swftiii

Folks,

With the million options for an after market stand alone navigation system, I am looking to you for your thoughts. The most important characteristic is that it works well and very simple to use (this is a pre-requisite with electronics for the wife).

I'm looking at the following two units and would like your opinions:

Tom Tom Go 300 ($410) or the Garmin Street Pilot c340 ($480).

What do you recommend and why...

Thanks,

-Skip

Terry Adams

To me, text-to-speech is more important than screen size or resolution. If it fits in your pocket, even better. Internal rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours autonomy so you can take in to motel/restaurant and plot your next move. I have about 8K miles on my Garmin nüvi 350. It's only a little more than what you are looking at.

mborkow

i noticed this today: http://www.woot.com/ (this will only be good until 10 pm tonight)

Mark in Baltimore

Skip,

I have the Garmin 2610 and find that it works well. The newer models have the cooler-looking "3D" view while mine has the overhead view, but it gets you to where you need to be. As you know, with my job, I use it constantly.

Try going to consumerreview.com (is epinions still around?) for real-world feedback.

AOW162435

I have around 13,000 miles logged on my Garmin C330. No complaints. It has worked flawlessly and I like the fact that it's from Garmin. They've been very helpful when I had silly questions. I'm not really sure who makes the TomTom unit, but something to consider is what sort of software support the manufacturer will provide. Garmin sends me updates every so often and I've updated the unit a few times already.

Andreas

993_Pilot

I have to agree which the quality and product support at Garmin. I have 2 handheld units and use them both mounted on my dual-sport /dirt bikes, so I know they are made well if they can handle all the vibration and abuse that I put them through.

Monique

Garmin for me too. Maps are much more accurate than TonTom

InTheAir

I have a Garmin 296 (Click Here For Picture) that I use for flying and driving (and this past weekend for boating), which I really like. Although it is overkill for only automobile navigation, I'd recommend anything Garmin. After using GPSs from other manufacturers I think Garmin comes the closest to a complete and reliable package.

Good luck.

tdf360

I've had the c340 for a year or so now, and really like it a lot. Bought the Europe maps for a trip to Italy, Germany and Austria this spring and it really took a lot of heartache out of looking for hotels and restaurants. Very nice unit.

Gary

swftiii

Thanks Guys!

I think I'm going to go with the Garmin c340, but the Nuvi 350 looks very nice too. If it was for me I would probably go with the Nuvi, but since it is more for my wife and the Au Pair I think the c340 will work fine.

Any other thoughts or opinions are welcome.

-Skip

amfp

I have not purschased one yet, but plan to go with the new Nuvi 360 by Garmin. It is like the 350, but apparently has better speaker, and for me, the bluetooth capability for /my mobile phone is a huge plus - where you can use the Nuvi as an interface for your phone.
http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi360/
I suspect the 350 model will begin reducing prices if you can wait a bit. Saw about two weeks ago Costco had promo on 350's with a $150 rebate to be used for future Costco purchases. Right now, the 360 is costly - least expensive seen is about $750.

jonathank2000

Skip,
I am on my second Garmin - from Streetpilot to IQue 3600. I've looked into most of the GPS systems and found Garmin to have the best for the price and customer service. You can get some killer deals on Ebay. Most are about 40% off of retail and very legit...just make sure to do your homework. I am shopping too.. I'll probably get the c330 with traffic integration.

dpkoby

check out gpsiformation.net This site has extensive reviews of gps systems (they think highly of the Nuvi 350).

freeman

Just bought a Nuvi 350 for $622. Found one cheaper the next day at Amazon.com. I have some issues with the windshield suction cup. Will not stay on a newly cleaned windshield.

Terry Adams

They are sensitive to curved glass. Here's what I did: