Post by: kimmer on November 13, 2009, 01:10:08 PM
Post by: jwboyd on November 13, 2009, 01:37:48 PM
Some of its best features:
Clear and clearly spoken instructions (once you get used to his way of doing things).
Easily customizable preferences (points of interest, favorites, voices, volume, map orientation, speed limit alerts, etc.).
Map updates are easy and inexpensive.
If I were to get another, it would have a larger screen.
Post by: Paddy on November 13, 2009, 02:52:15 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inch-Wide...4252&sr=1-1
780 people give the 255W a 4.5 star rating at Amazon, vs 99 people giving the TomTom a 3.5 star rating (and almost 20% of those giving it only 1 star - vs 3% for the Garmin buyers)
The TT issues I remember from my exhaustive search were: inadequate volume of the text to speech and persistent routing inaccuracies. Since both were important things to consider, they, along with the generally positive reviews of the Garmin had me convinced. I don't regret my decision one bit.
Post by: daryl66 on November 13, 2009, 04:39:20 PM
QUOTE(kimmer @ Nov 13 2009, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We're looking at purchasing a TomTom XL 340-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator, and wonder if anyone has this particular model. If so, do you like it or not? Is there another model that would be better? All opinions welcome -- except those who say stick to printed maps.
We bought an XL one about 2 years ago, and have since replaced it with the 340-s about 2 months ago. The wife travels all over the US, cities large and small and rents cars. She travels with the TT and absolutely loves it. Once you get familiar with it and pick a voice you are comfortable listening to it just takes all of the hassle out of driving in new unfamiliar places. I also update it before each trip. The Mac compatibility was a factor in the buying decision.
No experience with Garman.
HTH
Daryl
Post by: iGuy on November 13, 2009, 04:47:13 PM
Post by: MamaMoose on November 13, 2009, 05:41:01 PM
To answer your question, you need to set down your priorities on the features that your new unit must meet. For me, voice directions and screen size were important as well as ease of use when interacting with TomTom software.
One caveat with TomTom. If the unit stops working after the factory warranty has expired, you are stuck!!! There is no way to get the unit repaired after the warranty period. This happened to me so I had to buy a new TomTom sine I had a lot of data backed up on my Mac. It was very easy to restore the that data to a new TomTom. Perhaps, there are repair facilities now available that can take care of post-warranty problems. If not, I would suggest you by as inexpensive unit as you can.
On the other hand, if the TomTom post warranty process is unacceptable, I would take a look at the Garmin - Perhaps they have fixed their Mac problems. Or, if you own an iphone, check out the TomTom for the iPhone. it costs !~ $100 and you don't have to drag around extra electronics.
MamaMoose
Post by: sandbox on November 13, 2009, 07:41:22 PM
Post by: kimmer on November 13, 2009, 08:05:10 PM
We just used a Garmin Nuvi 255W and liked it a great deal, but understood that they don't interface with the Mac, which is why we are considering the TomTom. If the Garmin does interface with the Mac, then we'll probably buy one of those. Guess I'd best go investigate.
Our feature requirements are:
- Voice directions
- Screen size must be 4.3 or larger
- Mac interface for updating maps, etc.
Post by: Paddy on November 13, 2009, 10:06:54 PM
http://www8.garmin.com/macosx/
http://www.gpscity.com/buzz/2009/07/garmin...-and-ivory.html
Originally, when I started looking for a GPS I was leaning towards the TomTom because I'd heard it was the only one compatible with Macs. That info is seriously outdated now - the support from Garmin has been there for at least a couple of years.
http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/applemac/index.html (scroll down for the older posts)
Post by: RNKIII on November 13, 2009, 10:23:59 PM
When I first got it and tried to update via the TomTom Home software on the Mac... it was a disaster. Bricked a couple of the TomToms ... but they were replaced quickly and with out hassle....
But they have REALLY gotten their act together and the updating goes very quick and smoothly. The maps are 'updated' each time you connect and you can get a completely 'new' map each quarter for a small fee.
I do really like mine even if it is a couple of years old.
BOb K. rnkiii
Post by: RHPConsult on November 14, 2009, 02:17:11 AM
I'm going to claim some credit for helping "sell" J.W. when he was shopping a coupole of years ago, in anticipating of a long cross country trip. Trust him, he put it to a test and was extremely pleased.
RHKiii and I have shared TomTom experiences over all the time we've both extensively used them. A real advantage – to me at least.
Early on their "customer service" was anything but. It's a Brit company, headquartered in Copenhagen, I believe. They knew where to sell to the US, but not service it. Then, some corporate vision must have befallen them. They put operatives on an active available phone in NJ who knew what they were talking about, even though it was difficult early on to work your way through a convoluted web inquisition in order to "earn" the right to call, or find the number.
That's all in the past. The technology, IMHO, was always better than the support, but that's been irrelevant because the former hasn't failed for possibly 3 years, despite heavy use all across North America and (monthly) in Hawaii.
The one glitch about which I believe I clearly should have been informed somewhere, but wasn't, was a little known "feature" of, I surmise, every (consumer-grade) GPS device. If you, say, shut it down in Chicago, and next turn it on when reaching Honolulu, it may take 20-30 minutes for TomTom to figger-out that the available satellites at Point B are quite distinct from those previously used/depended-upon at Point A.During that time, you are convinced it's busted. Once understood however, not to worry.
I vote enthusiastically for the big, bright highly audible, well-informed TomTom, w/little Lori hiding inside merrily to guide along your way. If you get one, I'm sure the TeeEss TomTom Caucus
will be happy to advise you re: getting up-to-speed, so to speak.Very sincerely yours,
RHP (hearing impaired, and until last week, cataract-challenged) but happy with TomTom's auditory and visual feedback.
Post by: sandbox on November 14, 2009, 04:32:35 AM
QUOTE
Ford Sync wins 'Best New Technology' award from The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
TORONTO : Ford Sync technology was named the 2008 Best New Technology by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Canadian International Auto Show.
Sync is a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system
that is designed to change the way consumers use digital media portable music players and mobile phones in their vehicles.
Ford Sync, developed with Microsoft, is an advanced software platform that provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players Apple iPods, and other MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheels redundant radio controls.
Simply put, with Sync, consumers are able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.
TORONTO : Ford Sync technology was named the 2008 Best New Technology by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Canadian International Auto Show.
Sync is a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system
that is designed to change the way consumers use digital media portable music players and mobile phones in their vehicles.
Ford Sync, developed with Microsoft, is an advanced software platform that provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players Apple iPods, and other MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheels redundant radio controls.
Simply put, with Sync, consumers are able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.
http://www.indiacar.net/news/n76069.htm
Post by: chriskleeman on November 14, 2009, 08:50:18 AM
But sometimes, you still gotta look at a map!
CK
Post by: MamaMoose on November 16, 2009, 01:25:42 AM
If I am not mistaken, TomTom is a Dutch company with an ancillary group here in the US - Boston, I believe.
MamaMoose