OFF TOPIC: Give Me GPS Holiday Shopping Advice?

DixieGal · 11-25-2010, 09:44 AM

This has absolutely nothing to do with ebooks. But I trust you guys' opinions.

Which has a more complete and detailed guide. Garman or Tomtom?

And is also good in Europe and Canada?

EDIT: Also can be carried around in a pocket or backpack.

Thanks!

FF2 · 11-25-2010, 10:30 AM

I've got devices from both companies. My 3 year old TomTom is geared to automobile driving since it has limited battery life when not connected to power. The one I got has maps of the US and Canada and Europe and it works really well. It was more than terrific in Europe two summer before last. Got us all around the Dolomites and to/from Munich and around Austria. I have not kept up with the latest but Garmin generally had a larger list of points-of-interest (hotels, gas stations, parks, scenic highlights, stores, etc). But there were offerings for the TomTom with all starbucks, costcos, etc compiled by users. Its speech really is great when driving. It does have a pedestrian mode but, again, power can be an issue while walking for too long.

I have a series of Garmins and use them mainly while hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Power from 8-20 hours depending on use. But smaller screen since it is intended for walking/carrying. I am not really aware of their driving units. But again, great points-of-interest (POI's) listings. I have used them while driving but these "walking" type units generally do not have voice instructions but will beep to announce turns.

Hope some of this helps.

edited to add: The tomtom I purchased came with the maps indicated but they do vary. Garmin's generally require purchases of some additional maps - the driving units probably come with the US (maybe canada but you might have to add Europe and their maps are pricey)

DixieGal · 11-25-2010, 11:27 AM

That is exactly what I needed to know. Tomtom sounds like what I want, but I want to see if it has any sort of wall charger. But, if We are lost and walking more than an hour or so, we find a restaurant, have a meal, and ask the waiter to call a cab for us. So shorter battery life might not even be a disadvantage. Karma coming your way tothank you for the great advice!

HarryT · 11-25-2010, 11:37 AM

The supplied POIs with a GPS is not really of any relevance; both TomTom and Garmin units allow you to load POI files, and there are lots of website which have such files for pretty much any conceivable purpose.

Having owned both, my personal preference is for Garmin.

happy_terd · 11-25-2010, 11:57 AM

My droid 2 navigator works great.

Just tossing the idea of a smart phone out there.

DixieGal · 11-25-2010, 05:39 PM

Thanks Yall! I got a lot of advice at Thanksgiving dinner with Tim's big family too. It is for his Christmas present, so I want to get him a better one than the DeLorme that we have. It is decent for most of a trip, but sort of loses it at the final details. The final couple of blocks seem to blow its mind.

JSWolf · 11-25-2010, 06:02 PM

I also recommend getting Garmin vs TomTom. The Garmn is easy to use and you can get units with both US, Canada, & Europe maps.

However, if you do not mind waiting, I rather like the forthcoming nüvi® 2370LT.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=70239

11-25-2010, 09:44 AM	#1
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	OFF TOPIC: Give Me GPS Holiday Shopping Advice? This has absolutely nothing to do with ebooks. But I trust you guys' opinions. Which has a more complete and detailed guide. Garman or Tomtom? And is also good in Europe and Canada? EDIT: Also can be carried around in a pocket or backpack. Thanks! Last edited by DixieGal; 11-25-2010 at 09:49 AM.

11-25-2010, 10:30 AM	#2
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	I've got devices from both companies. My 3 year old TomTom is geared to automobile driving since it has limited battery life when not connected to power. The one I got has maps of the US and Canada and Europe and it works really well. It was more than terrific in Europe two summer before last. Got us all around the Dolomites and to/from Munich and around Austria. I have not kept up with the latest but Garmin generally had a larger list of points-of-interest (hotels, gas stations, parks, scenic highlights, stores, etc). But there were offerings for the TomTom with all starbucks, costcos, etc compiled by users. Its speech really is great when driving. It does have a pedestrian mode but, again, power can be an issue while walking for too long. I have a series of Garmins and use them mainly while hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Power from 8-20 hours depending on use. But smaller screen since it is intended for walking/carrying. I am not really aware of their driving units. But again, great points-of-interest (POI's) listings. I have used them while driving but these "walking" type units generally do not have voice instructions but will beep to announce turns. Hope some of this helps. edited to add: The tomtom I purchased came with the maps indicated but they do vary. Garmin's generally require purchases of some additional maps - the driving units probably come with the US (maybe canada but you might have to add Europe and their maps are pricey) Last edited by FF2; 11-25-2010 at 10:32 AM.

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11-25-2010, 11:27 AM	#3
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	That is exactly what I needed to know. Tomtom sounds like what I want, but I want to see if it has any sort of wall charger. But, if We are lost and walking more than an hour or so, we find a restaurant, have a meal, and ask the waiter to call a cab for us. So shorter battery life might not even be a disadvantage. Karma coming your way tothank you for the great advice!

11-25-2010, 11:37 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The supplied POIs with a GPS is not really of any relevance; both TomTom and Garmin units allow you to load POI files, and there are lots of website which have such files for pretty much any conceivable purpose. Having owned both, my personal preference is for Garmin.

11-25-2010, 11:57 AM	#5
happy_terd Banned Posts: 13,045 Karma: 10105011 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Finally made it to Walmart. Device: PRS 420	My droid 2 navigator works great. Just tossing the idea of a smart phone out there.

11-25-2010, 05:39 PM	#6
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	Thanks Yall! I got a lot of advice at Thanksgiving dinner with Tim's big family too. It is for his Christmas present, so I want to get him a better one than the DeLorme that we have. It is decent for most of a trip, but sort of loses it at the final details. The final couple of blocks seem to blow its mind.

11-25-2010, 06:02 PM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,750 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I also recommend getting Garmin vs TomTom. The Garmn is easy to use and you can get units with both US, Canada, & Europe maps. However, if you do not mind waiting, I rather like the forthcoming nüvi® 2370LT. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=70239

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