Thinking about buying a 1450 LMT...

I might be getting a job as a courier and am thinking about buying the 1450 lmt because of its route optimization feature. I love my TomTom but they don't have this feature so off to Garmin I might go:D

Have questions about some of the features the tomtom has that I don't know if the Garmin does and would rather find out now then after I buy it!

Voices...any chance of a female british accent voice? >>YES<<<

Colors..Does the Garmin have nightime color map choices? >>>YES<<<

Any chance of a compass that doesn't need a magnifying glass to see? >>>YES<<<

How easy to update maps? A big chance of losing your favorites when upgrading? >>> EASY, but not quick!! <<<<

This one is probably stupid but will ask anyway, the supplied car power cord will charge up the unit, correct? >> YES <<<

Is the Garmin pretty quick on recalculating the route? >> It does OK <<<

Thanks everyone, just want to hedge my bets as much as possible as my wife will get the TomTom and if I don't get the courier job then I would like to be able to enjoy the Garmin and not disappointed:D

Alan

.I guess this way, way late. . .

Better late then never

Well, before I go asking how to get that british voice etc...i am on my 3rd 1450lmt...units keep freezing, dropping stops on routes...as a courier I can't have this going on..all units were bought at Best Buy...coincidence?

I might be getting a job as a courier and am thinking about buying the 1450 lmt because of its route optimization feature. I love my TomTom but they don't have this feature so off to Garmin I might go:D

Have questions about some of the features the tomtom has that I don't know if the Garmin does and would rather find out now then after I buy it!

Voices...any chance of a female british accent voice?

Colors..Does the Garmin have nightime color map choices?

Any chance of a compass that doesn't need a magnifying glass to see?

How easy to update maps? A big chance of losing your favorites when upgrading?

This one is probably stupid but will ask anyway, the supplied car power cord will charge up the unit, correct?

Is the Garmin pretty quick on recalculating the route?

Thanks everyone, just want to hedge my bets as much as possible as my wife will get the TomTom and if I don't get the courier job then I would like to be able to enjoy the Garmin and not disappointed:D

Alan

These answers are probably a bit late, but if they help anyone, that's good. Also, your questions raise some additional questions! I just finished a 900+ long-weekend trip with my 1450LMT, so gave it a pretty good workout.

First, what "route optimization feature" are you talking about? Yesterday, I had five stops to make in another city, and, after entering them all in a route, could find no way to get the 1450 to figure out the best order of destinations! I had to enter them one at a time, remove, re-enter, re-order, etc. How the heck do I get the 1450 to do that work for me?

Yes, there are some British accents. In fact, I usually keep it set to "Emily", the British female voice that speaks street names. I find her much easier to listen to than Jill. (I also like "slip roads".)

I have not found any way to change colors - day or night - with the exception of going to the traffic map, but that simply eliminates colors.

What compass do you need a magnifying glass to see? I don't even know of a compass, except for customizing the bottom left field to show direction of travel. Is there another compass I'm missing?

Haven't yet tried to update maps. Having worked with electronics and computers for many years, I know there's always a risk, but haven't actually done it.

Yes, the supplied power cord does charge the unit. You can also charge the unit out of car by using a charger with a USB plug. Garmin might not like it, and it might void your warranty, but it does work. Just don't get a very-high-current converter.

The unit can be fast or slow recalculating routes - it depends on how long the route is, how many options there are, etc. Usually, it's pretty fast. Yesterday, I missed a turn near the beginning of a 420-mile drive, and it took a while, but was faster than the GPS built into my car. Also turned out that there was not a really good alternative, as there was no way to make a u-turn for several miles to try again. I always wish it was faster, but haven't been too disappointed.

Hope this helps! I'm also especially interested in this "route optimization" option you talk about!

Yep, a bit late as I brought the Garmin back and bought a Magellean. But, I do have the answer for the route optimization question.

AFter typing in all your stops, you then save of course. Then, click on the route to select, then press the edit icon and one of the options is route optimization...:D

Good luck!

It works - thanks! :D

Gee, I don't know why it wasn't obvious that I had to save my route, then reopen it, and then edit it to get it optimized. :rolleyes: Especially as the owner's manual made it so clear. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Thanks!

To semi quote Yoda....Owners manual ha!! At least its not as bad as trying to get one for my magellan, I can download one but I have to PAY for it!! Is that ridiculous or what??:eek:

Really?? I looked for it too..well, will look again! Thanks:D