Comparison Question

[Prior]

Are Garmin or TomTom units in general better known for route accuracy, quality interface and ease of use out of the box? I have around $200 to spend on a unit, if that helps. Also keep in mind that I have a really bad sense of direction, so route accuracy is by far priority number one. Thanks.

 

[dhn]

Both are pretty good out of the box. Depending where you are, the Garmin maps (Navteq) are better in some areas, TomToms' (TeleAtlas) in others.

A good idea would be to visit a local electronics store, if you can, and compare brands side by side.

 

[Prior]

Both are pretty good out of the box. Depending where you are, the Garmin maps (Navteq) are better in some areas, TomToms' (TeleAtlas) in others.

A good idea would be to visit a local electronics store, if you can, and compare brands side by side.

Which maps are better in western New York?

 

[dhn]

Since this is a dedicated TomTom forum, hopefully there will be users seeing your query that give you feedback for that area.

You'd want to ask the same question in a forum that has Garmin users. One site I'd suggest is this one.

 

[pianoCM]

Are Garmin or TomTom units in general better known for route accuracy, quality interface and ease of use out of the box? I have around $200 to spend on a unit, if that helps. Also keep in mind that I have a really bad sense of direction, so route accuracy is by far priority number one. Thanks.

Garmin is extremely easy of use, this is for no-brainer, requires no knowledge, just play those buttons for 10' and you know it all.
Tomtom is on the other hand, not very friendly user, trust me you have fun time looking for how to adjust the volume . It is for advanced users.
Someone might still say Garmin using NavTeq so it's better in U.S.A. This maybe true 5 years back. In my area, TeleAtlas outshine NavTeq. So for you, please use Google Maps vs. Yahoo Maps comparison and find out which one covers more in your area.

 

[cacherjoe]

Up until recently I have been a Garmin person. I still have a 60CSx which in my opinion is the best GPS out there for hiking and geocaching. It however isn't the best at vehicle navigation. I have used it for several years doing just that and it did ok. I was recently on a trip with a friend (another Garmin person) who had purchased a TomTom for his vehicle and loved it. I went out and bought myself a ONE XL about 2 weeks ago and I love it. Some little quirks though.

I have to say that being able to adjust my own maps and share those with others is a definite selling point. The maps are accurate, but as others say they are both pretty much accurate.

If I can offer my opinion after all that, go with TomTom for auto navigation.

J