Accessories

TomTom better than nuvi
I tried out the Garmin nuvi 760 since I read that it's maps were better but have since sent it back. It did not have as many customization options (no John Cleese voice). And it's display does not show the small roads that you are passing as well as the TomTom 920. Of course I have previous experience with the TomTom software interface since I have used it with my Treo PDA for years. I was surprised that the TomTom was getting satellites indoors! The form factor is better with the TomTom as well. The rounded back fits nicely in your hand, while the nuvi is a rectangular block. The nuvi suction cup with locking lever for the windshield mount does seem more robust but the TomTom suction cup looks like it will do the job and I found an add on vent mount option for the TomTom which I like for business trips. I would have gotten the 720 but wanted the EU maps for future trips so I got the 920.

Lots of features but software very immature
Pros:
- love the Bluetooth phone integration. Makes commuting back and forth a lot safer.
- Price was great. I got it on sale for about $300 - great price for the features
- Voice commands is a nice to have. Voice recognition capabilities have worked quite well so far.
- You can customize the start and shut down screen, and there's a sleuth of cool options on Home.
- Maps of Europe. Haven't tried it yet - but I'm planning an European trip this fall - it's good to know it's there.

Cons:
- Additional data features (chiefly traffic updates) are not supported for my phone (Samsung Blackjack)
- I'm assuming this is a software glitch - but my Tomtom turns itself off when it's on the cradle but NOT when I forget it in the car.
- Another software glitch - the unit is supposed to warn me when I forget it in a car or when I go over the speed limit - hasn't done it once so far.
- Routing on surface roads is terrible. I haven't compared this to other portable units, but Google Maps kicks the socks out of this when it comes to finding the most efficient route.
- User interface is terrible - 4 clicks to cancel route???
- I live in VA, drive to work in MD thru DC. That's three states (err, two and a half). Finding addresses by state first is very frustrating.
- Yet another software glitch - every time I override the unit's predefined route, it 'loses' the start address - it shows the diverging point as the 'start'.
- Form factor - this unit is a lot thicker in the back than it appears.

In conclusion, I'm on the fence here. I heard good things about similar Garmin units - in terms of routing AI. However, I'm holding off on trading this one in because of the features / price.

TomTom support is not worth the price
I am on my second TomTom product and have been moderately satisfied with the products. I have always had trouble acquiring a signal and it often takes two to three minutes to acquire a signal. That alone makes it impossible to navigate out of an unfamiliar airport. But once the unit catches on it works fairly well.

I am most recently disappointed with TomTom support. I purchased an updated North America map and have had great difficulty downloading it. Also, I purchased the map at full price and it was discounted within a week. Because TomTom considers a download attempt, "breaking the seal", they will not honor the discounted price.

I will not purchase another TomTom nor will I recommend TomTom to anyone I know who is in the market for a GPS machine.

If you do purchase a TomTom, ALWAYS read the agreements, word-for-word and do not pay full price for anything.

Tom Tom
Took this Tom-Tom on a trip out of state to an unfamiliar area. It was a real lifesaver. Can't say that I was real fond of some of the areas it sent us through at night but I guess it doesn't know about those things. Well worth the money spent on it. Now, if my husband can just figure out how to use the blue tooth function making his phone hands free as required by our state July 1 - the reason I bought it for him in the first place - we will really be in business!

VERY STAISFIED CUSTOMER!
I purchased this GPS system after talking to my son who owns the same GPS. He did alot of research before purchasing this particular brand & model. It is all he said it was. We used it on vacation a couple of weeks ago, and it was fantastic!! I never knew traveling could be so easy. I highly recommend this GPS to others. It has alot of wonderful features, very accurate directions, very easy to understand, and very easy to use. It was also a very pleasant buying experience.....reasonable price & quick shipping. Will definitely buy from again. Thanks!