Just got the TomTom 720 from Amazon to compare head-to-head with the Garmin Nuvi 650. The TomTom blows the Garmin away in terms of features and configurability; no comparison. I haven't taken the 720 outside for a road test yet; I don't need to. It failed on the POI test.
TomTom tech support told me that there are different ways of gathering data that a manufacturer can use to build their POI database. According to TomTom, Garmin actively goes out and does research to build its POI database. TomTom relies on retailers sending data on themselves in to TomTom. And that would seem to explain the poorer POI performance on the TomTom.
When I was putting the 720 through its paces I went into the POI screen looking for the category of "grocery stores". Not there. I then tried to search for a couple of grocery stores in my neighborhood, by name. Some it found, some it didn't. I went in to the "Shop" icon. The pre-defined list of stores was quite limited, and when I tried to search for a Big Lots near my house...nothing. I kept investigating the POI's on the 720, and ended up deciding that this weakness was fatal for me. I picked up the Garmin and did the identical searches and it came through *every* time. Every POI that I felt should be there was. I much prefer the overall design and features of the TomTom, but when I pull into a new town and need a gallon of milk, and I don't know the name of the local grocery stores, I have to have confidence in the GPS's ability to show me what's available!
The TomTom goes back.
daveGet more detail about TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator.
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