GPS recomendations please
 

Hi

I am looking to buy a very inexpensive GPS that I can also down load UK maps to for use when I go back to the UK. Does anyone have any recommendations please.

Thanks in advance

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Steer clear of anything that isn't TomTom or Garmin.

For both brands, you can buy UK maps for download.

Otherwise use your iPhone or Android and a mapping package on there, but bear in mind you will need a data package wherever you use it.

I would recommend ordering a TomTom from Amazon USA. Even after the exchange rate and delivery via someone like Shipito.com using USPS (lowest risk of any tax/duty charges), they are still far cheaper in America than they are in Canada.

The only exception price-wise would be a good sale price at Crappy Tire.

I bought a TomTom Go500 (a high end model with traffic) from Amazon USA for far less than it is here.

Factor in map updates when pricing SatNavs - look for deals on ones with Lifetim map updates included, otherwise these can be $40-$50 per year.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Garmin without question. I have Garmin in my A/C (not from Costco) and bought the OH a Garmin for the car (from Costco). Lifetime maps and ability to program routes were important to me. Car one, $400, plane one, a bit more than the one I bought the OH. Excellent CS if there is an issue.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

We bought a Garmin quite a few years ago and it's still going strong. I've updated the maps every 2 or 3 years (roads around here don't exactly change radically). I suppose one day I'll have to replace it, but with the phone maps and the GPS in the car, it becomes less and less relevant to us.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Another vote for Garmin here. I use it every day here plus we took it to Italy last year, downloaded the maps before we went and it worked great there too.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Garmin does seem to be more popular over here, but having owned a number of both as well as several other brands (my first SatNav was PDA-based TomTom in 1999/2000 and I've used them ever since) I would say that TomTom is the better of the two in terms of motor vehicle applications.

I've never really liked Garmin's visual interface - that's obviously a matter of personal choice.

Garmin is better for the off-road systems, that's for certain, although I've got a Delorme PN-60 for that type of use.

TomTom provides the mapping that Apple uses on the iPhones and that installed in many in-dash systems.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have a Garmin - relatively basic model - that I use both in North America and Europe. Its straightforward and simple enough. Recently, though I've tended to use my Iphone and google maps. But then I'm not paying for my data useage.;)

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

You can download an app called navmii, it's free and they have UK,Canadian and USA versions. It's free and I've used it lots of times on my iPhone and haven't got lost yet!!! It uses GPS on your smart phone and not your data.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Harmon. Don't get Magellan

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Harmon is unlikely to have easily available UK mapping.

I had a Harmon Kardon (Becker) satnav module in a Merc in the UK, but I don't think they are otherwise available there.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Don't you find its a bit distracting looking down at the phone all the time ? I much prefer the old style stuck on the windscreen gps - I even use mine for going on the 1 way street to Marystown and back :)

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Honest opinion

In today's world - smart phone (holder for the window) and Google maps

Buy a local Sim for cheap local data

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have a tom tom something or other, no clue on the model. Say's I can download maps for other regions, but never tried it since it had the 2 regions I need already loaded.

Got it at Best Buy on sale for 60 something, marked down from 120.

Seems to work fine, has some hiccups in Vancouver for whatever reason, but have not had any issues anywhere else I have used it.


I am not a smart phone kind of guy and the phone screen's are not as good, and the phone isn't as reliable, but then again I don't have a fancy Apple phone, I have a 120 dollar phone that they gave me free but no data, and even lucky if the silly phone is with me or charged. I guess I just never got into the smart phone craze.

My wife is, she won't leave home without her phone, I am just waiting on the contract on mine so we can cancel it without penalty.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

With the phone propped up in an appropriate place or using a holder on the windscreen (which is the proper way) then whats the difference between that and a GPS? Google maps has voice directions as well.

Our Ford Escape has the navigation package built in but I hardly ever use it in Newfoundland. It's difficult to get lost here.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

My GPS unit is wider and easier to see then the phone screen is. The phone it all and narrow and not easy to see from a distance.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have a Navigon - don't touch it with a shitty stick - the amount of times that it locks up and needs a hard reset is unreal - Didn't like the cold in Alberta last winter and used to shut down at some bad times and didn't like the heat in Florida and used to lock up just when I needed it - good as long as you don't move it out of Newfoundland though :)

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I am far too lazy to even think about propping it up in an appropriate holder on the windscreen ;) - I only use mine on the drive in Newf to make sure I have enough gas to get to the right service station - I also like to take it as a "dare" when the gps tells me the drive will take 3 1/2 hours

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

The big advantage Google maps has, its data set is pulled form other Google map users giving probably the best traffic data

For those that really want to pull out the stops, a recon/2nd hand tablet linked (wifi hotspot) to your phone :)

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Thanks for all your replays. I was looking at Tom Tom and Garmin I couldn't choose between them so your feed back is most welcome.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Another vote for Garmin here. We have one that also has a radio receiver so that it gets traffic data, so we get re-routed around any major traffic, accidents, etc. It also has bluetooth, which is convenient in my husband's car which doesn't otherwise have a handsfree system, so his phone connects to the GPS unit so he can at least receive phone calls handsfree in the car.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Technology, never gonna understand it all.....:rofl:

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have a Garmin too, its my second unit here in Canada, my first was a 7 inch screen Cobra and was big truck specific, you input your length weight, axle configuration etc. Worth its weight in gold as it kept you off none semi truck routes and away from those pesky low bridges, Down side i had to pay for all updates. Someone relieved me of it from my glove box in Winnipeg, and my passenger window and the SOBs even took my timmies change. I replaced it with Garmin, life time maps etc and again semi truck specific, I still have it and you just select Sedan when you power on, awesome unit and would recommend it over Cobra.
I use Google maps on my smart phone from time to time too and find it does get it wrong sometimes but only by a block or so but when your down town on a one way street (the wrong street) it does get frustrating, It auto updates so its not out of date.
Which ever you choose you will find they are much cheaper in the USA and if you don't know a trucker who will bring you one then as suggested try Amazon etc
Also i was told by an ex REME guy here in Canada that most modern Military also use Garmin

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have the RDS receiver in my GPS unfortunately less and less traffic updates are being sent out via the radio data system and Google is faster and more predictive

Granted that how thing Have gone in the Uk and I suspect in Part due to DBS

A quick check show that private 3rd parties support the RDS system for the GPS units In Canada and I think if this is your need then a Google search is worth while, it seems the support from city to city varies or at least that's seem to be the perspectives in the reviews and forums

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Hi



1. I am using a Tom Tom VIA 1535 that comes with a free life time update for US/Canada and has European maps already loaded. Pleased with it .

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

RDS only has limited service areas in Canada. Typically close to 5 major cities only (it's on Wikipedia) and in BC the service starts around Chilliwack and covers everywhere to the coast.

My TomTom Go 500 uses your smartphone to pick up the HD traffic service which has a bigger traffic coverage area and accuracy. Data use is apparently only 7MB per month.

System uses 3rd party info and data to show traffic.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Not all SatNavs get free update so check before you buy. From what I have heard, Garmin are the best for North America and TomTom are best for Europe.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Sounds good. I will look out for that one. Thanks PMM

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I use apple maps on my works cell as work pay for the data, its 99 percent right most of the time so it works for me.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I would recommend an app called Sygic, works on both Apple and Android phones/tablets.
There is a free version and a paid one, paid one has more bells and whistles.

I bought maps for north america and europe when they were on sale and you get lifetime updates. Works very well, is easy to use and was a much cheaper replacement for my Becker GPD that I used for years.

Forgot to add that it's "offline" so no data charges, although you do need a lot of space for the maps, POI, Cameras etc

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

A GPS recommendation: When you get one, be smarter than this guy!

Google Maps leads Toronto man down treacherous road near Gander - Newfoundland & Labrador - CBC News

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

One of the most common mistakes with GPS units happens when the user starts changing the default settings, The one that can really mess you up is changing the route from "Quickest" to "Shortest"
Once you do that the GPS will take you down grid roads and logging roads etc as one girl found out travelling from somewhere in Quebec to her home in Ontario after the settings where altered. She found herself stuck on a logging/Grid road in winter, lucky she was found after two days or so if i remember the news story correctly.
Overall GPS is meant as a guide, don't ever just follow it blindly.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I completely agree with this. I try never to go somewhere blindly - I usually have a pretty decent idea where I'm meant to be ending up. I do find the GPS convenient when I'm driving in an area I've never been before, and knowing that the turn I'm looking for isn't for another 3km is convenient. I usually have a look at the map beforehand and know roughly where I'm meant to be going. The GPS just helps. I also sometimes use the GPS just to figure out the quickest way to get back to a highway or something if I've managed to get myself a bit turned around (actually did that yesterday - was not far from home, exited a Costco parking lot to find that I couldn't turn left towards the highway, so just popped on the GPS to work out the quickest way to get back to the highway instead of trying to find somewhere to turn around etc as it was quite heavy traffic!).

Blindly following GPS is a recipe for disaster.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I have a TomTom and I've also used Garmin and I find TomTom's interface easier to use. Mine was bought in the UK and I downloaded the Canada&USA map to it and have had no issues with it. The Garmin I used, which may have been a rubbish model for all I know, didn't give me the option to change a route that it had selected. Maybe there was one but I shouldn't have to go digging through an obscure menu trying to find it.

Also, be aware that if you're planning on going anywhere remote, different companies have different coverage. I sometimes have to go waaaay off main roads (I'm a geologist) and found that TomTom performs better than Garmin under those conditions in terms of satellite coverage. I don't know if they're using a different network or if TomTom is stronger somehow???

A colleague also recommend NavFree for phones that uses the GPS instead of data. I haven't tried that.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

I bought a second hand garmin on Fleabay.co.uk and update the maps just before I head to the UK when i go back for a visit.

I've not had any problems with it.

I use a Magellan in canada as it came with lifetime maps.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

So I arrived in the UK last weekend got my research in hand ready to buy a garmin GPS. Picked up the hire car and the lady at the desk said I have a very nice car ready for you with built in GPS. Thank you very much!

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

Its not smart to turn on the 'toll road avoidance' without thinking about it either. A few years ago OH took youngest son to Detroit for a Roller Hockey tournament. It usually takes me about 3.5 hours to do the drive. He had the GPS set to no toll, the bridges to the US are mostly toll. It took him via Cleveland, he drove for over 7 hours, got there at 2am - but he saved the $2.50 on the toll.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

They all use the same satellites to pinpoint your location, the main differences are the maps. There are two main map providers. After that there is the operating system and/or user interface Of the unit youre using Then the processing power of the unit. They all have an impact on performance and usability.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

TomTom launched some interesting updates for their current 'Go' series this week.

TomTom MyDrive new features

Installing the updates later today - looks interesting!


As for the mapping, TomTom owns TeleAtlas and also provide the mapping for iPhones. Garmin uses NavTeq. NavTeq belongs to Nokia company 'HERE', which it looks like they are about to put up for sale.

Between them, TomTom and Nokia provide mapping for every SatNav that's out there. Google is the only other mapping provider, but I don't think anyone else uses it.

All SatNavs use satellite signals from the USA NavStar GPS satellites or the Russian GLONASS satellites.

The US government or the Russians could turn off civilian access to their satellite signals at a time of war, making the entire world rely on maps!

At the same time, the world of land surveying would go back 25 years because just about every piece of survey equipment now uses GPS to obtain co-ordinates!

That is why the EU and various countries are launching satellites such as the European Galileo system.

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

One thing I had issue with my GPS was in Vegas, the thing seemed constantly confused, I gave up on using it it was so bad.

Only time where I have an issue with it, works fine in Seattle and Northern Washington and worked fine in San Diego and works fine at home here.

But boy did it hate Vegas. If I didn't have some basic knowledge of Vegas and took the GPS at word like some do, I don't know where I'd have ended up..

Re: GPS recomendations please
 

TomTom app for iPhone is the way to go. no additional hardware and same performance