I moving cities here within the next week or two and I thought I should look into getting a GPS to help get me around until I learn the area. I went to bestbuy.com and saw they're having a special back-to-school sale tonight and they just happened to have a couple of GPS on sale the Garmin nuvi 1250T and the TomTom XXL 540SGPS.

 

From a spec list they basically look the same, so I was wondering from anyone that has used either one of these devices their opinion on them? Would you go for the Garmin or the TomTom?

If its only for short-term you may as well get a decent map app for ur phone (assuming u have a smart phone) or get a good old A-Z

I do have an iPhone but it is majority inconvenient to have to grab my phone and whatnot. The intentions of getting the GPS is immediate short term gain but could serve useful over several years as it takes me to learn the city/state.

I've been using Garmin GPS since the late 90s...

So... naturally I'd suggest Garmin.

 

Apparently TomToms can get incredibly annoying... I haven't used one personally

though, so I cannot give a bad/good assessment of the brand safely.

Tomtoms are pretty big this side of the pond, and if so many people buy them they can't be all that bad. The only thing I would say is that they're a tad small, but I've never had problems with them on the short occasions I've used them. I only know the name Garmin from the GPS systems they make for planes, and I'm guessing their personal ones are quite different, ie their build quality might be different, so can't comment on them.

I only know the name Garmin from the GPS systems they make for planes, and I'm guessing their personal ones are quite different, ie their build quality might be different, so can't comment on them.

 

 

That's a good point on the Garmins.

They were generally the first, as they were used in large travel businesses and military operations.

 

My original Garmin GPS was used for Radio Communication Positioning.

 

However, yes, to answer about the: "and I'm guessing their personal ones are quite different"

 

The Garmin Nuvi is smaller, touch screen, with a database of restaurants, points in interest for travel, etc.

In my case, I know that where I live TomTom has a big reputationfor being good, but apparently the Garmins surpassed them. I own a Garmin nuvi and it's awesome. Even after owning it for 2 years I still found something that I didn't know was there, this week, which is the speed stats and stuff, I thought it only showed the speed we were currently going. I do have to say that the speed it shows is pretty accurate when I roll though.

From all I've heard Garmin and TomTom kinds share the top spot and sort of switch and swap with every new innovation.

 

Though I hear Garmin's maps are better for USA

While TomTom Europe maps are better

I've had a chance to play with both. I prefer the Garmin as it was a little easier to find what you are looking for and has a great set of maps. I simply prefer the Garmin because I've used it myself more.