JW:
I got my first TomTom GPS because it was the only supplier who provided a product for a Palm. . . aka Navigator 5. It has been both fun and a very frequent a time saver, when seeking and reaching a new address. I've used it all across the country and in Hawaii. It consists of a sensor that rests on the dash and a holder for Palm Pilot (w/wired and Bluetooth connections)
Last December, I purchased a free-standing "Go" model for my brother-in-law's new car . . . as a result of our getting lost (going East instead of West) while exiting St. Louis airport at 10 o'clock one night – he from Ohio, we from California, both trying to get to Columbia, MO for a funeral.
Last summer, my Navigator "found" us when we got lost at 11pm trying to return to a hotel (via a forested route) from downtown Alexandria, VA, following our attending the celebration of the 250th anniversary of its founding. We were really lost, really, when "the voice" known as "Lori" told me to make a U-turn. 4 minutes later we emerged from the forest and there was our hotel. BINGO.
My brother-in-law was somewhat reluctant to accept the gift, (thinking it a bit extravagant) until he had about 10 minutes experience with it. Now he could be a TomTom "spokesman"!
Compared to the Palm "accessory" model, the newest "Go" model has a major positive change: the maps are already installed when you get the device. Don't settle for any other arrangement. Loading the maps onto the Palm was the only downside of getting Navigator initially set-up. All brands, I believe, now have the same "feature" of preloaded maps.
I very much like the bright screen of TomTom (it can be reduced at night), the "voice" (of 6 available, 3 male, 3 female) that provides informative audible prompts, PLUS the text legends that change as you move along the map, giving such useful data as . . .
- what the next change of direction will be on your chosen route
- the mileage to that direction change
- the time required to drive to that direction change
- the identity of your present route (number or name)
- the identity of the route when you make the direction change
- an estimated time before arriving at your destination
It's really nifty, JW.
Only real downside (and I cannot comment on Garmin or Magellan) is its lethargic tech support. OK w/on-line FAQs, but a somnolent pace of its phone support. Fortunately, such support is not needed in any great measure.
Let me know if you need any further information. "Go" for it!
