TomTom vs. Garmin

by Michael
(Cancun, Mexico)

In France, I had a Tomtom for three years, between summer of 2006 to fall of 2009, (139 euros) that worked well but I did not appreciate the smaller screen. Good features as in it even calculated and suggested a break from driving after two hours.

I don't remember the model number but it had most of the necessary and basic features. It took a little time for me to trust it because I have my own strong, internal GPS in my head.

Invested in a Garmin a year and a half ago while visiting Southern California for the first time. I wanted very much to use in Europe in place of the Tomtom but found it very difficult to get someone to help me put maps for the UK area.

Also, I had some problems with the maps from the Baja California area probably because of the vast lack of organization in Mexico's street and highway routes (2009). I have come to rely moderately on the GPS highway assistance units and am looking forward to finding a unit almost immediately to use next month in France and continue using when I return to California or New York or where ever I happen to land.

Right now I am searching for a unit not too technical, in the range of $200 to $450. I am sure I will find something good enough to report about.