Garmin or Tom Tom?

[George D]

I am looking at a Garmin Nuvi 260W or a Tom Tom IXL. I want to use it in Australia and Europe

1) I have been told that the Tom Tom maps for Europe have significantly less detail than the Garmin maps for Europe. Is that correct?

2) Does anyone have experience with either of these units? Any advice?

3) I understand that the Tom Tom IXL does not announce street names - is that correct?

4) With the Garmin, can one easily see the route it has chosen on a map before one heads off?

Thanks - looking forward to response.

George D

[Tim]

I've numbered your questions for easier reference.

1) No.

2) Yes, used them both.

3) Correct, but the XL-S model does announce street names and thus is more similar to the 260w.

4) Yes, just like the TomTom.

[George D]

Thanks very much Tim

I used to have CoPilot on my Imate Jamin and disliked it for many reasons but it had one good feature which was the ability to plan trips ahead, see the route that the unit had selected on a map and change the route by adding way points at will. I used that function a lot as I don't like to just blindly follow what the machine decides. Can one do that sort of thing easily with either of these units?

Thanks

[Tim]

Yes, both of them will allow you to browse a 2D map of the route, zoom in and pan around that route, as well as view a text listing of each turn to get a feel of the route.

[George D]

Thanks again, and such a prompt response!

Best wishes

George D