GPS for a car - petrolheads advice please

[ChrisE]

I'm looking for a gps nav system for the car, must be removable and capable of being easily read when driving but certainly does need to talk to me. You guys are bound to know the best one. My raggie chums on SB have recommended an astrolabe.

Seriously, I am looking for one and would appreciate any advice.

 

[gjgm]

pc world are doing some reduction on a tomtom. Had a play with it the other day, and it seemd rather user friendly. Tried one or two of the others and .. well enought to make you get the map out. Unit was reviewed in some mag recently and got a thumbs up. Its about £400.
not the largest screen, but then guess that makes it a bit easier to locate if you still hope to see though the windscreen.

 

[jimi]

Have you considered a sextant and a small blonde?

 

[ChrisE]

Thanks, I'll look that one up.

 

[ChrisE]

You know me, I don't do small, I like the idea tho'. If you could just get Liz's permission for me, I'll try the rig out.

 

[DavidJ]

I've got the TomTom Go which I must admit was bought with zero research. I'm delighted especially that you can download (free) speed camera locations. It's navigational abilities are good and for less than £100 you can get maps to download of all 16 european countries. I recommend a 1Gb card so you can get several countries on. There's an excellent users forum ..have a look http://www.expansys.com/forum.asp?man=TOMTO&code=TOMTOMGO

 

[BarryH]

This one works well for the money web page One of the better multi use units I've used. If you deviate from the suggesdted route it'll compute a new route withing 200 yards. Quite good fun trying to trick it.
Works well in built up areas down to even knowing where the no entries no left/right turns are etc etc.

Also has other stuff like organizers etc on it which if your into those things are great. The voice directions are clear and gives good warning as approach junctions roundabouts etc. Works in London really well.

I like the idea that its easy to move from car to car very easily which is good for me as I drive upto three cars. Its on offer at the moment as well. Down from 399.99 to 349.99.
Worth a look.Theres plenty on the market to choose from just depends what you want.

 

[martynwhiteley]

Makro are doing a Medion one for £199 ex vat at the mome. Doubt that's beatable.

 

[ChrisE]

Thanks everybody. looks like a toss up between Medion and Tomtom.
Chris

 

[DavidJ]

Chris
Check out the speed camera database http://pocketgpsworld.com/uksafetycameras.php
and see if it supports the Medion. It really is an excellent fuction.

 

[Wiggo]

If you already have a PDA, then TomTom. I got it on the Palm T3 and it's excellent.

 

[jimg]

Which Medion model are Makro doing?

 

[martynwhiteley]

http://www.makro.co.uk/offers/mm2_online.cfm?email=1898296

Try this link for details

 

[capricorn]

I have both a sextant and a small(ish) blonde.

Sadly I have been unable to get the 2 to work together. Although the voice prompts and error messages generated by the latter whilst trying to integrate the 2 compenents are often entertaining, I find the combination a most ineffective aid to navigation.

Not recommended.

 

[mirabriani]

What is the difference between Gatso and SPECS any one?
Is there a camera system that will time a vehicle over a set distance?
Why do some point at your front and some point at your back?
What is the meaning of life
Who am I
ARHG!

Coming nurse!

Briani

 

[ChrisE]

Front seat driver?

Well I bought one tonight, a Navman 610. Not what was recommended but after seeing all of them in Halfords this one took my fancy.

Went for a trial run from St. Mellons, nr Newport, to the Esplanade in Penarth on a rainswept evening, just the kind of night when I, for one, get well and truly lost. I have to add that I'm here in Wales for work and have never been here before.

Well, my little friend got me straight there and despite saying that I didn't want a voice I've already fallen in love with Marlene. She's so strict and keeps me on track. "In .3 of a mile take the third exit at the round-a-bout.....at 600 ft take the....at 300 ft take...take the third exit.....now proceed for 1.7 miles"

The thing I don't understand is how Marlene keeps up with the sextant work when she's talking to me most of the time...

 

[Bejasus]

All you ever wanted to know about speed traps here.

 

[Wiggo]

Just updated TomTom on my Palm - the new version lets you add POIs, so first in was the freely available UK Safety Camera database... This is superb technology.