If that's the biggest problem, it's not really relevant for me.

for what is worth the screen on the mio i would rate on par or better than the garmin and way better than the tom tom

Another vote for Garmin. Used them for 10 years now and best I have seen.

Does anyone know whether the Garmin Nuvi 350/360 can be used in both NA and Europe? Do you just change the chip?

And what is the best place to buy these things?

Thanks.

I have the Europe CD.....Not sure with the Nuvi, but on my Garmin, I just download the areas I want via a serial cable from my computer.....Some Garmin come pre-loaded and you can't hook up to the computer. For several reasons, I wouldn't have one that didn't allow me to set my routes on the computer....

I have a Garmin iQue M5, if it broke I'd buy its successor in a heartbeat. The thing is unbelievable, I've used it all over the US and Europe.

Love the Nuvi 350. Size of a deck of cards, very intuitive. Works like a regular car GPS, but also has pedestian setting, so you can be guided the 'wrong' way on one way streets. Or no streets, if you're out in the boonies. Works mid ocean and @ 35,000 feet. Stores pix, tunes, etc.

A bit more $$, but worth it.

I really like the Garmin stuff. I've got a nüvi 360 and love it - quite expensive though.

Another option probably out of the realistic price range (but nice!):
http://www.gpslodge.com/images/PorcheGPS.jpg
Porsche P'9611 GPS

I have two Garmins: an iQue 3600 (Palm-based PDA model, now discontinued) and a Quest. For my eye-sight the Quest's screen is too small, but my wife likes it. The iQue is really only suited for in-car use. I never use the PDA functionality and GPS at the same time, i.e. hiking around while updating my diary entries.... Its one or the other.

If I had to replace either unit today, I would probably go with the Streetpilot C550 or C580. The Nuvis are nice, but expensive for a MP3 player. I don't need personal entertainment from my GPS.

I would never consider anything other than Garmin. Their relationship with Navteq provides excellent mapping data in other parts of the world than just the US. Since you are US-based, this is probably not a factor for you, but for those of us living in other parts of the world it means the difference between having comprehensive map data and POI's versus mickey-mouse stuff. YMMV