vB Easy Archive - Garmin and Tom Tom software question

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Garmin and Tom Tom software question
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Posted by: rra640

I am going to buy either the Garmin or Tom Tom software package for my Tilt. I would like to see how each one works... features, etc... Is this software the same as that found in their dedicated nav units? Can I go to my local Best Buy and try them out and know they are the same as what i'm going to get from them?

I wish they had trial versions (or demos) available for download even if they are not functional. I can't even find good screen shots.

I wan't something detailed with good mapping... don't really care about where the closest Big Mac is located.

Thanks!

Posted by: emuyshondt

I use TomTom on my Tilt (previously on an 8525) and I am very happy with it. I use it both in the US and Europe. The AIO units you find at Best Buy are similar in operation so you can get an idea how to operate the phone with them. I haven't tried the Garmin software although I do use their equipment in airplanes and it is generally good. The other package I've used is iGuidance (from version 1 to 3). I prefer TomTom at this time although iGuidance does have a pretty nice user interface.

GPSPassion is a great site for GPS discussions.

I think the major packages are all OK and if you stick to TomTom, Garmin or iGuidance you'll be OK.

Posted by: ford1694

I have the Garmin XT Mobile10 for my Palm750/wm6. Works great, SirfIII chipset works quickly. Great Maps always updated, plus Garmin's been around a long time very mature software with great support. No problems whatsoever. Routing great too. From what I've seen the Nuvi are comparable when it comes to the Software.

Posted by: rra640

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford1694

I have the Garmin XT Mobile10 for my Palm750/wm6. Works great, SirfIII chipset works quickly. Great Maps always updated, plus Garmin's been around a long time very mature software with great support. No problems whatsoever. Routing great too. From what I've seen the Nuvi are comparable when it comes to the Software.

Does it give you the ability to save waypoints and track off road at all? Can you save trips to the data card?

Posted by: ford1694

Yes you can save waypoints from your desktop then download to PDA or set them up from the pda. Yes it does track offroad, there is even an option to route off road. I haven't saved any trips or tracks to the data card but I think you can. You have the option to load maps to mem card, and routes too i think. They download by state. It also does peer points - uses instant msg to send locations to another phone running the same software. I started using Garmin back in 98 or so GPS12 and it still works great.

Posted by: dwcliff703

Quote:

Originally Posted by rra640

I am going to buy either the Garmin or Tom Tom software package for my Tilt. I would like to see how each one works... features, etc... Is this software the same as that found in their dedicated nav units? Can I go to my local Best Buy and try them out and know they are the same as what i'm going to get from them?

I wish they had trial versions (or demos) available for download even if they are not functional. I can't even find good screen shots.

I wan't something detailed with good mapping... don't really care about where the closest Big Mac is located.

Thanks!

Since you are adding this software to your Tilt I would recommend one other variable to consider....how will you be able to install this software on your device. You can buy Tomtom on a dvd install disc and from a computer install the software on your own memory card. Some of the navigation software available for mobile devices only come preloaded on proprietary memory cards and you have to change out memory cards to use the software.

I think if you had a way to see how the interface looks and acts on a stand alone Garmin or Tomtom device you would find the software works almost identically on mobile devices.

I use Tomtom and think its great, but I think any of these brands would be fine.