[Russell]

Hi Guys,

I am hoping you can recommend a good GPS navigation system. But I am also after one that can be easily swapped between cars so I can share it with other members of the family. The only one I have found so far is the Tomtom Go. Any opinions and/or suggestions?

 

[Russell]

bump

 

[AndrewM]

Get a pda/palm that can have tom tom navigator loaded... you'll need a gps antennae but can use the palm for all sorts of other daft, technologicallly advanced but generally pointless tasks!

 

[MkIV Turbo]

Tom Tom seems to be one of the better ones available. Have a look at these threads, they should give you some help:

http://www.uk-mkivs.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=34326

http://www.uk-mkivs.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33798

 

[andymac]

TomTom without a doubt is the best software/platform check out www.pocketgps.co.uk possibly post in there forums lots of very helpfull people there (bit like here) I personally use an

Hp IPAQ 2210

Brodit carmount

Haicom MMF GPS mouse

TomTom navigator 2 (soon to be 3 when funds allow)

I cannot rate tomtom highly enough it is better than most of the in car systems I have seen and used.

 

[marriedblonde]

I've got the Dell Axim pocket pc and a hard wired Gps reciever. TomTom 2 and the tomtom 3 software (waiting to be loaded) and it is excellant. If you look on the Dell website they are doing some excellant deals on the whole kit.

J.

 

[MRK IV]

TomTom have just brought an all-in-one portable unit - looks like a mini TV screen (touch screen) and is pre-loaded with the software - for under ?500.

In response, Navman have bought out a fully functioning PDA, running Pocket Windows 03, with GPS software preloaded and a super neat flip-up integrated GPS antenna - rrp ?399!!

I like my setup of a Pocket Loox with a CF GPS card running TomTom 2, but am almost ready to trade up to the Navman solution

 

[GaryM]

Quote: posted by MRK IV on 17/08/2004 18:17:58

TomTom have just brought an all-in-one portable unit - looks like a mini TV screen (touch screen) and is pre-loaded with the software - for under ?500.

Just like the one he mentioned in the OP - Tom Tom Go !!

In response, Navman have bought out a fully functioning PDA, running Pocket Windows 03, with GPS software preloaded and a super neat flip-up integrated GPS antenna - rrp ?399!!

I have the Navman PiN with integrated GPS aerial using Tom Tom 3 and its a fantastic bit of kit - No need at all to plug in external aerials.

 

[MRK IV]

D'oh! Thought he was talking about the software only.

How do you find the reception on the Navman using the integrated GPS? Can you plug an external one into it? ?399?

 

[GaryM]

I find the reception fantastic, never dropped yet with the internal antenna, It even works with the antenna clipped back - ie not unclipped to its usual 90 degree position.

The Navman PiN is basically a Mio168 which comes with Navman SmartST software but I ditched this software in favour of Tom Tom 3.

You can buy the Mio 168 for ?248 at www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=MIO168UK

This kit comes with a free external aerial and a set of headphones - All you need then is an MMC card and a copy of TT3 and its go go go!

 

[Milkfloat]

Try looking at the Garmin products that are not a PDA bundle. Things like the Street Pilot are excellent and beat the PDA's hands down.

 

[andymac]

Why does the streetpilot beat the PDA hands down?

Can it show 3d maps?

Can it display speed camera warnings?

Can it contain all your contacts and at one click navigate to them?

How easy is it to change the voice on it?

Can it utilise GPRS to download and avoid latest traffic problems?

if it can do all that maybe it might be better than the PDA

 

[Del]

The Tomtom go has been getting some good reviews, one cable, nice compact unit and you can change the casing with different colours facias to match your car.

http://www.tomtom.com/

 

[Milkfloat]

It is better because:

a) It has dead reckoning (this is a huge benefit over PDA)

b) It is all combined into one unit for total portability

c) It has a sunlight readable display so you can actually see where you are going

d) The volume is loud enough for you to hear without an external speaker

e) The routing options are far more sophisticated including POi's on route and multiple destinations.

To answer your questions

3D maps - Yes (although in my experince most people do not use these)

Speed Cams - Yes (you can import your own POIs)

Contacts - No You have got me there, this is good functionality

Voice Change - Yes, multiple languages too

GPRS - No, but RDS-TMC will be supported soon

 

[andymac]

Quote: posted by Milkfloat on 18/08/2004 12:01:11

It is better because:

a) It has dead reckoning (this is a huge benefit over PDA)

b) It is all combined into one unit for total portability

c) It has a sunlight readable display so you can actually see where you are going

d) The volume is loud enough for you to hear without an external speaker

e) The routing options are far more sophisticated including POi's on route and multiple destinations.

A.As far as I understand it Dead reckoning is down to the gps device used so partner a better gps device with PDA.

b.My pda can either use the gps plugged into the CF socket at the top and can be used as a handeheld unit or I can use it as a mouse on a separate cable http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/haicom303mmf.php same as this, i do this all the time and it is very good.

c. Ipaq's are renouned for there sunlight readable displays, some pdas are poor yes but then it is down to choice. choose an Ipaq and the display in sunlight is exemplary.

d. the volume is only a problem on certain pdas IE the ipaq 5500 and mitac mios 90% of them do not need an external speaker.

As I understood it a garmin streetpilot can show a POI but in terms of speed cameras can it give an audible warning a set time before you hit the speedcamera? where is there a database of speedcameras available that works with a streetpilot?

 

[Milkfloat]

Find me an accurate GPS that works in Urban Canyons and in Tunnels. I work in the field with a variety of survey grade GPS. Coupled together with a couple of hundred thousand pounds worth of Dead Recckoning gear. Trust me DR is very much worth it. With the map matching on non-DR based systems have you ever tried running parellel to another road, you will see that quite often you are on the wrong place. Also, try driving around the Brussels ring road with a non-DR system, you will not last 5 minutes, as there a tunnels with junctions in all over the place. The 5 or 6 iPaqs I have tried have all had [email protected] sunlight readable displays, I would say this is a real weekness unless you place the PDA low down in the car, in which case you risk crashing. Volume, on the 10 or so PDA's I have tested the volume is terrible, you really cannot have the radio on at any volume at all. In terms of getting the Speed cameras in, you simply import them as POI's with the lat / long. I don't think there is an audible warning, but you will have an icon. I can send you the latest database or you can get it from http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/uksafetycameras.php

Don't get me wrong PDA navigation is big busineess and is an acceptable solution, but for pure navigation a dedicated system will win hands down.

 

[stormchaser]

If I bought a TomTom receiver would it work with another different map software?

or will it only work with TomTom software ?

 

[dlyall]

I have an iPAQ 2210, CF GPS, TT3 bundle. I bought it because I wanted a system that was portable from car to car to bike. For that requirement it's excellent except it isn't waterproof which is a pain on the bike. However for ?400 it beats the Streetpilot and fitted in-car systems hands down.

It's just a bit more fiddly to use and the volume isn't great. Haven't really had any problems reading the screen but you do have to have it on max brightness

I use RAM mounts for the mounting.

Dave

 

[dubbers]

Quote: posted by andymac on 17/08/2004 17:13:43

TomTom without a doubt is the best software/platform check out www.pocketgps.co.uk possibly post in there forums lots of very helpfull people there (bit like here) I personally use an

Hp IPAQ 2210

Brodit carmount

Haicom MMF GPS mouse

TomTom navigator 2 (soon to be 3 when funds allow)

I cannot rate tomtom highly enough it is better than most of the in car systems I have seen and used.

Using the same system as andymac, except with tomtom3. I have the brodit slide mounts which fit the audi & mr2.

Here's a pic :

 

[andymac]

Hi dubbers you must of done some research aswell to buy all that kit as it doesnt come as an all in one package! do you always use gps in the CF socket or do you use the serial plug, personally I have the gps hidden on the serial lead. PS where did you get the brodit mount from?