The GPS thread

[feo]

Hi guys

I thought I'd start a little thread where we can discuss everything GPS related.

I have a question on the subject but I hope we can consolidate all GPS related Q's into one thread. If I was a bit more clued up I would've written a FAQ or something.

Anyway here's my question, very simple: my budget is R5000 and I'm looking to buy a GPS for my car. Now I can't decide on which brand to go for, Garmin or TomTom?

The Garmins have a feature where you can pair your phone to the unit via Bluetooth which is oobercool but do the TomTom's also have this feature?

Which models should I be looking at in my price range? I want something which has accurate up to date maps.

 

[feo]

GARMIN NUVI 610 GPS System

or

Tom Tom Go 720?

Anyone?

 

[quovadis]

I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 610 from Makro - works like a bomb and I think I use the handsfree bluetooth function more than the GPS. The Garmin vs Tom Tom has been debated quite a bit. I went Garmin for one reason - the maps. It seems Garmin's maps are better than the Tom Tom in South Africa - I have two colleagues that have owned both units and they swear by the Garmin maps.

Tom Tom has some cool "Social" type functions like messaging and sharing current positions with friends/family but they require GPRS or similar and I really didn't have a need for it.

 

[The_Techie]

I know a few people with Garmin GPS' and everyone (except one) is happy with them

Don't know too much about GPS' though

 

[feo]

Cool, keep the suggestions coming. The Bluetooth feature really appeals to me, is the sound quality of calls good.?
Is it possible to update the Garmins with the latest maps if there are new maps?

 

[quovadis]

The call quality is really excellent. In regards to maps - I havent actually checked for updateable maps for the unit but I do know that you can download updated Point of Interest updates that list things like shopping centres, traffic camera positions etc.

 

[adsl3g]

Cool, keep the suggestions coming. The Bluetooth feature really appeals to me, is the sound quality of calls good.?
Is it possible to update the Garmins with the latest maps if there are new maps?

Yes totally - updates around 2 per year - you pay for one and you get one free in a year. The new 2008 maps are due out anyday now and if you bought your Garmin after 25 Feb 2008, you will be able to get the updated maps for free (I think u=you pay R50 for the media n.l. a DVD)

See www.garmap.co.za for more info, they also have a forum to discuss the various Garmin GPSr's

 

[glovesoff]

GARMIN NUVI 610 GPS System

or

Tom Tom Go 720?

Anyone?

Why settle for one when you can have both? Get a Nokia cellphone with integrated GPS and you can install both the TomTom and Garmin software on it. This setup works great for me.

 

[Leftfoot]

Why settle for one when you can have both? Get a Nokia cellphone with integrated GPS and you can install both the TomTom and Garmin software on it. This setup works great for me.

I totally agree.....I have a Nokia N95 with Garmin software (including voice promts and POI's speedtraps etc) I dont see the point of having another device (for R5000) when you can have it all on the phone.

Somthing else, If i need an update I just update directly from the phone....I dont have to go home , hook it up to the PC dowload the update etc.

I have 6 different GPS software apps on my N95 and I got the phone free on contract....didnt outlay an extra cent for the software.

Am I missing somthing here?

 

[The Axe Dude]

Is there like...a USB module I can attach to a laptop that will function as a GPS...Although I am just imagining the cost...Eish!

 

[Highflyer_GP]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 200 Widescreen, it gives me everything I need so I see no point in spending any extra. Why would you need it to interface with your phone anyway?

I totally agree.....I have a Nokia N95 with Garmin software (including voice promts and POI's speedtraps etc) I dont see the point of having another device (for R5000) when you can have it all on the phone.

Can your phone stick to a windscreen and does it have a large and clear display?

 

[Leftfoot]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 200 Widescreen, it gives me everything I need so I see no point in spending any extra. Why would you need it to interface with your phone anyway?

Can your phone stick to a windscreen and does it have a large and clear display?

My phone sits neatly behind my steering wheel of my Renault Scenic (nice open space there-very visible) and hooked up to the cig lighter for power. There are holders to stick the phone to the screen if you need it.

The screen is a little small but it does just fine. I love the way the Garmin software switches to night mode at sunset to reduce the brightness. I think its clear enough, and the voice is guiding you anyway.

 

[Highflyer_GP]

Yeah I get what you're saying but I prefer standalone products, they often do their jobs better than all-in-one products. Keep in mind that not everybody has a space for their cellphone behind their wheel, and using your phone to navigate while driving can be a safety hazard. Think about all-in-one printers, or all-in-one DVD players with built-in amps, etc. You're better off getting each component separately. And yeah the Garmin night mode rocks

 

[Leftfoot]

Yeah I get what you're saying but I prefer standalone products, they often do their jobs better than all-in-one products.

I get ya! .... bear in mind that you are a Highflyer in GP while I am just a dude in Richards Bay that has a tight budget to watch!

Stand alone is mostly better.....just recalling my DVD/VHS combo machine....nightmares!

 

[Skeptik]

I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 610 from Makro - works like a bomb and I think I use the handsfree bluetooth function more than the GPS. The Garmin vs Tom Tom has been debated quite a bit. I went Garmin for one reason - the maps. It seems Garmin's maps are better than the Tom Tom in South Africa - I have two colleagues that have owned both units and they swear by the Garmin maps.

Tom Tom has some cool "Social" type functions like messaging and sharing current positions with friends/family but they require GPRS or similar and I really didn't have a need for it.

AFAIK the maps come from the same company.
==
The best advice is to pop down to the shop and try each of them. You can do it even if the GPS doesn't get a signal.

1. Browse the map.
2. Is the screen big enough?
3. See if the touchscreen works well for you.
4. See the way everything is displayed in 3d & 2d with the graphics, the symbols & colours.
5. Practice typing in an address - see which one is better. Is the onscreen keyboard too small for your fingers.
6. Try to change a street name on the map. Is it possible - How long does it take.
7. Try out the sounds and different voices for the directions.
8. Try out other features, picture viewer etc.
9. Check the car fittings and see which one is best.
10. Ask about the storage options. Which one is cheaper or do you need a special SD card.
11. Ask about map updates and costs. (This is always the interesting question.)
12. Ask about accessories such as a case etc.
13. Ask about support and extra costs such as subscriptions.
14. Research your phone's compatibility with the bluetooth.

Bear in mind that new models will be out shortly in Europe such as the TomTom730 and a new Garmin. Do you need the features they will offer.

 

[Kevin T]

Greetings Guys

I have had the the misfortune of purchasing a Telefunken Navi about a year ago. I needed to get map updates and had no joy with the Dealer, Distributor , software supplier, manufacturer. I now need to get maps for Oz and I am still having the same problem. I do not know what to do apart from saying buy a different type. The entire network involved with Telefunken is oblivious to the world around them. Is there any way someone here can help me short of telling me to buy a new different make.

 

[someinfo]

I actually tried the Nuvi 710 and the tomtom 720 from makro. Interestingly the garmin had the correct maps while the tomtom 720 did not have quite a few roads around centurion(although they both have the same source of data). Also the so called mapshare feature of the tomtom is useless when there are no roads on its maps where real ones exist. I reported the missing roads via thier mapshare feature and am waiting for some action. The tomtoms fm radio is quieter compared to the garmins. The tomtom is for my money better because it was always ready to navigate from turn on within 15 secs while the garmin struggled for up to 5 mins sometimes. I couldn't live with the startup problems of the garmin and opted for the tomtom with its TTS feature. I shoulda tried the garmin nuvi 660 but I didn't have the time.

 

[kayvee]

TT maps are currently V6.8 for SA, and yup, Garmin March 2008 mapset is out, haven't checked the detail yet, it's on the agenda for the weekend!