Advice re replacing "obsolete" tomtom
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm driving in Canada later in the year, and normally that would mean buying some mapping data for my trusty old tomtom xxl and then programming in all my destinations prior to the trip.
Of course, tomtom has decided that although my xxl still works perfectly it is now obsolete. That didn't bother me until I discovered that this does not just mean you can't update existing maps or software, you cannot now even buy a map. Not even an old one. FFS tomtom, I would happily have shelled a few quid in your direction for a 2017 Canada map but nooooo, my only option from tomtom is to buy one of their new devices at a small discount. Seriously?!
So anyway I need a satnav for Canada which will then become my uk satnav once I'm back. Are there any standalone satnavs available nowadays that are worth bothering with?
I could use my phone in the uk but it's really too small, I have a tablet but that's really too big (and no SIM). Canadian mobile data prices preclude using a phone in the normal way over there. I could download the relevant google maps for offline use, but Canada is really big... and in any case I like the idea of dedicated satnav.
Normally in these circumstances I would just replace the old tomtom (which, incidentally, has been flawlessly navigating me all over the world for over a decade) with a new one. But... the reviews!! Good gravy, does anyone make a satnav now that doesn't get a serious shoeing in the reviews?
I like the simplicity of the old xxl, tomtom knew how to do a user interface back then. I like that I can use lat/long coordinates as well as addresses. The 3d display while driving is perfect. I hate that the manufacturer has arbitrarily decided that I can't even buy a map for it any more. I've never used a Garmin but reviews suggest that the user interface is pants and the driving display cluttered and unhelpful.
So, PHers, what would you do in this situation?
I'm driving in Canada later in the year, and normally that would mean buying some mapping data for my trusty old tomtom xxl and then programming in all my destinations prior to the trip.
Of course, tomtom has decided that although my xxl still works perfectly it is now obsolete. That didn't bother me until I discovered that this does not just mean you can't update existing maps or software, you cannot now even buy a map. Not even an old one. FFS tomtom, I would happily have shelled a few quid in your direction for a 2017 Canada map but nooooo, my only option from tomtom is to buy one of their new devices at a small discount. Seriously?!
So anyway I need a satnav for Canada which will then become my uk satnav once I'm back. Are there any standalone satnavs available nowadays that are worth bothering with?
I could use my phone in the uk but it's really too small, I have a tablet but that's really too big (and no SIM). Canadian mobile data prices preclude using a phone in the normal way over there. I could download the relevant google maps for offline use, but Canada is really big... and in any case I like the idea of dedicated satnav.
Normally in these circumstances I would just replace the old tomtom (which, incidentally, has been flawlessly navigating me all over the world for over a decade) with a new one. But... the reviews!! Good gravy, does anyone make a satnav now that doesn't get a serious shoeing in the reviews?
I like the simplicity of the old xxl, tomtom knew how to do a user interface back then. I like that I can use lat/long coordinates as well as addresses. The 3d display while driving is perfect. I hate that the manufacturer has arbitrarily decided that I can't even buy a map for it any more. I've never used a Garmin but reviews suggest that the user interface is pants and the driving display cluttered and unhelpful.
So, PHers, what would you do in this situation?
It's a question of faff versus convenience and expense. If you will spend more time in the UK/ Europe than Canada, then a satnav with Euro maps and free lifetime map updates will eventually be more cost effective. Arguably, a smartphone will be more versatile, and you're supporting one device, not two.
I haven't used a TomTom for years so can't comment on the current ones. I don't have any quibbles with the Garmin interface, but any tech will defeat some people, who then leave dumb reviews.
--
Garmin Maps: If you can work with USB's, PC's and file transfers, all of the current Garmins can accept routable maps from OpenStreetMaps, via http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Faff Factor: Select the tile you want, wait for it to be created and download, drag into folder in the Garmin via usb. You'll probably need an SD card in the Garmin to make space for the map tiles. Then switch to the new tiles in the Garmin map page. Downsides are that POI's may not be present in the tile.
POIs: One useful feature of stick-on satnavs is the Points of Interest feature. They're useful for picking up fuel stations, food stops, parking and hotels, but they are only as good as the last update. Arguably, an online smartphone will be even more versatile but needs a data plan. Bluetooth means the satnav can call POI's for hotel bookings etc.
Garmins need a map/POI update the day it arrives. Needs Garmin Express on a PC, and a map update (for Europe) will take a couple of hours to download and install from Garmin's slow servers.
--
I change my car every year or so, and frequently end up with with an OEM Nav head unit in which the maps are two years out of date and too expensive to update. So I stick with the Garmin Nuvi with free lifetime Euro map and POI updates, they arrive every six months or so, via Windows PC and Garmin Express. Also has RDS traffic routing, but then Waze etc can offer dynamic re-routing on a phone, for free.
As to Garmins having a lousy user interface, there's a tendency for reviewers to compare everything to an Android phone, but for me, having the Garmin on the screen and just shouting 'Garmin - find a local hotel' is easier and cheaper than using a phone. Best feature is possibly active lane display which tells you which lane to be in for your exit.
Out of all the choices: smartphone/tablet/OEM I still find the Garmin Nuvi the easiest to use in the car, they also have fuel computers and routing built in, so you can cost a journey or build multi-stop routes. Also easy to switch to KPH/MPH and there's a built in speedo and trip computer, plus speed limit display.
Others manage well with a smartphone, and chortle at my 'old-skule' satnav.
A smartphone/tablet and a decent mount is arguably more versatile, and gives free offline mapping and routing with an app like Here maps. (Download the country maps at home and set app to offline.) I have a 7" tablet with Here Maps in the car as a backup, or for route planning.
A lot of post 2016 cars now have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in the head unit, which takes the phone output and plonks it on the head unit screen, so the era of stick-on satnavs may be coming to an end, and may influence your final choice. But for me, the Garmin just works by switching it on.
My Garmin:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-2595LMT-Bluetooth-...
Here Maps:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....
I haven't used a TomTom for years so can't comment on the current ones. I don't have any quibbles with the Garmin interface, but any tech will defeat some people, who then leave dumb reviews.
--
Garmin Maps: If you can work with USB's, PC's and file transfers, all of the current Garmins can accept routable maps from OpenStreetMaps, via http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Faff Factor: Select the tile you want, wait for it to be created and download, drag into folder in the Garmin via usb. You'll probably need an SD card in the Garmin to make space for the map tiles. Then switch to the new tiles in the Garmin map page. Downsides are that POI's may not be present in the tile.
POIs: One useful feature of stick-on satnavs is the Points of Interest feature. They're useful for picking up fuel stations, food stops, parking and hotels, but they are only as good as the last update. Arguably, an online smartphone will be even more versatile but needs a data plan. Bluetooth means the satnav can call POI's for hotel bookings etc.
Garmins need a map/POI update the day it arrives. Needs Garmin Express on a PC, and a map update (for Europe) will take a couple of hours to download and install from Garmin's slow servers.
--
I change my car every year or so, and frequently end up with with an OEM Nav head unit in which the maps are two years out of date and too expensive to update. So I stick with the Garmin Nuvi with free lifetime Euro map and POI updates, they arrive every six months or so, via Windows PC and Garmin Express. Also has RDS traffic routing, but then Waze etc can offer dynamic re-routing on a phone, for free.
As to Garmins having a lousy user interface, there's a tendency for reviewers to compare everything to an Android phone, but for me, having the Garmin on the screen and just shouting 'Garmin - find a local hotel' is easier and cheaper than using a phone. Best feature is possibly active lane display which tells you which lane to be in for your exit.
Out of all the choices: smartphone/tablet/OEM I still find the Garmin Nuvi the easiest to use in the car, they also have fuel computers and routing built in, so you can cost a journey or build multi-stop routes. Also easy to switch to KPH/MPH and there's a built in speedo and trip computer, plus speed limit display.
Others manage well with a smartphone, and chortle at my 'old-skule' satnav.
A smartphone/tablet and a decent mount is arguably more versatile, and gives free offline mapping and routing with an app like Here maps. (Download the country maps at home and set app to offline.) I have a 7" tablet with Here Maps in the car as a backup, or for route planning.
A lot of post 2016 cars now have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in the head unit, which takes the phone output and plonks it on the head unit screen, so the era of stick-on satnavs may be coming to an end, and may influence your final choice. But for me, the Garmin just works by switching it on.
My Garmin:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-2595LMT-Bluetooth-...
Here Maps:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....
Edited by Slushbox on Wednesday 6th February 07:08
Isn't data roaming now included FOC with most mobile tarrifs these days. Pretty mine is. Worth checking with your provider.
Based on that, I'd go Google Maps or maybe Waze (also owned by Google)
Also, worth noting that I think our Garmin Nav is about 5 years old and I have never updated the maps. Works fine. However phones mean that we rarely use it these days, but still good to have for a back up as and when required.
Based on that, I'd go Google Maps or maybe Waze (also owned by Google)
Also, worth noting that I think our Garmin Nav is about 5 years old and I have never updated the maps. Works fine. However phones mean that we rarely use it these days, but still good to have for a back up as and when required.
Data in Canada is available roaming but costs £8 per MEGAbyte 
I think I've found the solution. I found out this week that I'm entitled to a company mobile phone, so I picked one up and bought a windscreen mount for it. I'll now triall using it as a satnav - it has a much bigger screen than my own phone - both with and without data connectivity. I've installed Waze, Tomtom Go, and already have Google maps of course. I have a few months to try out all the various apps to see which I prefer. The Tomtom Go option looks best on paper as the subscription is cheap, covers multiple devices, and the maps are free. We shall see
I think I've found the solution. I found out this week that I'm entitled to a company mobile phone, so I picked one up and bought a windscreen mount for it. I'll now triall using it as a satnav - it has a much bigger screen than my own phone - both with and without data connectivity. I've installed Waze, Tomtom Go, and already have Google maps of course. I have a few months to try out all the various apps to see which I prefer. The Tomtom Go option looks best on paper as the subscription is cheap, covers multiple devices, and the maps are free. We shall see
For me, the Garmin Nuvi scores over phones/tablets (other than for data consumption) in the easy addition and saving of POIs and the route-cost function. It's just the slight faff of digging it out of the glovebox and finding the power cable. Otherwise, I use Here maps on a phone.
Michelin have a good Nav app for Android to add to the suck-it-and-see project, it has route costing, local POIs and live traffic alerts:
https://www.michelin.co.uk/mobility-apps/viamichel...
Think stick-on satnavs will go the way of cassettes soon, but I actually prefer the easy interface on the Garmin.
Michelin have a good Nav app for Android to add to the suck-it-and-see project, it has route costing, local POIs and live traffic alerts:
https://www.michelin.co.uk/mobility-apps/viamichel...
Think stick-on satnavs will go the way of cassettes soon, but I actually prefer the easy interface on the Garmin.
Edited by Slushbox on Saturday 9th February 08:29
Tried Sygic? downloadable maps which can be used offline.
Used in the US a couple of years back and was flawless
http://www.sygic.com/gps-navigation
Used in the US a couple of years back and was flawless
http://www.sygic.com/gps-navigation
moosepig said:
Data in Canada is available roaming but costs £8 per MEGAbyte
I think I've found the solution. I found out this week that I'm entitled to a company mobile phone, so I picked one up and bought a windscreen mount for it. I'll now triall using it as a satnav - it has a much bigger screen than my own phone - both with and without data connectivity. I've installed Waze, Tomtom Go, and already have Google maps of course. I have a few months to try out all the various apps to see which I prefer. The Tomtom Go option looks best on paper as the subscription is cheap, covers multiple devices, and the maps are free. We shall see
Get your phone unlocked, and pick up a local Canadian data sim at the airport when you land there.I think I've found the solution. I found out this week that I'm entitled to a company mobile phone, so I picked one up and bought a windscreen mount for it. I'll now triall using it as a satnav - it has a much bigger screen than my own phone - both with and without data connectivity. I've installed Waze, Tomtom Go, and already have Google maps of course. I have a few months to try out all the various apps to see which I prefer. The Tomtom Go option looks best on paper as the subscription is cheap, covers multiple devices, and the maps are free. We shall see
Taff107 said:
Tried Sygic? downloadable maps which can be used offline.
Used in the US a couple of years back and was flawless
http://www.sygic.com/gps-navigation
Thanks, I'll add that to the list of apps to trial.Used in the US a couple of years back and was flawless
http://www.sygic.com/gps-navigation
hutchst said:
Get your phone unlocked, and pick up a local Canadian data sim at the airport when you land there.
Yes I thought about doing that, however my phone (which is already unlocked) is too small to use as a satnav, and my new, larger work mobile is locked and will not accept a Canadian SIM.Besides, Canada isn't really set up for tourism SIMs like (for example) New Zealand; there apparently isn't even a SIM vendor at the airport. Much of the area that I am visiting has no mobile coverage at all so a local SIM would be pretty useless anyway. I don't need live traffic, just maps and GPS, which is why my original thoughts were along the lines of a dedicated navigation device with preloaded maps.
My recent acquisition of a large smartphone for work has pretty much solved this - one of the apps that provides offline maps should do the job in Canada, and any app will do for the UK.
In terms of trialling navigation apps, I'm currently favouring Waze on my daily commute, it seems to make better routing decisions around traffic than the Tomtom app. I have yet to try Sygic.
I dug out all my old phones, and a recent Moto E4 Android to try in the new car. Best app was Here maps on Windows Phone, (what?) with offline maps, but phone is very slow.
Waze on Android Ok, but needs a live data feed. Car has wifi so I can try that again. Too cheaps to buy a data plan.
The Android Moto E4 is slightly larger, but wouldn't sync contacts to the BlueTooth head unit though Here Maps offline was very snappy. A Blackberry Q10 looks best with the black and silver dash board. Also runs Waze, and syncs the phone functions but screen is to small to use. Er...
If I can get the stupid Android to talk to the stupid head unit, I'll try Sygic (sp?) Car has Android Auto, but again, it won't connect to anything I own.
So back to the old skule Garmin Nuvi. I can shout instructions at it, just like one of them fancy smartphone things. :-)
Waze on Android Ok, but needs a live data feed. Car has wifi so I can try that again. Too cheaps to buy a data plan.
The Android Moto E4 is slightly larger, but wouldn't sync contacts to the BlueTooth head unit though Here Maps offline was very snappy. A Blackberry Q10 looks best with the black and silver dash board. Also runs Waze, and syncs the phone functions but screen is to small to use. Er...
If I can get the stupid Android to talk to the stupid head unit, I'll try Sygic (sp?) Car has Android Auto, but again, it won't connect to anything I own.
So back to the old skule Garmin Nuvi. I can shout instructions at it, just like one of them fancy smartphone things. :-)
I use TomTom go on my phone. Full off-line maps, when there is a data signal then you also get traffic etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....
I also use Waze, one of the vehicles as Android Auto which only works with Waze or Google Maps, I find that Waze isn't quite as manageable as the TomTom app. Great for a basic here-to-there journey but less so if I want to take a specific route or go via a location. Nice that it warns of various road hazards though, such as broken down vehicles and road works.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....
I also use Waze, one of the vehicles as Android Auto which only works with Waze or Google Maps, I find that Waze isn't quite as manageable as the TomTom app. Great for a basic here-to-there journey but less so if I want to take a specific route or go via a location. Nice that it warns of various road hazards though, such as broken down vehicles and road works.
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