Vehicle Nav Recomms

Submitted: Friday, Sep 10, 2010 at 22:24

ThreadID: 81255 Views:3397 Replies:6 FollowUps:0

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GPS Units, Navigators & SatNav

In this article we look at ready to go navigation devices and satnav units. You'll learn how different devices work, their limitations and advantages plus we include a section on the hybrid Hema

Member - John Baas (WA)

Hi all,

We've just come back from Holland and the UK and used satnav for the first time. In Holland we had a built in Tomtom in the Renault (don't know which model) which worked brilliantly with lightning fast feedback on motorway exchanges.

However, the Volvo we had in the UK also had an (unbranded) inbuilt unit which was very noticably off the pace on keeping up on the (many, and I mean many) complex and high speed interchanges around London.

Either way, we are now going to purchase a unit because weve found that they are hard to give up once experienced..

Can anyone recommend a unit based on experiences with quick updating in lanechange situations. And can these be hardwired to the vehicle battery or do they only come with (re-chargeable??) separate batteries?

Cheers.

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Reply By: willem269 - Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 00:51

Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 00:51

Dont know what systems are best for Australia but we have a TomTom XL and plug it in the cigarette lighter. The cord and plug came with the TomTom. Batteries would be a disaster, I think.

AnswerID: 429955

Reply By: Member - Ian A (NSW) - Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 09:23

Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 09:23

Even though you are in WA, I would speak to the guys a GPSOZ www.gpsoz.com.au

They are very knowledgeable and should be able to point you in the right direction.

I have bought software and other equipment from them in the past, fast delivery and great service. I have no affiliation with them.

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AnswerID: 429969

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 10:26

Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 10:26

Hullo John,

if you are going for the type that sits on the dash go for the Garmin that looks like an Iphone4.

If you want to replace the head unit in your 200 series go for the Kenwood with the inbuilt Garmin navigation.

You can also watch DVDs on these. Great for dealing with boredom on long trips.

cheers

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- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

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AnswerID: 429971

Reply By: Andrew - Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 12:06

Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 12:06

Hi John

Currently running a Navman 55T. fourth Navman I have had and by far the worst.

Lousy touch screen, home button just where you grab the unit to do anything so you disappear from the operating screen and the mapping is a bit strange.
I heard the yanks bought the company (not confirmed) and changed to their mapping instead of "where is" and its definitely not as good
found the Garmin excellent while in middle east and friends love their tom toms

Other friends with in built systems have very variable results depending on mapping system. "where is" seems to work best.

regards

A

AnswerID: 429977

Reply By: Andrew & Jen - Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 15:01

Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 at 15:01

Hullo John
For "on road" navigation, I use a Nuvi 255. Uses Where Is and usually provides good advice re routes / lanes to take. In max detail/zoom mode, provides a surprising amount of detail. Quick response and rarely loses the plot :-)
For "on track" navigation, I use a Seeka. This has a 7" screen and runs Windows CE with OziExplorer CE, has all the 250 000 maps for Australia plus most Hema maps and other more detailed maps of specific areas. It also has a heap of other stuff that I probably won't use. Pleased with it to date.
Regards
Andrew

AnswerID: 429983