Sat Nav

**Damien** · 04-12-2007, 13:35

Can anyone recommend a good Sat Nav? It's a Christmas Present and quality is the prime concern is quality rather than price. I have seen expensive ones that I am willing to get but only it if's actually good. I don't just want to get the fully featured ott one.

(Do they work in Europe as well?)

Hom3r · 04-12-2007, 13:38

in one word TOMTOM

superbiatch · 04-12-2007, 13:39

In my experience, nothing works as well as TOMTOM

**Damien** · 04-12-2007, 13:40

Any model?

TheDaddy · 04-12-2007, 13:41

Don't you need a different memory card for Europe?

**Damien** · 04-12-2007, 13:41

Also do you really need bluetooth? What does it add?

Hom3r · 04-12-2007, 13:48

I have bought the TOMTOM Europe mainly because I drive in europe as a part of my job.

Mine has bluetooth for some traffic updates. (but i'm on PAYG so don't bother)

What is your budget and where are you planning of traveling?

If you are just using it in the UK get the basic model.

---------- Post added at 13:48 ---------- Previous post was at 13:47 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDaddy

Don't you need a different memory card for Europe?

You only need a memory card of the Unit doesn't have enough, the top model has a 20GB HD (IIFC)

Mine had Western Europe built in.

**Damien** · 04-12-2007, 14:01

Travel will be in the UK and France. It's not for me and I doubt they will want to link it up with a phone. But maybe having the option built in is ok..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TomTom-Satel...sbs_ce_title_2

I was looking at that one

**Rob** · 04-12-2007, 14:10

You only need the bluetooth type facilities to link to a phone if you want to susbcribe to traffic congestion type updates while you are on the move. That's probably the weakest part of the TomTom setup as you need to trigger the updates manually, not so easy when you are driving along and the gadget is stuck out of reach on the windscreen.

I have the Tom Tom One UK version, I find it easy to use and quite accurate. Some junctions can cause a mild confusion though as "bear left" or "turn left" can mean different things. It pays to glance at the displayed map.

**Damien** · 04-12-2007, 14:12

What else makes a sat nav 'good' and do they come with maps built in?

**Rob** · 04-12-2007, 14:18

The maps are generally stored on memory cards. The satnave you buy will have a set of these meps supplied. As time goes by you will need to purchase updates to address new road layouts and stuff. This can be done as an internet download. Similarly, a UK only version, can be upgraded by purchasing additional maps.

Think about where the Sat Nav will be used, in car, hillwalking or what - some have a limited battery life, is there a cigarrete type lighter socket in the car an charger can be connected to? Does the car have a heated windwscreen? Some satnavs need an external aerial to work with that.

TheDaddy · 04-12-2007, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

What else makes a sat nav 'good'?

In my experience not a lot, people I work with are quite literally lost without them, despite travelling on the same routes every day, not good in an emergency situation I can tell you, also I have noticed 'a lot' of the time it directs you on to a longer route, that said people seem to like them so who am I to criticise

**Rob** · 04-12-2007, 14:21

One of the most useful features I've found is the speed camera warning systems. Usually an add on, requiring monthly subscriptions for an internet update (you attach the satnav to your PC by a USB lead), they do give good warning of sites as you approach. They can't deal with temporary sites such as camera vans though.

04-12-2007, 15:32

They can do the camera vans 'as the sites they sit on have to be mapped' etc if you enable all 4 camera warning modes, gatso / mobile / pmobile and specs, it even picks up the red light traffic lights that have cameras on them,

The one you linked from amazon is spot on Damien and will do everything you need.

Just remember to use your common sence and the voice cmds are always a little forward so when it says turn right it dont mean right NOW.. follow the little arrows and you will love it.

It's like having someone next to you that has been before and can read a map and dosn't feel the need to eat all your barley sugars and try to turn the cd player off.

SOSAGES · 04-12-2007, 15:41

i find not going over the speed limit works a lot better than waiting to hear a BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP