SatNav systems?
 

Okay before you tell me to read a map trust me its better I don't. Today was an hour late for a client. I have been getting by using MapQuest but today it seemed to have got confused and given a wild guess. I was miles away, late, stressed and just ready to give up.

I really need to keep this job even though driving to new places every day is doing me head in... So I'm wondering about a satnav system...

BL's reasons why not..
I cant afford it
I've heard they are crap to see in bright sunlight
I dont know if one will work on my jalopy hoopty mobile
I've heard some are not so accurate

Any recommendations would be really appreciated
I have done some research and have heard good and bad on Tom Tom and Garmin.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

If you've already got a PDA you can get attachments for it, which might not be bad...

But for a standalone, garmin, it's a good gps, but a shite route finder...TomTom Go's are good though, but expensive if you want extra maps, but what's nice, you can plonk in extra details like where sites of interest could be, whether that's historical places or just speed cameras....and also it's easy to plonk in destinations, can plonk in post code/zip code and then house number etc...also easy to remove from motor so you can keep it on you, so it don't get pinched.

Anyway, till you get one, give www.maps.google.com a go and also http://www.maps.msn.com/(1b3400aasul...i55)/Home.aspx

mapquest tends to be a bit shite...it's still not added the augusta coastal connector, and that's been open for a year and a bit now, and there route adds an extra 45 mins to get to Portland from here *lol*

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Cheers Bob, day or night I can rely on you! Everyone wonders what that TV show lost is about, well my life story I guess :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

I know the feeling, I hate driving blind, and maps in maine are utterly shite, doesn't help that lot of places dont' have road names, just numbers still.

oh, and also bitter about mapquest because that route takes you through two extra tolls...trying to find a couple bucks in coppers ain't easy :D

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Yes, Mapquest leaves much to be desired. Always tries to suggest crossing the Rio Grande on some decidedly dodgy bridges around here, this being a typical example.

Don't know much about SatNav in the US. Many can speak directions so you don't need to see the screen. If you have a metallic layer in your windscreen, you may need an external antenna. I've used a couple in the UK - to be honest the biggest problem I've found is a tendancy for the thing to crash and not be restartable (went through three of one particular model before I gave up). Real nice when they do work though. :D

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You poor thing. I hope you come right....you'll soon get the hang of the 'handle :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

From everything I've read, TomTom can't be beaten for their price. Looks like their cheapest model is $499, but I'm sure you can find them discounted online.

Not that I've ever used on, mind you. But Engadget swears by them, and they're European (Dutch) so at least there's a chance that they won't suck too bad! The thought of being told how where to drive at high speed by a system designed by a US or Japanese driver scares the hell out of me! :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Don't know about any others, but I've found my NavMan to be pretty indispensable. Miss a turn, and it'll simply recalculate your route for you...after calling you a dumbass, that is. :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

I've had TomTom (Running on a PDA) in my truck since the day we got here...it's been totally invaluable and I wouldnt be without it here. In 2 years its failed to get me somewhere maybe 2 times...and thats because of new road systems.

It can sometimes be difficult to see in very bright light but since all the side windows on my truck are tinted its not a problem I've really had.

One tip: Get a window suction mount for the windscreen...some of them come with ultra crap holders and they fall off every five minutes.

I find it handy even when its not directly navigating (ie actually telling me directions) and have it on just as a moving map so I can see juntions, gas stations etc all coming up well before I get to them.

I think we paid $499 from CompUSA for ours...and that included the PDA!

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Funnily enough when you install TomTom you get a choice of voices....I have a very proper English female voice called Jane giving me instructions so she says things like "Take the exit off the motorway" instead of "Highway"...very theraputic.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

froogle $300

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?bt...+300&lnk=qsugt

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I have the Garmin C340. It's the best out their for the $ IMO. I tried most of them and had problems or issues TomTom/Magellan. The Garmin has never let me down.

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I already had a HP PDA so I bought a Bluetooth GPS Receiver and I can't remember the software but It also has an english speaking Jane. Found it really useful for lane changes before a right or left turn and also warn's about speeding.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

You can't really go wrong with TomTom or Garmin. Both make excellent products. Garmin is strong in the US market and TomTom is strong in the European market.

I use TomTom on my mobile phone, combined with a bluetooth GPS device. I like it because it means I only need one device (my phone) instead of carrying a phone and a PDA, or phone and PND (portable navigation device).

There are 2 major mapping companies that provide the map information for GPS device/software manufacturers. One is Navteq - and I forget the other. I believe for the US maps Garmin uses Navteq and TomTom uses the other provider. The GPS geeks claim the Navteq US maps are superior, and therefore Garmin's products will give more accurate directions.

I've only encountered one problem with TomTom, and that was in Austin Texas. I entered an address and the map claimed the street number was invalid. TomTom got me onto the correct street, then a quick phone call to the restaurant got me the directions for the final stage.

I've heard that the TomTom maps are terrible around Seattle, but I've never been there since getting the TomTom software, so can't confirm it.

Check out www.pocketgpsworld.com for lots of info on GPS systems. They also provide a very natty plug-in that gives you all the UK speed camera locations - it used to be free, but they started charging for it this year.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

How did Lewis and Clark ever do it? :rolleyes:


Satnav for cheapskates....

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/d...-atlas-pic.jpg

Re: SatNav systems?
 

I bought my ex wife a Sat Nav System for her broomstick, she didn't appreciate it.

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i agree with Bob, tomtom is great gps software - ok, its not entirely accurate, my wife sometimes argues thats itas not always the quickest route, but it gets you there - normally the most efficent route, and if you subscribe to the service, you can get live traffic reports which will update your map calculation and re route you if necessary.

Ant

Re: SatNav systems?
 

I just bought the tomtom 910 about 2 weeks ago and although it is quite expensive i think it is justified. It just came on the market about 1 month ago and also doubles as an mp3 player (about 12 gig left of 20 gig for mp3's) The main benefits of this device over others.....

1. It actually speaks street names instead of just 'turn right' or 'next exit' etc. I find this invaluable and this text-to-speech feature is only available in latest tom tom and garmin models.

2. It has maps of USA, Canada and Europe preloaded (with older models you had to mess around with SD cards for different maps).

3. Has integrated bluetooth so you can use it as your hands free device for your mobile phone.

4. It is portable and battery lasts over 4 hours.

The garmin nuvi 350 is the same price but does not have a 20 gig drive and only has a 3inch screen as opposed to tomtom's 4inch.

I cant live without my tomtom and it will last me a long time!

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Tom Tom now has a very fast processor in their 510,710, 910 models. Also uses the latest sirfIII GPS (does depend on where you live though).

The most impressive thing is that it recalculates routes very fast if you take a wrong turn. The issue with older slower GPS systems would be slow recalculations which never get resolved unless you come to a practical standstill!

I am far from a expert on these devices (tomtom 910 was my first) but i think it would be worth paying the extra money for essential features of satellite lock and fast recalculations

Re: SatNav systems?
 

We bought the garmin 2710 (I think) off ebay, was nice and cheap. We been using it for our honeymoon, got us all the way from new york to key west.. spot on and as we are still in florida is spot on for finding anything we need (chinese, supermarkets etc).

Been using it for our one and a half month honeymoon (common AOS!!) without problem. Wouldn't leave home without it in NY - all looks the same to me :)

I like the garmin as its so easy to take in and out of the car, just plug into the ciggy lighter and bang - no additional gps blocks to glue on ya dash etc. I've used a few gps systems and would def get this one everytime.

Hope that helps :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Thank you all so much for the replies and advice. After spending another day finding roads with identical names and dead ends I think I'm gonna save up and get a system. I did find some of the other online direction stuff better than mapquest.

Next problem, while my sister was over from UK she tried to charge her phone using my cigarette lighter, now it doesnt work, any idea if it could be as simple as a fuse or do they have a shelf life? its a fairly old car.

Thanks again

Re: SatNav systems?
 

The phone or the lighter? :rolleyes:

Re: SatNav systems?
 

she may have broken the socket but easy to check the fuse. Usually a flap of plastic under the stearing column/just above the footwell, pull it down or off. This should expose the fuses.There should be a guide in the cover (if not your handbook) to which fuse it is (probably shared with something else) but find it and pull it out.

Hold it up to the light and see if the connection is broken. If it is,you're gonna need a newen :)

best of luck!

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Thank You :)

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Sorry I wasnt very clear was I? the ciggie lighter now that I think I may need one!
think I will check the fuse thing as Andy suggested

Re: SatNav systems?
 

UPDATE

I got the fuse changed in the cigarette lighter and that worked...and I have just bought a Garmin Nuvi, overall it gave me best deal and seemed to suit my needs, cost me two arms and a leg (well I am only short) Just went around the block with British speaking Emily and she got me back OK.
I will keep you posted...

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Does Emily smoke then? :)

Re: SatNav systems?
 

Knowing my luck...

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Good to hear you got it working! Nuvi looks nice :)

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Does yours do it a Scunthorpe accent? :p

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TomTom has a John Cleese voice you can buy! What will the man do next?

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This may help:

http://reviews.search.com/search?tar...ation&tag=srch

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:D :D :D I am sorry to laugh but these things get to me.
I used to drive down I-93 into Boston most mornings and see people who were going to work as they did every day on the same route glued to the SAT NAV device ...... do they think it will sugest anything other than straight on ?
I even saw someone on Aligator alley with one a few weeks ago ..... ERR Keep staright for 70 f**kin miles, there is nowhere else to go :D

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New York - Key West.......don't you just get on I-95 and go south?????;)

Jim.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

it gets a bit fiddly if you head up to maine when it branches off into I-295 as well....which is the better road to take, less tolls and quicker unless in morning traffic, getting around Portland, it's only a half mile longer, even if it's a 50mph limit going through the city and cutting back on to I-95 through the mall

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not read all your replies, sorry but santa brought me a garmin nuvi for crimbo, a really neat slim one and it's brill. used it this trip and love it...so easy to use also :)

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All well and good till you need to find such and such a hotel on such and such a sidestreet in New York or Key West.......thats when your GPS gadgets really become worth their weight.

Re: SatNav systems?
 

This an old thread, I ended up with a Nuvi and love it too!