So i have G-Map, Navigon and TT. I have now compared all three.Never owned a GPS before so not partial to any one brand. G-Map, while significantly cheaper does not really compare to the other two. It works fine but the current version is just missing too many features and its clunky interface makes a distant third. Where i see a clear advantage i identify it below.
Load Time: Very similar. TT may be slightly faster but negligible.
Initial GPS Acquisition: Both were pretty good, acquiring a signal very fast. Slight edge to TT here cause once it acquired it never lost the signal. Navigon did briefly once or twice but both are strong
Interface: Navigon has a simple interface. I found entering an address easy. I found adding favorites to be easier on the Navigon, less clicks. TT has a much more robust interface. Both let you plan future routes and add multiple route points but TT's implementation of this is better. TT also has more menu options from the home screen. Advantage TT.
Routing Interface: Navigon clearly had a nicer interface with Lane assist and reality view being very cool and helpful. The turn arrows on the Navigon are more helpful. The TT though is more compact having all data in the bottom bar. Its cleaner whereas Navigon's is nice but slightly more chaotic. TT also lets you change the colors for day and night but i do not find this very helpful. HOWEVER, the street name displays for Navigon are not great. Not nearly as bad as everyone says but TT's are easier to read.
Routing Accuracy: Well, here is where i saw a difference that i didnt expect to see. Navigon was VERY accurate as far as identifying where I was on the map relative to where i actually was - when i was passing High street it was timed perfectly on the Navigon. When I made a turn, it had me doing so smoothly on the Navigon. However, with TT there is a clear lag. I tried a few different routes, reset the phone, but still same result. While the lag is not terrible its noticeable and really takes away from what otherwise is a great app. I will keep testing but this is major shortfall in my opinion. Both apps got me where i needed to go using the same routes. I have not been able to test TT's IQ routes yet but this also seems like a nice differentiator if it works well.
Routing Options: Here TT is the clear winner. TT has a VERY useful feature that allows you to identify a destination or starting point by clicking on it on the map (a magnifying glass pops up so you can get it exact) [UPDATE: I just found Navigon has this too by clicking on the Show Map you can pinpoint a location]. I am in up-State PA and alot of the areas we are visiting do not have addresses. This makes finding them and routing to and form the very easy. Entering addresses is very easy and I liked it better than the Navigon. Both use the apple keyboard so it is well integrated. Both allow you to avoid highways, ferrys, toll roads, HOV lanes, etc. Navigon does have a speed limit feature which can warn you with audible and visual cues. I think TT may have this as well but it works better on Navigon. But TT also has extensive other options like Find Alternative (if your not happy with your route, you can choose Avoid Roadblocks (and then choose which you want to avoid), Avoid Part of Route (very very cool. If you know part of your route before you start or while you've started is problematic, you can choose this option and then pick which part of the directions you want to avoid - it will reroute you from there), Route Demo (both have this but TT's is better), Instructions (This is a detailed list of the route which I am not sure why Navigon does not have but its very useful to see the overview). Hands down the TT routing options are superior.
POI databases: On Navigon, it is extensive but the search is finicky. Sometimes you have to really narrow down the location for the POI to show. I found TT's more extensive and less finicky but still not great. I really like the icon view for POI's on Navigon. Overall a tie.
Recalculation: Both do a good job of quickly recalculating you. Navigon's seemed slightly faster.
TTS: Both do not have.
Voice: TT gives you many options for the GPS voice. While its cool, they are not that different and Navigons is very pleasant. Both are loud although TT's is easier to adjust - simply by click on the left bottom of the screen while driving. Navigons you have to go into the menu and the adjustment is small.
Phone integration: Work exactly the same way. Phone call comes in, you can answer and talk. You can then, while still on the call, go back into the app and it picks up from where it left off. Navigon does so more quickly. Both also work while on the ipod. TT's cuts out completely whereas Navigon is more like a fade out so you can hear the directions.
Battery: Too hard to tell which was better. But both eat battery.
Reality View/Lane Assist: As mentioned, Navigon has this and its a real nice feature. TT does not have this.
Overall, i liked the Navigon interface better but the TT route option planning better. TT has many more useful routing options and features that Navigon just does not have. While the Navigon interface is "prettier" i found the TT interface less chaotic and more of the screen is used for the maps (albeit a small amount). But the lane assist/reality view makes the Navigon overall superior. Frankly, had the TT GPS actually worked as good as the Navigon, i think it would be a superior app. But it is not and therefore I would probably find myself using the Navigon more unless i need to do some more complex routing. There is no clear winner and it will depend on what you value more. It will be interesting to see who adds more features more quickly and if there is a cost to either to update the maps.
