Which GPS brand is best overall for the average user?

[Petef56]

The key word here is OVERALL. I just had an unpleasant experience helping someone update their 3 year old TomTom app and map which turned me off to the TomTom brand. I'll explain more below, but it left me wondering how the other GPS brands compare for the overall package of ease of use, online support, and costs of upgrading apps and maps.

Overall TomTom ONE (3 yo device) experience...

* Ease of use on the device itself is ok.

* The included documentation was poor and not very
useful for upgrading the device or maps.

* No markings on disk to tell you if it's a CD or DVD
which caused problems when tying to read the DVD
with a CD drive.

* Had to use magnifying glass to determine model and SN of unit.

* Online support system was confusing for matching up unit to the proper app downloads.

* Once the HOME app was finally DL'd and installed the MAP update process was still a bit confusing because the UPDATE option was not the one to use. Instead you had to use the ADD MAPS option. A small inconvenience, but a prime example of how illogical the TomTom brand is to deal with in many respects of this update process.

* Cost of updating MAP is too expensive! (aprox $65) TomTom forces you to buy the latest map update plus a one year subscription of 4 map updates. For a person who needs professional help with upgrading their TomTom app and map it makes more sense to buy a new GPS unit (preferably a different brand) that would come with updated app and map and then sell the old unit for aprox $30.

Sooooooo, OVERALL which GPS brand is better than TomTom?

---pete---

[EzyStvy]

In the for what its worth catagory. THe following is from ConsumerReports.org

Best Overall:These units include premium features while maintaining an easy-to-use interface.

Garmin Nuvi 3760T
Type: Traffic-ready navigators
Price as tested:
$400

TomTom GO 2505 TM
Type: Traffic-ready navigators
Price as tested:
$320

TomTom Go 740 Live
Type: Traffic-ready navigators
Price as tested:
$250

Best on a budget:These units provide good, basic navigation at an attractive price.

Magellan Maestro 4350
Type: Traffic-ready navigators
Price as tested:
$150

TomTom XL 340 S Live
Type: Traffic-ready navigators
Price as tested:
$150

Garmin Nuvi 1350
Type: Navigators with traffic optional
Price as tested:
$170

[glc]

Garmin is my personal preference. Just watch what you are buying - if you buy a model without lifetime map updates, keeping it updated will get quite costly.

[rwest]

Rand McNally Travel Store

updates are max $25 bucks a year and are really easy.

No firmnware either. Of course you still have to be able to read.

Sorry Pete56, I couldn't resist.

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by rwest Rand McNally Travel Store updates are max $25 bucks a year and are really easy. No firmnware either. Of course you still have to be able to read. Sorry Pete56, I couldn't resist.

That's ok rwest, I personally use map software (Street Atlas ASU 2009) instead of a GPS, but there's a problem with that too. The common complaint with Street Atlas USA is you pay for the newer versions assuming that the maps will be updated and corrected, only to find out they are still as inaccurate as they were in previous versions, in spite of attempts by many customers to notify the company of the corrections needed. So I learned to work stick with older versions of Street Atlas USA and resort to Mapquest online on that rare occasion when my Street Atlas is missing the required map detail.

---pete---

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by glc Garmin is my personal preference. Just watch what you are buying - if you buy a model without lifetime map updates, keeping it updated will get quite costly.

Lifetime updates! Now that sounds like a good tip!

---pete---

[glc]

Example - and at this price they are selling you a GPS for $20 being that lifetime map updates normally go for $119:

Newegg.com - GARMIN nüvi 1300 LM 4.3" GPS Navigation with Lifetime Map Updates

In Garmin's part numbers, LM means lifetime maps, LT means lifetime traffic, and LMT means both.

[quartet-man]

I never knew Garmin did that at all. I know Amazon sells lifetime on the side, but it is pretty pricey.

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by glc Example - and at this price they are selling you a GPS for $20 being that lifetime map updates normally go for $119: Newegg.com - GARMIN nüvi 1300 LM 4.3" GPS Navigation with Lifetime Map Updates In Garmin's part numbers, LM means lifetime maps, LT means lifetime traffic, and LMT means both.

Thanks glc, I also checked the garmin website and it looks like they offer much better MAP update options than TomTom. Garmin looks like the better GPS unit overall.

---pete---