S. and I have an ASUS
R300, which runs Nav'n Go GPS software. Personally I like it better
than the Garmins because you can buy the updates online from them IF
you want them, and because it has a replaceable Lithium Ion battery,
amongst other things. ASUS is in Taiwan, for what it is worth, and now
is making other units. I've had mine almost 2 years. The underlying
maps come from the usual sources, be they U.S., Canada, Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, China or whatever. You decide what you want to
update and when and do it online.
RsH
Leigh
"Leigh" <l...@cts.com> wrote in message
news:4b32bbf9$0$5337$bbae...@news.suddenlink.net...
information to make a decision to buy a unit that will suit my need.
Leigh
Bob Martin
My Nuvi 250 says "Made in Taiwan". How American is that! ;-)
Don B
Nightwalker
But where are most of the units made? Probably not in Kansas, anymore
(Not that your name is Dorothy or anything like tat...)
Nightwalker
Actually, I have 1 Tom-Tom, 5 Garmins and 2 Magellans. I much prefer
the Garmins. Yes, I know that no one really needs that many GPS
receivers.
My favorite automotive series is the Nuvi from Garmin. Mine is a 680.
For a hand-held combining automotive and back-country use, I would
imagine that it would be difficult to beat a Garmin Etrex Vista HCx,
but I've been wrong before.
However, if price alone is your thing, then a Tom-Tom One can
definitely get you there and back.
Frank
Wayne R.
<nightwa...@gmail.com> wrote (with clarity & insight):
I think all consumer GPS devices are only assembled in one of the two
China's. Or in two places in the one China if you like.
Right?
Mirek
Garmin is based in George Town, Cayman Islands. Other are subsidiaries,
the best software are in Taiwan versions of Nuvie.
Mike Lane
> Garmin is based in George Town, Cayman Islands. Other are subsidiaries...
>
Not according to the Garmin website:
" ...Our co-founders Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao, display our innovative
products in the lobby of our Olathe, Kansas, world headquarters."
http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/
--
Mike Lane
UK North Yorkshire
email: mike_lane at mac dot com
Mirek
Mike Lane wrote:
> Mirek wrote on Dec 30, 2009:
>
>> On czw, 24 gru 2009 13:27:04 in article
>> news:<cfn6j59dtvc5bbhug...@4ax.com>
>> Wayne R. wrote:
>>>
>>> Garmin is based in Olathe, Kansas. Can't get more American than that.
>>
>> Garmin is based in George Town, Cayman Islands. Other are subsidiaries...
>>
>
> Not according to the Garmin website:
>
> " ...Our co-founders Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao, display our innovative
> products in the lobby of our Olathe, Kansas, world headquarters."
> http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/
The same site says:
http://www8.garmin.com/ces/Content/Approach/Approach.html
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd.
[...]
Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal
subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and United Kingdom.
frijoli
End of discussion:
Key Dates:
1990: Garmin Corporation is formed in Taiwan.
1991: The company's first product, GPS 100AVD, debuts.
1996: Garmin moves to new headquarters building.
1997: GPS III, Garmin's first automotive product, is introduced.
1998: StreetPilot, an auto navigation product, is introduced.
2000: The company goes public, and Garmin Ltd. is formed.
2003: Palm OS-based iQue 3600 is unveiled.Aviation products
accounted for 20 percent of revenues. Garmin continued to
bring forth innovations, combining several flight
instruments in its integrated avionics systems, which were
selected for use in Cessna Aircraft Co. business jets and
piston-engine aircraft from Diamond Aircraft Co.
Garmin International acquired UPS Aviation Technologies,
Inc. from United Parcel Service, Inc. in August 2003 for $38
million. The unit, which employed 150 people producing
general aviation and air cargo products, was renamed Garmin
AT, Inc.
A mandate from the FCC for mobile phone companies to offer
enhanced 911 service to help dispatchers locate
callers--along with penetration of GPS technology into new
fields, such as golf--suggested the market for GPS-related
devices was still relatively untapped. The Kansas facility
was slated for another expansion to be completed in 2004.
Company History:
Garmin Ltd. is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS)
navigation products. Once found mostly in specialized
equipment for aircraft and boats, GPS technology has been
adapted for use in a variety of handheld and wristwatch
units for users such as hikers, athletes, sportsmen, and
automobile drivers. Garmin has sold five million units in
its first dozen years. Its product line has proliferated
into 50 different items marketed through a network of 2,500
dealers, distributors, and partners in 100 countries around
the world. While the parent company is registered in the
Cayman Islands, Garmin has manufacturing and sales
operations in the United States (Kansas) and Taiwan and a
marketing office in the United Kingdom.
Origins
The U.S. Department of Defense began developing the Global
Positioning System (GPS) in the mid-1970s, eventually
spending $15 billion to put two dozen satellites into orbit.
GPS receivers could determine their coordinates by comparing
signals from different satellites. Like the first computers,
the first commercially available GPS units were large and
expensive, costing up to $10,000.
Garmin Corporation was formed in Taiwan in January 1990 by
two electrical engineers, Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao.
Wayne R.
Taiwan. So, since their current/always headquarters is in Olathe, but
everything's made in Taiwan, I think I'll consider it a company of
somewhat hybrid origins.
From <http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/?activeBranchId=about>:
"Garmin is founded on the principles of innovation, convenience,
performance, value, and service. Our co-founders Gary Burrell and Dr.
Min Kao, display our innovative products in the lobby of our Olathe,
Kansas, world headquarters."
(Magellan is also in the US.)
The Real Bev
> Leigh wrote:
>> "Wayne R." <wruf...@KomKast.net> wrote:
>>
>>> My argument: The GPS system is provided by the USA, so why would you
>>> not also get your devices from an American company?
>>
>> Interesting Point. What American company sells GPS devices?
>>
> I believe Garmin is for one, maybe Magellan? Not sure.
Definitely Magellan (San Dimas, CA), although just about the time I left (1995)
they were moving some fabrication to Mexicali (or equivalent). No idea if
they're still doing it, there have been serious reorganizations since then.
> Either way I would buy the best product, not necessarily the
> American one. Having said this, I believe Garmin is the best
> GPSr product.
I just bought the Nuvi 255WT for $130+tax at Best Buy. Seems like a fine unit.
Everybody at Magellan (back in the dark ages) was annoyed that they were
always #2 behind Garmin, although the Magellan units were better and cheaper.
Core dump complete.
--
Cheers, Bev
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"I love to go down to the schoolyard and watch all the
little children jump up and down and run around yelling and
screaming...They don't know I'm only using blanks." --Emo
The Real Bev
> On Dec 24, 12:11 pm, " Dan" <ddonogh...@bigpond.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>> I have a Tom-Tom. I am disappointed with it. Possibly the main reason for
>> disappointment is the quality of the maps used. I have a garmin hand held
>> for geocaching. I am very happy with it, but I have never used a Garmin car
>> navigator.
>
> not too often mentioned, but important anyway: Garmin do have bright
> screen, Tomtom not. Makes a big difference in direct sunlight.
OTOH, you can get a Darth Vader voice for the Tomtom :-)
I'd like a voice that gets more and more hysterical with each recalculation
when you change your mind and decide to do an out-of-the-way errand; "DEAR GOD
WHY CAN'T YOU FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS?"
frijoli
> vello wrote:
>
>> On Dec 24, 12:11 pm, " Dan" <ddonogh...@bigpond.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>> I have a Tom-Tom. I am disappointed with it. Possibly the main reason
>>> for
>>> disappointment is the quality of the maps used. I have a garmin hand
>>> held
>>> for geocaching. I am very happy with it, but I have never used a
>>> Garmin car
>>> navigator.
>>
>> not too often mentioned, but important anyway: Garmin do have bright
>> screen, Tomtom not. Makes a big difference in direct sunlight.
>
> OTOH, you can get a Darth Vader voice for the Tomtom :-)
>
> I'd like a voice that gets more and more hysterical with each
> recalculation when you change your mind and decide to do an
> out-of-the-way errand; "DEAR GOD WHY CAN'T YOU FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS?"
>
I have a wife for that.
Gene E. Bloch
> vello wrote:
>> On Dec 24, 12:11 pm, " Dan" <ddonogh...@bigpond.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>> I have a Tom-Tom. I am disappointed with it. Possibly the main reason for
>>> disappointment is the quality of the maps used. I have a garmin hand held
>>> for geocaching. I am very happy with it, but I have never used a Garmin
>>> car
>>> navigator.
>>
>> not too often mentioned, but important anyway: Garmin do have bright
>> screen, Tomtom not. Makes a big difference in direct sunlight.
> OTOH, you can get a Darth Vader voice for the Tomtom :-)
> I'd like a voice that gets more and more hysterical with each recalculation
> when you change your mind and decide to do an out-of-the-way errand; "DEAR
> GOD WHY CAN'T YOU FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS?"
We've always been amused by the voice we use on the Garmin Nuvi 350.
She sounds a bit exasperated when she says "Recalculating".
I agree, it would be much more fun if she kept getting more annoyed.
--
Gene Bloch 650.366.4267 lettersatblochg.com