Choosing sat nav?
Discussion
Guys,
Sorry if the question has been asked before, I have spent some time looking through the archives and can't find a specific question or answer...
So,
How do you go about choosing a sat nav system?
I have a need for something with full postcode searches, that doesn’t get upset if I decide to use a slightly different route when I’m 50 miles or 500 yards away from target.
I also need it to be easily removable, portable and I would prefer a permanent wired dash mount, rather than one of the screen mounts.
Firstly, PDA based or dedicated? What are the advantages/disadvantages of either?
TOM TOM Go in their various guises, do they work reliably? They seem to be everywhere.
If TOM TOM software is used on a PDA, are they as simple to use as the dedicated unit?
Any pitfalls to look out for? I'm looking for UK only maps.
Regards,
Brian (and a Red 350i)
Sorry if the question has been asked before, I have spent some time looking through the archives and can't find a specific question or answer...
So,
How do you go about choosing a sat nav system?
I have a need for something with full postcode searches, that doesn’t get upset if I decide to use a slightly different route when I’m 50 miles or 500 yards away from target.
I also need it to be easily removable, portable and I would prefer a permanent wired dash mount, rather than one of the screen mounts.
Firstly, PDA based or dedicated? What are the advantages/disadvantages of either?
TOM TOM Go in their various guises, do they work reliably? They seem to be everywhere.
If TOM TOM software is used on a PDA, are they as simple to use as the dedicated unit?
Any pitfalls to look out for? I'm looking for UK only maps.
Regards,
Brian (and a Red 350i)
briantvr350 said:
Firstly, PDA based or dedicated? What are the advantages/disadvantages of either?
Whatever you look at I'd go for a dedicated unit, as they are far easier to use when on the move as they have been designed with just that purpose in mind. Integrated units are usually far neater installations, as the majority are just a single unit. I had enough of my PDA running TomTom when it reminded me I was was late for a meeting while on the M25, obscuring the TomTom application and leaving me to try and sort it out while at 70+ - not a fault of the TomTom software, just the nature of a jack of all trades platform.
As to whether you should go to TomTom or not, I'd say folks are split 50/50 between them are other (NavMan/Garmin) units based on various reasons.
Just spent all saturday trouble shooting a TomTom PDA.
After much research, I've concluded it's too risky on a PDA. It could go like a dream or you could be left with a dog especially if it's a phone PDA. The mobile companies play with the operating system too much. TomToom might run on one network but not another.
After much research, I've concluded it's too risky on a PDA. It could go like a dream or you could be left with a dog especially if it's a phone PDA. The mobile companies play with the operating system too much. TomToom might run on one network but not another.
johnbear said:
After much research, I've concluded it's too risky on a PDA. It could go like a dream or you could be left with a dog especially if it's a phone PDA. The mobile companies play with the operating system too much. TomToom might run on one network but not another.
Even on hardly messed around with PDA, like my Toshiba e750 you get problems. Last time I tried to use TomTom it would launch and then immediately close, after a full reset it was OK, but I could only do that as I'd stopped using the PDA day to day.
Thanks for all your advice chaps..
Kevin, Sorry I couldn't make Wednesday!
I eventually plumped for a Tom Tom One... And I'm highly delighted, It worked out of the box and locked very quickly (under a minute for the first time) much quicker then the INFORAD I have.
I updated everything via the website and I've been using it best part of eight hours a day since. I'm delighted with the operation of the device, it is really easy to use. I can see why they are so popular, (but why don't people use the night colours at night?)
However, my next door neighbour knocked on the door yesterday morning in a panic, he'd bought the maps of France from Tom Tom for his "One" to use on a motoring holiday starting later that day and had tried for hours to get the new map working.
It took me about 20 minutes to get it sorted, mainly because he'd got a new 1 Gig SD card as well, but I can see why people struggle, The instructions are not exactly in plain English. Once I realised that everything software wise is on the SD card and the kit just boots and runs off the card it's simple. The authentication is a pain, but that is there for a reason.
I assume that the more upmarket models do something similar? Although the 910 appears to have a hard drive in it.
Regards,
Brian (and a Red 350i)
Kevin, Sorry I couldn't make Wednesday!
I eventually plumped for a Tom Tom One... And I'm highly delighted, It worked out of the box and locked very quickly (under a minute for the first time) much quicker then the INFORAD I have.
I updated everything via the website and I've been using it best part of eight hours a day since. I'm delighted with the operation of the device, it is really easy to use. I can see why they are so popular, (but why don't people use the night colours at night?)
However, my next door neighbour knocked on the door yesterday morning in a panic, he'd bought the maps of France from Tom Tom for his "One" to use on a motoring holiday starting later that day and had tried for hours to get the new map working.
It took me about 20 minutes to get it sorted, mainly because he'd got a new 1 Gig SD card as well, but I can see why people struggle, The instructions are not exactly in plain English. Once I realised that everything software wise is on the SD card and the kit just boots and runs off the card it's simple. The authentication is a pain, but that is there for a reason.
I assume that the more upmarket models do something similar? Although the 910 appears to have a hard drive in it.
Regards,
Brian (and a Red 350i)
Smoker said:
Odd that Cartrek were told off for posting adds on PH, then Yenkele joins on 30th August 2006 and posts twice...about Cartrek.
Go figure.
Go figure.
I stand to be corrected, but PHer Cartrek I assume is a dealer of said items and Yenkele simply and end user who is happy to recommend a product?
Like saying I cant say I like my RA Navigator and it only cost me £300?
briantvr350 said:
How do you go about choosing a sat nav system?
Work out what you are going to use it for and thus work out which functions/features are important.
For me the solution was quite simple. I wanted a satnav for Eurohoon trips, that I could use my PC to plot a number of specific routes using lots of waypoints (A lot easier than doing it than plotting the routes directly on the unit). Therefore I went for a Garmin system, one of the few manufacturers that allow route planning via your PC.
DAZ
Podie said:
dazren said:
... I went for a Garmin system, one of the few manufacturers that allow route planning via your PC.
DAZ
DAZ
TomTom's can now do this via the free "Home" download for your PC.
Seem to recall someone (GregE240?) dug out an autoroute to TomTom itinery tool too.
GregE240 said:
Podie said:
dazren said:
... I went for a Garmin system, one of the few manufacturers that allow route planning via your PC.
DAZ
DAZ
TomTom's can now do this via the free "Home" download for your PC.
Seem to recall someone (GregE240?) dug out an autoroute to TomTom itinery tool too.
Sounds like your cab driver needed one the other night
We'll get the next one...
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