I’m considering getting either a TomTom Go 300 or Garmin StreetPilot i5. This is what i want in a system:
preloaded locations of the entire US
bright display
accuracy is important and also should be quick to recalculate if i take a wrong turn.
I think tomtom comes in 30 different languages…wonder if urdu or punjabi is offered
If anyone has any experience with using GPS and can provide some information, please let me know. I’ve only spent couple of hours in narrowing down to these two models, so I’m open to any other recommendations you may have.
I’ve already looked at some old threads here, but as time and technology has changed I’d like to get your current thoughts/opinions on this.
I have Garmin in my wife's car. We bought it 2 years ago. I think its Street Pilot 2610. Its fantastic. Didn't come pre-loaded (I saved $400 by opting for this model, compared to the one which came pre-loaded), but to load up all of California etc, was a breeze.
Garmin is very accurate, and the route-recalculation time is pretty reasonable. I am sure this is now similar to Megellan or Tom Tom as well. Its all touch screen on Garmin so entering addresses is easy. Also it has database of all POI (points of interest) with phone numbers as well. Its invaluable.
All of these devices have different ways of attaching to your car. Some have windshield sucking-cup kinda design. Some others have jelly-bean bag (that is easy to move from car to car, but can move around quite a bit on its own), and some have sticky on your dashboard (which can be permanent or semi-permanent). Most have multiple ways. Make sure you are comfortable with whatever way the device is gonna get on your vehicle.
For those in which you have to download, I think there is a limited capacity to hold area's info. Since we sometimes drive long distances through several states, non-stop it will be a little inconvenient to stop over and transfer data once we reach end of the certain state. I think the price difference between these models is close to ~$200 now.
In comparing the 2 models i've listed, tomtom is touch screen whereas garmin is not. I'll look into 2610 that you mentioned as well.
Edit: The only drawback i see with 2610 is that since its atleast a 2 year old technology, its maps must be a little outdated.
i have a Navman ICN650 (UK model). Very accurate and instant recalculation of routes. One doesnt need to have CF or SD card to install additional maps as it comes with 2GB onboard harddrive with all maps pre-installed.
Pros;
-Nice big screen screen size compared to others in the market.
-the Graphical maps displaying in 2D and 3D.
Cons;
-not touchscreen
-if i need to update the software or maps I believe I will have pay for it.
p.s I dont think Garmin is touchscreen either.
Update
infact having just browsed the Navman site. ICN 650 isn't avaible for US market. The one i see which is comparable to what u r after is ICN320.
they do become outdated ....but for that to happen u will have to b using the same GPS unit for a very long (they dont built roads that often, right?).
u will always have an option to upgrade maping software, at a premium of course.
Map CD's are independent of the GPS unit. Infact, they are developed by two different companies, who just bundle it together. More than likely the map CD's will be updated. When purchased separately, the pricing techniques are fairly rough on users, so I have never updated them. For the Garmin unit that I have for last two years, I have never felt the need to update the mapping CD's. The GPS in my other car is also at least four years old (its an '01 model), and I have never updated the mapping CD's there, either. Never once did I miss having updated CD's.
Yeah, I suppose the maps will be good for many years to come. The only reason I mentioned it was if I were considering 2610, it will probably still be bundled with map cd they were selling 2 years back. Whereas, the newer models that came out this year have the latest.
