nldfc

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

nldfc

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

MikeUK

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

Dahab

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.

SchnookoLoly

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.

scrubbedexpat091

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

Juggernaut1064

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so but when your down town on a one way street (the wrong street) it does get frustrating, It auto updates so its not out of date.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

MikeUK

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

PMM

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 .

withabix

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.

Edo

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.

Dahab

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

Mikeypm

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.

Eddmac

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

Atlantic Xpat

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