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Garmin vs Tomtom
crazyfingers
115 Points
Just thinking about the inevitable day that my corrent Garmin dies and I might consider a Tomtom instead. Or replacing my wife's garmin whose days are very close to the end.
For a reasonably high end automobile model, are there significant differences in features?
On first look at the tomtom website the product specs page is nearly useless. No info on which or any models that allow shaping a route with multiple vias. Voice command in Garmin. For tomtom I see yes for "voice control" but some references suggest that only about controlling a smart phone. Do tomtoms have voice command like the garmins?
I see traffic appears to only be available by smart phone connection which is a serious negative.
Tried to download the user manuals but got a 404 error.
I never buy any significant piece of electronics without reading the detailed user manual first.
For a reasonably high end automobile model, are there significant differences in features?
On first look at the tomtom website the product specs page is nearly useless. No info on which or any models that allow shaping a route with multiple vias. Voice command in Garmin. For tomtom I see yes for "voice control" but some references suggest that only about controlling a smart phone. Do tomtoms have voice command like the garmins?
I see traffic appears to only be available by smart phone connection which is a serious negative.
Tried to download the user manuals but got a 404 error.
I never buy any significant piece of electronics without reading the detailed user manual first.
Comments
For what specific model were you trying to download the guide for?
http://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/new_GO/html/en-gb/index.htm#WelcometonavigationwithTomTom-MASTERGO.htm
http://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/new_GO/refman/TomTom-GO-EU-RG-en-gb.pdf
http://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/VIA_53/html/en-gb/index.htm#WelcometonavigationwithTomTom-PratoWi-Fi.htm
http://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/VIA_52_62/refman/TomTom-VIA-EU-RG-en-gb.pdf
Of course, just because they have it in stock doesn't mean it will be on display... or that it will work. However, you could still buy it and return if you aren't happy.
That is two more automotive devices than Garmin lists on their own website, so I'd say Best Buy is still a good option if you want a dedicated GPS unit. :)
That doesn't mean Garmin automotive devices will continue be a good value or a smart choice though and I think their numbers will continue to shrink. Looking at demographics will probably provide a clue as to what the future holds. Hate to say it, but IMO most participants in this and the other few remaining GPS forums are at least 60 or older (like me). 10 years from now, how many of us will still be driving?
And if you believe what the pundits say (I'm skeptical), by then self-driving cars will be a major market factor. You won't need a GPS unit in one of those. ;)