Posted by DogmongerCA on 5/5/06 8:00am
Msg #117910

Anyone using the Tom Tom 700 GPS??

If so any comments on it's performance. It seems to signifigantly less expensive than the Garmins

Reply by Anonymous on 5/5/06 8:52am
Msg #117918

I returned my Tom Tom. I really liked it, thought it was simple to use. The problem for me was customer service. Unless things have changed, it is very difficult to connect with anyone within the company. It is a european company without any local numbers. I could not even find a customer service email address on the website. I ended up buying the Magellan Roadmate. The customer service they offer is superb! This was over a year ago. Good luck!

Reply by Dave_CA on 5/5/06 9:39am
Msg #117930

I have been using the original TomTom for over a year and I love it.
I agree with PC Magazine who rated it best a little over a year ago.
The 3D map display is great although a bit hard to see if there is glare. I believe the new model is better and the voice directions make this much less of an issue.
I will buy one of the new larger screen models if this one dies.
I have only had to talk to support once but they were very helpful.
Most questions can be answered on their web site http://www.tomtom.com
or via email but the # for support is 866.486.6866.

Reply by Dave_CA on 5/5/06 10:18am
Msg #117941

Have a look at the 510

It shows a lower price ($595.) than the 700 on their web site and has the newer screen.
Of course you may find the 700 for less elsewhere.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/5/06 5:57pm
Msg #118038

Do any of these have the ability to map a in-town trip with

mileage? My husband and I have a taxi/transportation company, and we'd do better if we could find out the appx. mileage when the client schedules...we cannot charge by the mile in Charlotte county without additional licensures, only by the trip (which can be based on mileage) but the fee for service must be given to the client up front and collect the fee upfront (helps out alot, as many taxi/transport clients don't want to pay at the end of the road)
If you know of any GPS system that allows for that, please let me know

Reply by PAW on 5/6/06 8:18am
Msg #118085

Re: Do any of these have the ability to map a in-town trip w

For "door-to-door" mileage calculations, I've been using Google maps as they are updated monthly and usually include all the new streets that keep popping up as new communities are being built. The mileage is usually within a mile of the actual trip, even if a different route is taken. Obviously, a major road construction or accident detour will throw it off, but so far, since I've been using Google Maps, it's worked extremely well.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/6/06 11:18am
Msg #118104

Duh, I know, technical dweeb here, but is Google Map a

software program for a GPS system, or is it a printed paper map?
I'm sorry, guys but I am a goof when it comes to your verbiage.....

Reply by PAW on 5/6/06 12:03pm
Msg #118109

Re: Duh, I know, technical dweeb here, but is Google Map a

Google is an online service. You need to have internet access. http://maps.google.com

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/6/06 12:29pm
Msg #118112

Re: Duh, I know, technical dweeb here, but is Google Map a

Yep, you can even download maps you need often into your handheld.

Reply by CalimnCA on 5/5/06 5:33pm
Msg #118034

Re: I use the Magellan Road Mate 300 $299

I just went through the GPS compare and shop. I really wanted a garmin, was told by the staff at Best Buy not to by a TomTom yet as they are working out bugs. If you need something affordable the Magellan RoadMate 300 is awesome and at Radio Shack and Sears for $299.00 I have all of California downloaded on mine and it tells me turn by turn and if I miss a turn it recalculates and tells me the next turn. It is so simple to use you will be amazed that you ever lived without it.

Reply by Dave_CA on 5/6/06 9:35am
Msg #118093

TomTom will

and while I agree with PAW about Google I often use Microsoft Streets & Trips to print a back up map as it is also updated frequently and I can use it without an internet connection.
it's route planner will give you mileage but then so will the TomTom.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 5/6/06 2:25pm
Msg #118123

Got my Magellan on E-bay, guy sells them there all day for..

under $200 and although I'm an excellent navigator and can probably read a map in the dark, I honestly don't know how I survived without my GPS. Beyond a shadow of a doubt it's the best investment I've made in years! Last week it paid for itself considering where I had to go!