~~~~~ GPS ......... Garmin C330 vs TomTome ONE?

TimeKeeper

Diamond Member
Nov 3, 1999
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I read through so many NAV site and I am still confusing. So I figure I should ask you guys which one do you like to have. And perhaps you can give me your suggestion.


Please stay with Garmin C320/C330 vs TomTom one. (reason been they both are on sale for $300 at retail) I know some of you have better system, but let's keep this comparison "entry level device)

Note: Let's focus Durability, GPS signal tracking, UI, Battery life (real life experience)

Portability is NOT my concern. Since I will mount it on Windshield all the time.

thanks~~~~~~~

 

arcas

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2001
2,155
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Another thing to keep in mind is the quality of the maps. It used to be that Garmin's maps were more accurate in the US while TomTom's maps were better in Europe. Not sure if that's still the case.

 

NeonFlak

Senior member
Sep 27, 2000
550
7
81
I have played with many garmins at home. Between those two I would get the 320. They are basically the same unit except the 330 has a built in hd for holding maps and the 320 uses sd cards. The card that comes with the 320 will hold 4 or 5 maps. But keep in mind that the 320 is loaded with a "base" map, which is a simple map of all the major highways/freeways in the US. So if you loaded say NY and CA and plotted a coarse from one to the other it would get you there without hassle.

Durability hasn't been an issue, though the gf is the one that gets to use the 320 and as far as I know she just removes it from her car once a month so I can check for updates.

I never noticed any tracking issues, "cold" starting takes maybe 20sec tops to get a signal, "warm" starting takes less then 5s. I have never noticed any drop downtown, and she hasn't mentioned it either. It will drop sometimes under bridges and always when going through a tunnel, but all the garmins I've used handle the situation well and keep the route going based on your recorded avg speed for the trip and will readjust if need be once the signal comes back.

The UI on those two garmins is fast and easy to use compared to other family members and friends tomtoms, magellans and car units. Route calculations also seem faster when comparing side by side with some of the other units.

Battery life I have no experience with as the unit is always plugged in when being used.
 

NuAlphaMan

Senior member
Aug 30, 2006
616
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Well, if you go by Consumer reports, they rate the TomTom One as a CR Best buy. They don't have ratings for c320/c330. They rated the Streetpilot I5 as a best buy as well. I was looking at the i5 because of it's rating. My wife surprised me with the One today. It was rated better than the I5.