GPS recommendations

[Maverick Jester]

My SO has started a job that requires her to travel largely around Johannesburg at least three times a week, mostly to the CBD, East Rand and southern areas, in order to meet with clients. Naturally, she'd need a GPS for this.

Which brands and models do you guys and girls recommend? I'm more concerned on the accuracy of the map data, navigation methods and ease of use, but I'm not sure which models would be best.

 

[Debeer165]

I would suggest getting a cheap android phone, and testing out the various programs available until one suits you.

 

[Maverick Jester]

I would suggest getting a cheap android phone, and testing out the various programs available until one suits you.

We considered that, but are concerned about the reliability and accuracy of a smartphone GPS. Also, the cheaper Android phones usually have smaller screens and lower specs, and that can affect map rendering and direction provisioning (actually experienced this just last week). Not to mention, it attracts its own data cost, and battery life under such use would be less than ideal (I know that it can effectively be charged the same way as a GPS).

I dunno, we're just more comfortable with the idea of a GPS, considering that it would be quite crucial for her to do her job effectively, and it is a bit more specialised for the role.

 

[GhostSixFour]

Garmin nuvi.

 

[Maverick Jester]

Garmin nuvi.

Noted, thank you.

 

[kripstoe]

Garmin nuvi.

Do they have free map updates now? If so, then yes.

 

[DA-LION-619]

Have you seen Here Drive? It's free and you get to use it offline.



If you really want a gps device then Garmin, as it's easier to update.

Edit: I meant HERE Drive

 

[Hamish McPanji]

Have you seen Here maps? It's free and you get to use it offline.

If you really want a gps device then Garmin, as it's easier to update.

Here maps works. Not as good as Google and satnavs in terms of POI's....but the offline maps make it worth it

 

[Maverick Jester]

So I've looked at the prices of GPS devices, and they're... a bit more than I expected. So, the idea of a midsize tablet (around 7-8") as a GPS has entered my head. Something like a Nexus 7.

I've heard good things about Here Maps, and Google Maps has been my de-facto route planner for a long time, but I've not used it extensively enough as a navigation tool to feel comfortable with it.

But, I'll consider the responses here.

 

[DA-LION-619]

Here maps works. Not as good as Google and satnavs in terms of POI's....but the offline maps make it worth it

I meant HERE Drive, have you tried that? How does the POI's compare to Google maps?

 

[pezulu]

Some of the Garmin units have free lifetime maps.
This means that the mapsets are updated FREE for the lifetime of the unit.

The Garmin Nuvi 3597 has a magnetic cradle, which makes fitting and removing the unit as easy is taking it off the cradle and putting it back onto the cradle.

http://www.garmin.co.za/in_car_premium_series.php



edit: added link

 

[DA-LION-619]

Some of the Garmin units have free lifetime maps.
This means that the mapsets are updated FREE for the lifetime of the unit.

The Garmin Nuvi 3495 has a magnetic cradle, which makes fitting and removing the unit as easy is taking it off the cradle and putting it back onto the cradle.
http://www.garmin.co.za/in_car_premium_series.php

What it means actually is that, if the Garmin came with map set 2014, you'll get upgraded for a new update on that map set like 2014.1 - 2014.2 - 2014.3 etc. Not updated to map set 2015.

 

[pezulu]

From what I understand, and according to the people at Garmin, the mapset is upgraded for a minimum of 2 years, and more commonly 3 years.

 

[Debeer165]

So I've looked at the prices of GPS devices, and they're... a bit more than I expected. So, the idea of a midsize tablet (around 7-8") as a GPS has entered my head. Something like a Nexus 7.

I've heard good things about Here Maps, and Google Maps has been my de-facto route planner for a long time, but I've not used it extensively enough as a navigation tool to feel comfortable with it.

But, I'll consider the responses here.

Haha yeah, the price of a dedicated GPS (decent ones at least) make them pointless to me. Would much rather grab a cheapish android or tablet that I only use for GPS.

Luckily the data is not too much. One can always connect it to home wifi (if you have) for a traffic update before heading off, and use HERE maps offline beyond that. Otherwise, a cheapish data contract or even topup still makes it a good option.

 

[Maverick Jester]

Haha yeah, the price of a dedicated GPS (decent ones at least) make them pointless to me. Would much rather grab a cheapish android or tablet that I only use for GPS.

Luckily the data is not too much. One can always connect it to home wifi (if you have) for a traffic update before heading off, and use HERE maps offline beyond that. Otherwise, a cheapish data contract or even topup still makes it a good option.

I'm thinking that, too. Can get a good condition, used 32GB Nexus 7 3G model for less than R2500. Data contracts are cheap, and we already have a mifi device in case connectivity for maps is needed. Besides, 32GB is more than sufficient for storing offline map data. My only issue would be traffic detail, but Google Maps usually does a good job of informing you of that detail.

It might make sense, too, if I convince her to have her diary synced to her Google account, that way, Google Now could already plot the directions for the meeting beforehand. Hmmm, lot's of positives in this scenario.

 

[Hamish McPanji]

I meant HERE Drive, have you tried that? How does the POI's compare to Google maps?

Yeah, we talking about the same thing. Not as good as google but decent enough for most purposes. I recommend it if you require a cheap (free) offline solution

 

[mak2000]

Does your SO have a phone? Most phones should have GPS included.

Also, the voice direction on the apps such as google maps is pretty accurate and clear. Dont see why you would need a GPS unless you travelling in areas without cellular coverage.

 

[BigAl-sa]

2nd hand Samsung Note phone, and Sygic (recommended) or Here.

The problem with 7" devices is finding a reliable mount. I'm using a tablet suction cup with my Note 1's original holder after the suction cup broke. The Chinese rubbish is not very good.

 

[Bighit]

Yes, like you OP, we also wanted a dedicated GPS. Took the TomTom 500 because of the following:

Free Lifetime map updates
Free Lifetime traffic (as long as you've connected your GPS via bluetooth to a compatible phone eg: s4, s5 etc).

The live traffic re routing was the big selling point for us, Google Maps didn't have this automatic rerouting function built in as this only came in just under 2 months ago.

 

[Aghori]

Go Tom-Tom. I had a Garmin at first but the Tom-Tom is seriously better.