GPS Question
RIP Dime...
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
We bought the Nuvi 200 and my wife wishes there was TTS and I don't really care if we have it or not. The Nuvis also have the road your supposed to turn on at the top of the screen, so you just have to look at the screen to see the next turn. As a result the TTS isn't necessary imo.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,558
Likes: 5
From: Long Beach, CA
Originally Posted by Ryee
The Nuvis also have the road your supposed to turn on at the top of the screen, so you just have to look at the screen to see the next turn. As a result the TTS isn't necessary imo.
...and I did a
the first time the TomTom called the freeway the "motorway". 
Still Lovin my 06
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 1
From: West Orange, NJ
Originally Posted by IlliNorge
Nuvi 650 has TTS and a 4.3 inch screen for $299.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...=1&topnav=&s=1
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...=1&topnav=&s=1
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4407763
Benchwarmer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,017
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
Originally Posted by bradykp
which one of these is better, the one you posted at costco, or this from walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4407763
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4407763
I never realized how much better it is to have TTS until I recently started using the Acura nav. I've been using iGuidance 4.0 (which I still think is the best nav program) with TTS on my Axim, the streets names does come in handy at times, rather than just saying 'turn right in 1000 ft'.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,068
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
I'm very close to pulling the trigger on this, $399 @ Costco.com
It's suppose to be a top seller in Japan, I'm just waiting for a good review from a respectfully site.
Display: 5" diagonal, 391,680 pixels with LED backlight Touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 5.08” W x 3.42”H x 1.22” D
Weight: .62 lbs
51 Categories of Points of Interest
Preloaded maps: Preloaded USA, Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico
Lithium-ion Battery life: Up to 4hrs
Voice Prompts: Turn right in 500 ft.
Speaks Street Names: Turn right on Elm Street in 500 ft.
3D Graphic Display
Voice Recognition
Lane Assist Guidance
SD Memory Card Slot: 2GB Memory Card included
Integrated Bluetooth
Traffic information ready
Speed limit warning
Speed control volume
SD slot
JPEG viewer
It's suppose to be a top seller in Japan, I'm just waiting for a good review from a respectfully site.
Display: 5" diagonal, 391,680 pixels with LED backlight Touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 5.08” W x 3.42”H x 1.22” D
Weight: .62 lbs
51 Categories of Points of Interest
Preloaded maps: Preloaded USA, Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico
Lithium-ion Battery life: Up to 4hrs
Voice Prompts: Turn right in 500 ft.
Speaks Street Names: Turn right on Elm Street in 500 ft.
3D Graphic Display
Voice Recognition
Lane Assist Guidance
SD Memory Card Slot: 2GB Memory Card included
Integrated Bluetooth
Traffic information ready
Speed limit warning
Speed control volume
SD slot
JPEG viewer
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by is300eater
I'm very close to pulling the trigger on this, $399 @ Costco.com
It's suppose to be a top seller in Japan, I'm just waiting for a good review from a respectfully site.
Display: 5" diagonal, 391,680 pixels with LED backlight Touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 5.08” W x 3.42”H x 1.22” D
Weight: .62 lbs
51 Categories of Points of Interest
Preloaded maps: Preloaded USA, Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico
Lithium-ion Battery life: Up to 4hrs
Voice Prompts: Turn right in 500 ft.
Speaks Street Names: Turn right on Elm Street in 500 ft.
3D Graphic Display
Voice Recognition
Lane Assist Guidance
SD Memory Card Slot: 2GB Memory Card included
Integrated Bluetooth
Traffic information ready
Speed limit warning
Speed control volume
SD slot
JPEG viewer
It's suppose to be a top seller in Japan, I'm just waiting for a good review from a respectfully site.
Display: 5" diagonal, 391,680 pixels with LED backlight Touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 5.08” W x 3.42”H x 1.22” D
Weight: .62 lbs
51 Categories of Points of Interest
Preloaded maps: Preloaded USA, Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico
Lithium-ion Battery life: Up to 4hrs
Voice Prompts: Turn right in 500 ft.
Speaks Street Names: Turn right on Elm Street in 500 ft.
3D Graphic Display
Voice Recognition
Lane Assist Guidance
SD Memory Card Slot: 2GB Memory Card included
Integrated Bluetooth
Traffic information ready
Speed limit warning
Speed control volume
SD slot
JPEG viewer
edit: Crap, that's not a review. Stupid Google.
Last edited by charliemike; Dec 19, 2007 at 01:00 PM.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,068
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by fsttyms1
whats better Tom Tom or the nuvi?
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,068
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
okay, this is a little review I wrote the other day on some kind of garmin vs tomtom blog...
Yeah, so since I wrote that... I've returned it...
anyway... I think the TTS is overrated... I can't speak for Garmin/Nuvi, but the pronouciation on most of the streets were just barely understandable... and if I have to look down to see what da hell it's trying to say... then it defeats the purpose of having TTS.... after all isn't the whole point, helping you keep your eyes on the road?
There are some cons though... I love how when it pulls up businesses/POI, the number is right there... and with a press of an icon, it dials that number for you via the bluetooth feature, it's just too bad that you can barely hear with the speaker...
I think the restaurant category should be categorized by "type or kinds" of restaurants too... I know with the Magellan it'll ask you "what kind? American? Japanese? Italian? etc etc..." You just pick the type... then all the restaurants in that area that fall in the category that you picked shows up....
I'm not saying that I wouldn't buy a TomTom again... but all I know is... being the top of the line model... it was a waste of money... I may even considered buying the cheaper model but saving myself $150-$200. But I'll probably try the Magellan or the Garmin before I do that.
so, my TT920 arrived on Thursday… (ordered from Costco.com on Christmas day which was Tuesday, yeah… it was pretty fast!). I’m contemplating returning this unit. At least with Costco’s recently updated 90 days return policy, it doesn’t include GPSs… well, at least I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter anyway cuz, I’ll decided long before 90 days if I’m going to keep this or not…
first off… I was playing with it, and noticed an inconsistency… Under POI, the House Of Blues in Anaheim California is under the “nightlife” category where as the House of Blues in Los Angeles is under “Restaurants”. Right off the bat, I know I wouldn’t want to search by category if I’m in a unfamiliar town cause, it may not be under the category I think it’s in. Okay, so search by name would be better, BUT that is IF I know what I’m looking for… But suppose in a scenario where I’m from out of town, and I’m just browsing to see what’s going on in Los Angeles, and I go to POI under “nightlife”, the House of Blues in LA won’t show up, does that make sense?
TTS feature (Text To Speech) is okay… One of the things about the TomTom that I like are the different voices you get to choose from and download with the different accents/languages and such. Some of the other GPSs kinda have a rather “computer” like voice… well, the TomTom has them too (a male and a female), the TTS feature will only work with those computer-like voices. And the pronunciation on some of the streets/city names can be a bit off at times… well actually, at times… WAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaay off, LOL. The first time I heard it say “Los Angeles,” it was soooooooooo off that I was like “…huh? WTF? Where??!!!” Then I realized what it was trying to say, and just kinda laughed it off. I think there’s suppose to be a way to correct it, but I’m kinda over it. I rather have the better sounding voice(s) than the robotic/computer like ones anyway, and sacrifice the TTS. It doesn’t help being in Souther Cali. we have a lot of Spanish sounding street/city names.
Picture Reader… Okay, I know some of you may careless on this feature, but it was one of the things I had in mind when I decided on the 920 (over some of the other cheaper models). Well, this coming year I’m going to Europe which is another reason why I picked the 920 cuz of the European maps but that’s another story, okay back to picture viewing… I was visualizing ME in Europe and just taking tons of pictures with my point and shoot digital camera, and when back at the hotel or while relaxing at an outdoor cafe, going thru the pics WITH the 920… Pop the SD card in and start viewing, right? Like one of those digital picture frames? Right? NOPE, pictures can only be loaded through your computer
What a downer
Bluetooth Hands Free feature… NOT loud enough, and NO… the person you’re talking to’s voice is NOT streamed through the car’s speakers (like it says under “features” in Costco’s site).
FM transmitter - quality? Poor, statics. BUT IMO a lot of things can cause this… so, I’m not going to go into it… All I know is… I would NOT want to use the 920 to play music… Oh, by the way… you can only load music through the computer as well… So far, I haven’t figure out what the SD card slot is for.
"Map Sharing"-make corrections and share it on TomToms' site with other users.
I’ve already made a some corrections, and added new POI of new businesses in my area. Which IS a feature I like… BUT I just don’t know if TomTom will varify these corrections… I can just see it now. someone adding a hospital to their “map sharing”, when it doesn’t really exist, and upon an emergency, some other poor guy/gal’s going be misled to think there’s an emergency room somewhere.
Navigation wise… It’ll get you from point A to point B, but at times, I just don’t understand why It would have me get off an exit or two earlier, then take a side street that parallels the freeway, when I could’ve gotten off a later exit. Also, on a particular route… it gave me the “not-so-short-distance” to my destination… It’s too much to explain, but it would be equivalent to make 3 left turns vs 1 right turn…. (and no, there weren’t any one-way streets)
so, in a nut shall…
*Inconsistencies in POI categories
*Bluetooth/hands free feature-NOT so good
*FM transmitter/music streaming-NOT so good
*Picture Viewer-Too much effort
*TTS -meh, overrated feature IMO
*Weird directions
But the thing is… I’ve also talked to Garmin owners that have complained about similar things too… ugh!
Oh well, I’ve got plenty of time to play with this thing and decide if I’m going to keep it or not (thanks to good ol’ Costco)
first off… I was playing with it, and noticed an inconsistency… Under POI, the House Of Blues in Anaheim California is under the “nightlife” category where as the House of Blues in Los Angeles is under “Restaurants”. Right off the bat, I know I wouldn’t want to search by category if I’m in a unfamiliar town cause, it may not be under the category I think it’s in. Okay, so search by name would be better, BUT that is IF I know what I’m looking for… But suppose in a scenario where I’m from out of town, and I’m just browsing to see what’s going on in Los Angeles, and I go to POI under “nightlife”, the House of Blues in LA won’t show up, does that make sense?
TTS feature (Text To Speech) is okay… One of the things about the TomTom that I like are the different voices you get to choose from and download with the different accents/languages and such. Some of the other GPSs kinda have a rather “computer” like voice… well, the TomTom has them too (a male and a female), the TTS feature will only work with those computer-like voices. And the pronunciation on some of the streets/city names can be a bit off at times… well actually, at times… WAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaay off, LOL. The first time I heard it say “Los Angeles,” it was soooooooooo off that I was like “…huh? WTF? Where??!!!” Then I realized what it was trying to say, and just kinda laughed it off. I think there’s suppose to be a way to correct it, but I’m kinda over it. I rather have the better sounding voice(s) than the robotic/computer like ones anyway, and sacrifice the TTS. It doesn’t help being in Souther Cali. we have a lot of Spanish sounding street/city names.
Picture Reader… Okay, I know some of you may careless on this feature, but it was one of the things I had in mind when I decided on the 920 (over some of the other cheaper models). Well, this coming year I’m going to Europe which is another reason why I picked the 920 cuz of the European maps but that’s another story, okay back to picture viewing… I was visualizing ME in Europe and just taking tons of pictures with my point and shoot digital camera, and when back at the hotel or while relaxing at an outdoor cafe, going thru the pics WITH the 920… Pop the SD card in and start viewing, right? Like one of those digital picture frames? Right? NOPE, pictures can only be loaded through your computer
What a downerBluetooth Hands Free feature… NOT loud enough, and NO… the person you’re talking to’s voice is NOT streamed through the car’s speakers (like it says under “features” in Costco’s site).
FM transmitter - quality? Poor, statics. BUT IMO a lot of things can cause this… so, I’m not going to go into it… All I know is… I would NOT want to use the 920 to play music… Oh, by the way… you can only load music through the computer as well… So far, I haven’t figure out what the SD card slot is for.
"Map Sharing"-make corrections and share it on TomToms' site with other users.
I’ve already made a some corrections, and added new POI of new businesses in my area. Which IS a feature I like… BUT I just don’t know if TomTom will varify these corrections… I can just see it now. someone adding a hospital to their “map sharing”, when it doesn’t really exist, and upon an emergency, some other poor guy/gal’s going be misled to think there’s an emergency room somewhere.
Navigation wise… It’ll get you from point A to point B, but at times, I just don’t understand why It would have me get off an exit or two earlier, then take a side street that parallels the freeway, when I could’ve gotten off a later exit. Also, on a particular route… it gave me the “not-so-short-distance” to my destination… It’s too much to explain, but it would be equivalent to make 3 left turns vs 1 right turn…. (and no, there weren’t any one-way streets)
so, in a nut shall…
*Inconsistencies in POI categories
*Bluetooth/hands free feature-NOT so good
*FM transmitter/music streaming-NOT so good
*Picture Viewer-Too much effort
*TTS -meh, overrated feature IMO
*Weird directions
But the thing is… I’ve also talked to Garmin owners that have complained about similar things too… ugh!
Oh well, I’ve got plenty of time to play with this thing and decide if I’m going to keep it or not (thanks to good ol’ Costco)
anyway... I think the TTS is overrated... I can't speak for Garmin/Nuvi, but the pronouciation on most of the streets were just barely understandable... and if I have to look down to see what da hell it's trying to say... then it defeats the purpose of having TTS.... after all isn't the whole point, helping you keep your eyes on the road?
There are some cons though... I love how when it pulls up businesses/POI, the number is right there... and with a press of an icon, it dials that number for you via the bluetooth feature, it's just too bad that you can barely hear with the speaker...
I think the restaurant category should be categorized by "type or kinds" of restaurants too... I know with the Magellan it'll ask you "what kind? American? Japanese? Italian? etc etc..." You just pick the type... then all the restaurants in that area that fall in the category that you picked shows up....
I'm not saying that I wouldn't buy a TomTom again... but all I know is... being the top of the line model... it was a waste of money... I may even considered buying the cheaper model but saving myself $150-$200. But I'll probably try the Magellan or the Garmin before I do that.
Last edited by is300eater; Jan 4, 2008 at 01:42 AM.
I now drive an accord....
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,800
Likes: 2
From: Etters, PA
I received a TomTom One for christmas. As I posted earlier my main concern is getting from point A to point B, which I think the tomtom does a great job with. So far my main complaint is the POI. The tomtom poi listing is very incomplete and what places are listed are generally not shown in the correct place on the map. The one restaurant near me is shown almost 1 mile from its actual location. From what I can tell no grocery stores are shown and many other places I feel useful when traveling are not shown. A friend received a Magellan unit at the same time I got my gps and the POI listing in that unit is very complete. With tomtom being one of the top sellers I don't see how they can be this far behind in this category.
With the help of the interweb and some online tomtom users I have been able to download some free POI listing to make it more complete but its still one of the units downfalls.
One more complaint is the missing streets on the map. I live in a steadily growing area and new developments and roads are being built all the time. This leaves the map of my area not very useful for someone foreign to the area. Some of the roads have been complete for over a year and they still didn't make in to the newest map released a month ago.
With the help of the interweb and some online tomtom users I have been able to download some free POI listing to make it more complete but its still one of the units downfalls.
One more complaint is the missing streets on the map. I live in a steadily growing area and new developments and roads are being built all the time. This leaves the map of my area not very useful for someone foreign to the area. Some of the roads have been complete for over a year and they still didn't make in to the newest map released a month ago.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
Originally Posted by is300eater
okay, this is a little review I wrote the other day on some kind of garmin vs tomtom blog...
Yeah, so since I wrote that... I've returned it...
anyway... I think the TTS is overrated... I can't speak for Garmin/Nuvi, but the pronouciation on most of the streets were just barely understandable... and if I have to look down to see what da hell it's trying to say... then it defeats the purpose of having TTS.... after all isn't the whole point, helping you keep your eyes on the road?
There are some cons though... I love how when it pulls up businesses/POI, the number is right there... and with a press of an icon, it dials that number for you via the bluetooth feature, it's just too bad that you can barely hear with the speaker...
I think the restaurant category should be categorized by "type or kinds" of restaurants too... I know with the Magellan it'll ask you "what kind? American? Japanese? Italian? etc etc..." You just pick the type... then all the restaurants in that area that fall in the category that you picked shows up....
I'm not saying that I wouldn't buy a TomTom again... but all I know is... being the top of the line model... it was a waste of money... I may even considered buying the cheaper model but saving myself $150-$200. But I'll probably try the Magellan or the Garmin before I do that.
Yeah, so since I wrote that... I've returned it...
anyway... I think the TTS is overrated... I can't speak for Garmin/Nuvi, but the pronouciation on most of the streets were just barely understandable... and if I have to look down to see what da hell it's trying to say... then it defeats the purpose of having TTS.... after all isn't the whole point, helping you keep your eyes on the road?
There are some cons though... I love how when it pulls up businesses/POI, the number is right there... and with a press of an icon, it dials that number for you via the bluetooth feature, it's just too bad that you can barely hear with the speaker...
I think the restaurant category should be categorized by "type or kinds" of restaurants too... I know with the Magellan it'll ask you "what kind? American? Japanese? Italian? etc etc..." You just pick the type... then all the restaurants in that area that fall in the category that you picked shows up....
I'm not saying that I wouldn't buy a TomTom again... but all I know is... being the top of the line model... it was a waste of money... I may even considered buying the cheaper model but saving myself $150-$200. But I'll probably try the Magellan or the Garmin before I do that.
Go Giants
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 70,003
Likes: 1,260
From: PA
Well, some filth stole my nav last night. This time my windows weren't smashed, so I guess a door was unlocked 
I just downgraded from the Tom Tom 720 to the Tom Tom XL....I thought having the mount and the van in the glove was good enough....Now, Im taping it to my pants...
I just downgraded from the Tom Tom 720 to the Tom Tom XL....I thought having the mount and the van in the glove was good enough....Now, Im taping it to my pants...
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,068
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
...I guess I shouldn't say "Don't get the TomTom", I what I really meant was don't bother getting the top of the line model(s). For me, all the little extra features were worthless...
Thread Starter
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 21,672
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
Glad to hear that you find TTS useless.
I've been pretty happy with the Nuvi so far. Unless the streets are VERY dense, its really clear where to turn. And I dont mind looking at the display anyways.
I've been pretty happy with the Nuvi so far. Unless the streets are VERY dense, its really clear where to turn. And I dont mind looking at the display anyways.
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