TomTom One XL vs Garmin Nuvi 350 I plan to purchase a GPS for my car. I have been considering either a new TomTom One XL or a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 350. The cost is about the same although one is a refurb. Does anyone have a recommendation? It sure would help before spending that much money. TomTom One XL vs Garmin Nuvi 350 I plan to purchase a GPS for my car. I have been considering either a new TomTom One XL or a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 350. The cost is about the same although one is... » Read More TomTom One XL vs Garmin Nuvi 350 I plan to purchase a GPS for my car. I have been considering either a new TomTom One XL or a refurbished Garmin Nuvi 350. The cost is about the same although one is a refurb. Does anyone have a recommendation? It sure would help before spending that much money. « Show Less
443738
This has been my question too for a few days. I've been reading comments on Garmin Nuvi 350 though, and one of them stated he tried both the Tom Tom and Garmin Nuvi 350 side-by-side. The Tom Tom apparantly gave better directions, at one point saving 20 minutes of drive time. I'm not sure at this point which one's better. Garmin Nuvi 350's street-name callout is immensely popular, and I like that too, but I don't want to drive an extra 20 minutes to a destination.
443739
Thank you for your reply Sagib, it is very helpful. I think I have now decided on the TomTom one xl due to your comment and the fact that it has a much larger screen. I like the street call-out on the Garmin Nuvi 350 but I think the larger screen outweighs that option.
443740
I purchased the TomTom one XL and I am completely satisfied. It works great. I certainly do not miss the "text to talk" feature and love the large screen which is easier to see while driving and creates less distraction. Directions are perfect so far. The TomTom is quiote a bit less expensive which is nice and can be purchased at discounts on Ebay and Amazon. I bought mine from 6th Ave Electronics on Amazon and received it in three days with great communication. Check for a 95% or higher feedback rating before you buy, to get an honest dealer.
443741
I agree with your comments. I have had the TomTom One XL for over a month now. The Text to Speech would be nice option but I have found that it is not necessary to have. The accuracy of the satellites isa such that it tells you exactly when to turn. Also, the advantage of the big screen means that it's real easy to see the street name to turn on to if you really need it. So Text to speech is not a deal breaker for me.
443742
Well, it wasn't just the larger screen that swayed me to the TomTom, it was also the price. You can purchase a new TT1XL for about $340.00. The Nuvi 350 is about the same price for either a refurbished or used model. Besides the price though, it seems that having a larger screen(4.3") would cause less distraction while driving. It's still a toos up though. Let me know how you like the Nuvi 350 and I will do the same. Mine is due to be delivered in the next few days.
443743
Sounds like a good idea. I found another link that compares Tom Tom with Nuvi 350.. http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=67083 just in case you're still reading them up. Good luck with your Tom Tom!
181111
I followed D. Kovac's instructions on re-installing the TomTom application on the device but did not work. When I finished the install and rebooted the XL 340, the device complained it had no maps installed! Next, I re-connected the device to the computer and TomTom Home errored saying I had installed the wrong app version. It gave me a new update, which I installed and I ended up back in square one!
795012
Yes, I have. My old Garmin nuvi 650 was immeasurably better than the piece of crap 1350 LMT. --- See my one star review; "Garmin's Quality Has Taken a Nose Dive". --- If people can put up with the inexcusable problems and lack of quality of the 1350LMT, then maybe they can convince themselves they got a good deal. -- I sent mine back for a full refund, and wil probably buy a Tom Tom next.
1461187
hi going to europe and intending to drive around england and want a trustworthy gps. i have never owned one and need advice please on what to buy. the reviews have me confused. any help would be appreciated. thanks
148254
I got the TomTom 3 yrs ago and it still works well for me. The only reason I got it was the world maps. Compared to today's units, TomTom or Garmin, it's basically an antique. There are so many more features available now, you have to decide on what features are important to you.
654505
I am considering the same thing. I bought the TomTom and have not been able to get it working - the operating software seems to have only partially loaded. I spent 3 hours on the phone with their customer service - very nice people, but they have no technical knowledge, they can only read to you from a script. I think I am going to return this one and give the Garmin a try.
18187
HI, Scott. I have BOTH (don't ask why... long story!) TOSS A COIN! If PRICE is a consideration, the TomTom has a HUGE advantage - it's typically $50 bucks cheaper than the Nuvi. For me? I WOULD PICK THE NUVI. Here are some OBJECTIVE points to consider: 1) Nuvi is FAR, FAR more intuitive, with MUCH nicer menus. 2) Nuvi can be used as a picture viewer. 3) Nuvi has SUPERIOR trip data details - just touch the lower left of the screen for a VERY nice summary window that is EASY to read. 4) Nuvi can outblast the TomTom in terms of volume. 5) Nuvi has SUPERIOR windshield mount - TomTom is piece of crap by comparision. 6) Nuvi is smaller - better "in-the-hand." 7) TomTom has more features, many I miss on the Nuvi (like speed warnings, for example.) 8) TomTom has an online "community" that can be very useful (Garmin does not - at least not yet.) 9) TomTom offers much greater flexibility - you can download and/or save your own modified maps and routes. 10) TomTom feels slightly more substantial than Garmin - it is slightly larger (thicker); very nicely designed and built. 11) The BIG one: As others have mentioned, the TomTom DOES have a slight edge in navigational accuracy. There is no question it's able to get you closer to the front door in SOME circumstances. That is, it has NEVER missed; the Nuvi has gotten me close a half dozen times in the short time I've owned it. (In FAIRNESS, though, the Garmin is NOT a toad in this arena. I don't expect the thing to drive my car, for crying out loud. And if you get me within a block of where I'm going, I'm a happy guy.)
1452067
There are so many Garmin options it's mind boggling. The nuvi 350, which I own, comes with North American maps. Looking to buy a gift for my dauughter so I explored a bit. The 200 comes with regional maps, which is basically the continental US. Since we live in Western NY, Canadian maps are useful so you need to go to a model with North America to get that. We traveled to Ireland in the spring but to get maps for Ireland you need to buy an SD card, which goes for over $100 (we left the Garmin home). Also recommend a model that says the street name in addition to 'turn right'. The units can get confused and that is a good 'verification' that you really should turn or exit. Additionally this is helpful because you should be looking at the road and not the Garmin to make sure your going the right way.
772648
I just purchased the Nuvi 350. I went to a location and looked at the 350 and the 550 side by side. The Nuvi is much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. The mount contains a power connection, so you dont have to unplug the unit every time you remove it, the power is provided by the mount. It has a single speaker (so stereo), but you are not purchasing a boom box, you are buying a navigator. The internal speaker is louder than the 550 (I tried them side by side.) There is a headset plug in for headphones for the MP3 player or you can connect it to the aux input of your stereo. The nuvi, imho, is a better unit than the streetpilot. I just purchased the Nuvi 350. I went to a location and looked at the 350 and the 550 side by side. The Nuvi is much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. The mount contains a power connection, so you dont have to unplug the unit every time you remove it, the power is provided by the mount. It has a single speaker (so stereo), but you are not purchasing a boom box, you are buying a navigator. The internal speaker is louder than the 550 (I tried them side by side.) There is a headset plug in for headphones for the MP3 player or you can connect it to the aux input of your stereo. The nuvi,... » Read More I just purchased the Nuvi 350. I went to a location and looked at the 350 and the 550 side by side. The Nuvi is much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. The mount contains a power connection, so you dont have to unplug the unit every time you remove it, the power is provided by the mount. It has a single speaker (so stereo), but you are not purchasing a boom box, you are buying a navigator. The internal speaker is louder than the 550 (I tried them side by side.) There is a headset plug in for headphones for the MP3 player or you can connect it to the aux input of your stereo. The nuvi, imho, is a better unit than the streetpilot. « Show Less
2196931
If you're tracking this, M. Gudde, you may want to jump on today's Gold Box deal for the TomTom ONE XL GPS at $99.99, and feature for feature, it's is hard to beat. It comes pre-loaded with maps of he US and Canada, and users can download additional maps onto an SD memory card and install them on their TomTom for navigation almost anywhere in the world. Did a quick check at the TomTom factory outlet site, and they're selling the TomTom ONE XL Refurbished for $159.95 right now. This one probably won't last very long today.
1283345
I have a Garmin 255W and a TomTom XL340S. I am giving my daughter the Garmin and keeping the TomTom. Both are great units but the TomTom blows away the Garmin with useful features. The Garmin's voice is better as the TT has ploblems with Spanish street names. If I were to choose I would choose the TT but the Garmin is very good so whatever you choose, you will be happy.
497527
I had two Garmins. I changed to TomTom get the free maps. I am so disappointed. It said I could get street names announced. but I have never been able to do that. It just states go right in 300 feet. There might be 5 right turns within that distance which I have to guess. It gives me a choice of about 5 people and none give street names although someone said I have to get Betty and the machine says "You have chosen a voice which does not give street names". Wish I could I have tried all of them. Next one will be a Garmin again. When new maps are needed, I can just get a new one for nearly the same price. I had two Garmins. I changed to TomTom get the free maps. I am so disappointed. It said I could get street names announced. but I have never been able to do that. It just states go right in 300 feet. There might be 5 right turns within that distance which I have to guess. It gives me a choice of about 5 people and none give street names although someone said I have to get Betty and the machine says "You have chosen a voice which does not give street names". Wish I could I have tried all of them. Next one will be a Garmin again. When new maps are needed, I can just get a new one... » Read More I had two Garmins. I changed to TomTom get the free maps. I am so disappointed. It said I could get street names announced. but I have never been able to do that. It just states go right in 300 feet. There might be 5 right turns within that distance which I have to guess. It gives me a choice of about 5 people and none give street names although someone said I have to get Betty and the machine says "You have chosen a voice which does not give street names". Wish I could I have tried all of them. Next one will be a Garmin again. When new maps are needed, I can just get a new one for nearly the same price. « Show Less
1464037
I considered the 1490, but I don't need the bluetooth or traffic. I ended up buying the nuvi 865T and am happy with it. Some problems getting updates on the Garmin website. Also POI's were available for download on my old 265 e.g. Kauai, but none for the 800 series.
661432
I was able to get a hold of Amazon support by phone today. I was told the Nuvi 350 units being shipped have NT 2008 map in it. I asked about the v.5 mentioned on Amazon website and he did not know about that. He would check and have it corrected. According to him, Garmin will start shipping units with 2009 map in about a month, starting with the 200 series, 300's, and so on. Based on this, I plan to buy one now even with 2008 map. Again, he could not confirm about free update from Garmin. If I can get a free update, that's great. If not, I'm still happy since price had come down significantly
517089
let see - one can not test all things in 30 days and in winter season cant travel much for testing.I think this model is now 1 yr old and not sure how long it will continue and may be price is down to clear out the stock.not sure if specific lot of product has got many issues or overall it is.http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2009/08/garmin_nuvi_1490t_review.phpnot sure if life time map i can use with any other garmin unit and not specific to one unit.
1858595
it depends on whether you have an RV or not. If you have an RV, you want that large display.I currently have an onboard TomTom in my RV. But I chose to buy the large Garmin so I could see it and so I could use the audio and several other features.
731068
@Edmund/Garmin UserI have a question for you. I currently own the 265t. I like the form factor and it seems fast enough, but for some reason, I get this feeling that the 265t does not use the most optimal routes, like my nuvi 360 does. With or without the traffic cable/adapter plugged in. Do you notice a strong difference between how your 255 routes and your 265Wt. I´m thinking about returning the 265 and just picking up a 255. What do you think about the included traffic? How accurate and upto date is it when you drive? I have coverage in my area, but I haven´t really tested it out yet. I´ve been waiting for more reviews of the 265t, but thus far, none. IF you could reply, that would be great! @Edmund/Garmin UserI have a question for you. I currently own the 265t. I like the form factor and it seems fast enough, but for some reason, I get this feeling that the 265t does not use the most optimal routes, like my nuvi 360 does. With or without the traffic cable/adapter plugged in. Do you notice a strong difference between how your 255 routes and your 265Wt. I´m thinking about returning the 265 and just picking up a 255. What do you think about the included traffic? How accurate and upto date is it when you drive? I have coverage in my area, but I haven´t really tested it... » Read More @Edmund/Garmin UserI have a question for you. I currently own the 265t. I like the form factor and it seems fast enough, but for some reason, I get this feeling that the 265t does not use the most optimal routes, like my nuvi 360 does. With or without the traffic cable/adapter plugged in. Do you notice a strong difference between how your 255 routes and your 265Wt. I´m thinking about returning the 265 and just picking up a 255. What do you think about the included traffic? How accurate and upto date is it when you drive? I have coverage in my area, but I haven´t really tested it out yet. I´ve been waiting for more reviews of the 265t, but thus far, none. IF you could reply, that would be great! « Show Less