I just ordered the TTG 700 from Costco ($800), but now I'm having cold feet when comparing reviews to the Garmin unit ($560).

I also checked out the Garmin 340C which seems cool because of the FM-radio linked traffic system (extra $200, which includes a 15 month trial period, then $60 per year). Not carried by Costco just yet. I prefer to buy there because of their liberal return policy. I once brought back a Audiovox portable DVD player almost a year later for a full refund!

I don't have a bluetooth phone at the moment, so that's not a major consideration - but could be handy in the future since I basically don't answer my phone in the car.

Any thoughts?

 

I've been vacillating between these two for a long time now and I'm glad I have.
I had been leaning towards the TomTom.
But there are alot of negative reviews to the TomTom on Amazon. It seems the maps are not up to date (a problem with most Nav systems) Customer support is poor. And for me personally, the Bluetooth does not work with my phone (Motorola V710) A feature I was interested in.

So it looks like I'll be getting the C330. While the traffic update feature seems nice, its something I would never pay for. And now the cost has gotten so much cheaper from just 6 months ago.

Did you get the TomTom from Costco Online or from a store?
Last time I ordered something from them, the shipping was a bit high.

 

Have you seen that TomTom just inked a partnership with MapQuest? This should go a long way to alleviating the map update issue. ...you may just want to vascillate a teeny while longer.

BTW, here's the press release.

 

After a closer look, the device appears to be the TomTom 300 loaded with MapQuest Maps and sold exclusively by MapQuest. Not available until 10.10.2005.

Personally, I like the TomTom but have been holding out because of the map issues. I think this might be what finally pushes me over the edge. Hmmm... I think it would make a great Christmas gift for myself!

 

actually, it sounds suspiciously like a ttg500 w/ mapquest maps.

fwiw, teleatlas currently supplies the ttg maps.
on last check, (using mapsonus), they finally updated the maps for my area and these should be folded into the next map release for TT in january.

the garmin c340 appears to have shifted their release date several times.

the garmin 2720 looks to cost about the same amount as the ttg700 from costco and is a better unit than the c330 in terms of maps.

 

I too have been considering both. I was all set to get the TomTom when I started to see more and more negative reviews and user comments. I really like the bluetooth idea and my cell is on the list of compatible phones. But with the primary mapping function being suspect I started to lean towards the 330c. I have held off hoping maybe that Garmin would add bluetooth in order to keep with the competition.

Is partnering with mapquest necesarily a good thing? Has anyone other than me found that frequently mapquest comes up with some pretty bad directions? Of course I have never had a NAV so I don't know if most are any better or worse.

 

I just got the Garmin c330 for $539.00. The price sold me.

 

I have been looking at GPS units almost as long as my MINI! I had initially decided on the TOMTOM 300, but the feature set of the 700 with the hard drive changed my mind. Before I spent the money though I wanted to look at range of units and it really came down between the Garmin and the TOMOTM. The reviews are correct, the TOMTOM maps could use some updating, but the feature set of the unit is really good. The Garmins just didn't seem to have the same level of finish. I picked up the TOMTOM 700. Have been using it for the last week. The map issue has only come up once and that was due to recent construction. Looking forward to the Mapquest-TOMTOM partnership to see how often they update the maps now.

If you have any questions about the TOMTOM, ask away and I'll try to answer them.

usna92 :smile:

 

Oh yeah I would like to ask. Do you use the bluetooth? If so is it pretty good - is the voice volume decent? Is the bluetooth connection pretty reliable? I hear that the screen visibility is problem in daylight - how bad or not is that? You already answered that so far the mapping isn't so bad.

 

I also read that the speaker quality wasn't the greatest. Your experience? I don't currently have a bluetooth phone, so it doesn't matter a great deal to me now - but I anticipate keeping the sytem longer than my current cell phone. Thanks.

 

The longer I wait, the cheaper they get
The 300 does look tempting.
As far as the Mapquest thing goes, while I've never used it (I use Google maps, which is great) I have heard of people getting lost with their routing.

 

i've found a great forum re: the garmin c3x0 and 2xxx series


http://www.gpspassion.com

looks like the latest firmware (v2.60) has some severe problems causing lockup.

 

Glad to know I'm not the only one with this dilemma! I ordered the TTG700 online yesterday from Costco using express shipping (taking a trip next weekend) and it cost me $13 to NJ (vs. $8 for regular). They don't carry it in the warehouse stores. As I mentioned, at least it'll be an easy return to Costco if I don't feel like the $800 price was worth it.

usna92 - did it come with different color faces? Gotta color coordinate with my CR/B MC! :smile:

 

Curious, why did you choose the 330 over the Street Pilot I- series?

 

Not to hijack the thread, but I want to throw in another option.. I have the Lowrance iWay 500.. and ever since I have had it, I've loved it.. Since it has a built in 20GB hard drive, you can put 10 GB worth of MP3.. Under sunlight, it's bright enough to read the LCD..

///Gilbert

 

Can you hook it up to the aux port to play the mp3's (and maybe hear directions) through the stereo?

 

After this thread posted I went back to read reviews and saw that the Lowrance was at least as highly rated as the TT and Garmin. I have to admit I had not heard of it before but it sure looks good.

Now add to the fray the latest Garmin - the Nuvi 350. It won't be out until November but does look promising. Here a link to Cnet's preview. Cnet

 

I don't have an AUX port in my MCS so I don't know how that works.. But here's part of the specs for it... When I was reading/researching for a NAVI system, the iway 500 got the highest as far as visibility during daytime.. As far as POIs and satellite tracking, I haven't had problems w/ it.. I haven't taken it to a building filled area (such as SF downtown) though...

[font=Verdana][size=1]Accessories Included<<
Speaker/cigarette power adapter with volume control and 1/8" stereo jack
Hardwire adapter with 1/8" stereo jack for wiring into car's stereo system
Suction-cup mounting bracket for windshield applications
USB to PC interface cable
110VAC to 12VDC power converter for in-home use (transferring music files, etc.)
iWAY™ 500C protective cover
Touch-screen cleaning cloth

[/size][/font]
///Gilbert

 

Sounds like that would work with the AUX jack. It's a shame their isn't a GPS that's clearly as wonderful as the MINI. I think I've been subconciously swayed by TomTom's use of a MINI dash in their product photos...

 

Garmin seem to be coming out with tons of different models. My daughter is looking at the StreetPilot i3 - a little cheaper than the 330, but the screen is smaller too. Too small in my opinion...

My wife has the Garmin iQue 3600, which is a PDA too - and she loves it.