Satnav with emphasis on speed camera detection
Discussion
I've been using the mk1 Road Angel ever since a little ban in my old Noble a few years ago. It's now non-functional, whether built in obsolescence or simple hardware failure, I don't know.
As an upgrade I thought I may as well get portable sat nav as well. I can read a map and tend to drive for fun rather than needing one for work-related countrywide travel. In other words, I don't mind getting lost if I'm on good roads!! However on unfamiliar roads I want to know where the speed cameras are.
Is the Road Angel Navigator still the best bet if camera locations / accident blackspots are the primary requirement? Secondary requirement is reliable satnav and with the option of Europe street maps. Portability from car to car is essential. Other features like built in mobile phones / PDA stuff aren't a requirement.
I'd also ideally not choose a unit that's basically a Microsoft PDA cobbled with GPS (don't like MS gear). I always carry a Treo 650 phone, could this be used along with a bluetooth GPS receiver?
Opinions and experience gratefully accepted!
As an upgrade I thought I may as well get portable sat nav as well. I can read a map and tend to drive for fun rather than needing one for work-related countrywide travel. In other words, I don't mind getting lost if I'm on good roads!! However on unfamiliar roads I want to know where the speed cameras are.
Is the Road Angel Navigator still the best bet if camera locations / accident blackspots are the primary requirement? Secondary requirement is reliable satnav and with the option of Europe street maps. Portability from car to car is essential. Other features like built in mobile phones / PDA stuff aren't a requirement.
I'd also ideally not choose a unit that's basically a Microsoft PDA cobbled with GPS (don't like MS gear). I always carry a Treo 650 phone, could this be used along with a bluetooth GPS receiver?
Opinions and experience gratefully accepted!
Keeping it in the scamera detector market (where you can do upgrades through Networx Automotive) I'd avoid the RA Navigator, as reviews of it so far have not been positive. The Snooper Indago, while being £100 more looks better build, smaller and prettier. It also has the bonus of using the superior NavTeq mapping data and I've been told it is far better to use than the RA Navigator.
One problem is that either have European mapping and I know Indago will be charging £199 for them when launched, making the total cost £700 (including the £100 upgrade allowance they'd do for your Classic RA, if you can you can get away with it for a non working one) and on top of that you have the £50 subscription after the 6 months free period.
On the plus side it should have the best scamera data available, as they have a team out on the roads checking for things.
I've decided however to go for the TomTom 700, which can be had for £395 at Dixons online when they have them in stock again (using the discount code DISCOUNT25), this has full European mapping, traffic warnings ($59 a year), free weather warnings (just costs the GPRS amount) and can be used as a hands-free kit.
PocketGPSWorld have an extensive and free scamera database that can be used with it, do you only have ongoing costs if you subscribe to traffic data (but as you'd have ongoing costs with a traditional camera detector that's no major issue, especially as theres a months trial and its optional anyway).
I've spent quite some time researching the options the last few weeks, having demos in shops etc. am hopefully will be quite happy when the new toy arrives.
One problem is that either have European mapping and I know Indago will be charging £199 for them when launched, making the total cost £700 (including the £100 upgrade allowance they'd do for your Classic RA, if you can you can get away with it for a non working one) and on top of that you have the £50 subscription after the 6 months free period.
On the plus side it should have the best scamera data available, as they have a team out on the roads checking for things.
I've decided however to go for the TomTom 700, which can be had for £395 at Dixons online when they have them in stock again (using the discount code DISCOUNT25), this has full European mapping, traffic warnings ($59 a year), free weather warnings (just costs the GPRS amount) and can be used as a hands-free kit.
PocketGPSWorld have an extensive and free scamera database that can be used with it, do you only have ongoing costs if you subscribe to traffic data (but as you'd have ongoing costs with a traditional camera detector that's no major issue, especially as theres a months trial and its optional anyway).
I've spent quite some time researching the options the last few weeks, having demos in shops etc. am hopefully will be quite happy when the new toy arrives.
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