Sat Navs

[Vernon B]

JudgeMental - 2007-11-17 11:50 PM

 

Who told you you cant upgrade maps? and what model have you?

 

I have a Garmin 2610 and upgraded to latest V9 this year for approx £40 new maps due in new year so I would wait now....

 

Believe me judgemental it ain't possible. Mine was the very first unit that Garmin produced for the automotive industry. Its called a Street Pilot but has no model number - they obviously thought it would be the first and last. It's very rugged, reliable and destined to become a collectors item (any offers?) but comes with a pre-installed base map that can't be changed. It is possible to buy street level overlays but they won't solve the problem of an outdated base map. But thanks for the comments

 

Vernon

[icdsun]

Mel

 

As far as I know it still needs it if the PDA is hard reset as the licence file is not visible when you reload, if you do a full backup of your PDA that should cover it, we have only had 1 from the 14 units we are using do this on us and they sent us new software and been OK since. The latest version 7 is pretty nifty, we do use it for vehicle tracking and sending messages to engineers whilst they are driving over the web, but CoPilot is not for everyone as TomTom is not for us, I quite liked the Garmin units and appreciate why a lot of people like the simplicity of TomTom, they are all great until they stop working :-)

[Basil]

Tom Tom has got to be the one to go for, now they have the drop on all the others with the instant FREE online map updating, you aren't going to get more up to date than that particularly as the others are stating that their maps are at best 12 months out of date and you normally have to pay for updates. That must have shot all the others out of the water as the most annoying thing with any Sat Nav has got to be out of date mapping.

I'm looking at the GO520 or 720 with possiblyT version, though the ONE Mk3 and XL now have the same facility. After all the agro trying to get updates for Navman at a rediculous price I shall look forward to this, the 720 is getting 6 stars out of 6 stars in most reviews.

 

Bas

Edit P.S. It comes complete with free updating Camera database as well.

[Guest JudgeMental]

 

Well at last Garmin have come up with the goods!

 

The new nuvi 700 series has the ability to download routes from a PC. as long as you have separate maps which I have. so you can plan trips on large screen and download to unit as you could with earlier models but not with nuvi 600 series.

 

I would not touch TT with a barge pole, just look at the problems with new units over on GPS forum they seem never ending...

 

a reason I have seen for this is that Garmin manufacture everything in house and TT farm manufacturing out to others. plus Garmin costumer service excellent and TT described by many as a brick wall *-)

 

 

[Basil]

JudgeMental - 2007-11-19 5:57 PM

 

1) The new nuvi 700 series has the ability to download routes from a PC. as long as you have separate maps which I have. so you can plan trips on large screen and download to unit as you could with earlier models but not with nuvi 600 series.

 

2) I would not touch TT with a barge pole, just look at the problems with new units over on GPS forum they seem never ending...

 

3) a reason I have seen for this is that Garmin manufacture everything in house and TT farm manufacturing out to others. plus Garmin costumer service excellent and TT described by many as a brick wall *-)

 

 

Hi Judge,

 

1) However the mapping will never be as up to date as TT until they start to offer the same updating facility, that would need to be free as well I know currently they are not.

 

2) I don't have one myself, yet, but friends that do have had no problems at all, I can't say I have seen anyone make comment on this forum.

 

3) As said cannot comment personally but one friend who has just got a GO 720 T had a PDA version before and he holds their customer service in high regard. Can't comment on manufacture but my experience with my Streetpilot III was not impressive typical shody American (Mexico) build which is where I believe you will find the new stuff is made, no different to sourcing from Taiwan really.

 

Just an observation, every test I have seen for the GO720 has given maximum marks and no mention whatsoever has been made about service issues.

So I guess as usual you pay your money and take your choice, after my experiences with both Garmin and later Navman I would not buy another from either but not for the same reasons.

 

Bas

 

[Guest JudgeMental]

Before you spend your money I suggest you look at a dedicated GPs forums.

 

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/hot_topics.php

 

reports have died down now so maybe issues fixed. I was going to get the 720 or 920 on release but the new TT has/had truly shocking quality issues. things where so bad that people with units with minor faults scared to send them off as replacements where reported to have more faults - this was what was happening. the "hot topic list" was until recently full of complaints.

 

TT customer service has always had a poor reputation. As for "free" mapping we will have to see how that pans out. I am just glad that at last there is a GPS that allows planning on a computer screen and downloading to GPS as earlier Garmin units did. I find this invaluable and it is why I have not upgraded.

[empress]

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunately, I downloaded the TomTom at Home programme right at the beginning and it was then it would not allow me to download the new French maps. I will be away from the PC for a few days now, but will have another go when I get back online. I'll let you know if I have better luck this time.

 

Empress

[hapi_chappie]

Chatterdog.... There's a lot of good opinions already offered here, particularly to check GPS forums before buying.

My 2p's worth? Don't confuse Routing functionality (Autoroute) with Navigation functionality (Garmin, TomTom etc).  They are complimentary, but fulfill different requirements - I use both regularly.

I agree with the contributor that values the Garmin 700's ability to research a route on a PC and download that to the Sat Nav. It's a useful and powerful feature.

POI updates work similar on all main devices.  Certainly I've added lots of categories to my Garmin Nuvi and it works well.

Mapping quality comes from the data supplier and is dependant on them for accuracy, updates etc.  Garmin and TT are able to update maps.

Personal preferences will be a big factor as there are differences between major vendors. EG: Tom Tom are good at marketing and has prettier icons. Garmin has a smaller form factor (useful when removed from your vehicle) and I think a superior visualisation of the route ahead - It's dynamic and adjusts the scale depending on distance to next junction.  You choose what matters to you.

All options are only an aid to finding your destination, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle as some of the routes will suggest roads that are unsuitable. One of the benefits of routing programmes (Autoroute) is the greater functionality on road types etc.

finally - don't forget that spending money on gadgets is meant to be FUN :-)

Graham

[Miami]

Regarding the problem of being sent down narrow roads, I have received a reply from Garmin stating that the vehicle options on all their software only alters the time of arrival rather than looking at suitable routes for lorries, bicycles, walking etc.

That is not made clear on their instructions at all. I bought my Nuvi on the strength of this so if you are looking for this option beware.

I don't know of a unit that does this unless you are prepared to pay a fortune.

[hapi_chappie]

Miami is correct.  This is a benefit of Routing SW (Autoroute), it has many options for specifying type of road preferences.

The sat nav companies claim to be restricted by the map data providers.  It is a strong requirement that the mapping companies collect additional information of roads, which the sat nav companies can then use to implement more advanced features.  IE: The next generation of maps and devices will most likely be much improved.

It's why I suggested Routing and Navigation software should not be confused - they are different, with different strengthes and weaknesses. 

Buy both and get REALLY lost ;-)

[Dave Newell]

I've just read in the November issue of the MCC mag that VDO are launching one that does take vehicle dimensions into acount, height, weight, width etc. Colud be worth a look.

 

D.

[enodreven]

Hi,

 

I have noticed that a number of people keep mentioning that they do their routing on Autoroute than download it to their TT etc. Why don't you just use Autoroute for both functions as it does both superbly well ? if you have the room for the laptop, and if you are tight for space then you may well think of one of these.

 

Asus EEEPC 701

 

I have successfully loaded Windows XP onto my one and I have installed the full versions of Autoroute, Microsoft office Professional, and Mobile Thunderbird onto a 4GB memory stick and so far it appears to work fine.

 

I am going to try the Autoroute GPS system later today and I will let you know how I get on, but it all looks promising at the moment.

 

Hope that Helps

 

Brian

[Guest JudgeMental]

hapi_chappie - 2007-11-22 10:44 AM

Chatterdog.... There's a lot of good opinions already offered here, particularly to check GPS forums before buying.

My 2p's worth? Don't confuse Routing functionality (Autoroute) with Navigation functionality (Garmin, TomTom etc). They are complimentary, but fulfill different requirements - I use both regularly.

I agree with the contributor that values the Garmin 700's ability to research a route on a PC and download that to the Sat Nav. It's a useful and powerful Hi feature.

POI updates work similar on all main devices. Certainly I've added lots of categories to my Garmin Nuvi and it works well.

Mapping quality comes from the data supplier and is dependant on them for accuracy, updates etc. Garmin and TT are able to update maps.

Personal preferences will be a big factor as there are differences between major vendors. EG: Tom Tom are good at marketing and has prettier icons. Garmin has a smaller form factor (useful when removed from your vehicle) and I think a superior visualisation of the route ahead - It's dynamic and adjusts the scale depending on distance to next junction. You choose what matters to you.

All options are only an aid to finding your destination, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle as some of the routes will suggest roads that are unsuitable. One of the benefits of routing programmes (Autoroute) is the greater functionality on road types etc.

finally - don't forget that spending money on gadgets is meant to be FUN :-)

Graham

Hi Graham, regards POI. my ancient Garmin 2610 has no POI facility. Will in all likelihood buy the new 700 in the new year. Garmin site has a "POI uploader" for download that allows the importation of third party POI's. But where can I get relevant sets of campsites, Aires in Europe etc to download to unit?was going to get TT 710/910 and use route convertor for "autoroute" but not very technically minded and was dreading this - the arrival of 700 series has made this unessesary, as I love the functionality of mapsource on a PC. just don't understand why the 600 series nuvi did not allow PC mapping - it was a backward step in my book. the traffic function on the Garmin is also free I believe - no yearly subscription.....

[chatterdog]

Keep it coming guys, I am still undecided as to what to upgrade to, as i said my garmin street pilot 111 map wise is great and hasn't let me down, and i can upgrade the maps but i cannot put my own pois on it. I have always used the bus/lorry option when using it and it has not yet taken me down a route that was bad or not suitable (maybe i've been lucky) I have to say that i prefer the mounting system with mine as in that there are no sucker marks anywhere to be seen once you put it out of view, I have up to the middle of January to decide.

:-S

Many thanks for your imput

[hapi_chappie]

Brian, Why not just a PC?  Form factor, licencsing, instant on, dynamic re-routing and portability are some of the reasons.

I don't always want to lug my laptop with me and I certainly don't want to leave it in whatever vehicle I'm using. I do like having live traffic information and something small & light enough to put in a pocket.

I agree that lots of devices can do lots of things (multi-functional), but on occassions specialist products are more convenient - and the real reason is it's a good excuse to buy multiple gadgets!!

Persuaded yet?

Graham

[hapi_chappie]

There's an excellent and clear article previously posted on this forum that summarises the use of a piece of SW called POI Edit.....  In turn POI Edit can pick up data-sets from various web-sites. EG: gpshandler.

If you follow the article, remembering to export (as a CSV file for Garmin) all files into one directory, then the Garmin POI Loader works perfectly.

One of the things that's impressed me most with Garmin is how simple and robust all the "support" facilities are online. 

As for Traffic updates, if you've bought the TMC feature, you will get free and dynamic traffic updates. But remember this is dependant on bodies like the Highways Agency updating the central database.  The old "GIGO" principal applies.  Garbage In, Garbage Out.  Most of the time I find this useful, but occassionaly I make an executive decision to overrule the technology.  As always, Sat Nav is an aid to be considered, as is common sense and/or experience.

Graham

[enodreven]

Hi,

 

I have or have tried all of the rest, however with the onset of more and more Wifi access throughout this country and Europe I think taking a laptop or something with a reasonable sized screen is becoming more and more the norm, as has been said by others laptops do fulfill a multitude of uses,

 

BUT if I am really truthful I think the point you made below is perhaps more nearer the true reason certainly for me and perhaps a lot of the others. LoL

 

hapi_chappie - 2007-11-22 2:39 PM

the real reason is it's a good excuse to buy multiple gadgets!!

[Miami]

Does anyone know if there is a conversion programme available for routes planned on Autoroute and can then be downloaded to my Garmin Nuvi?

They both use the Navteq maps so I would have though it possible.

[Randonneur]

chatterdog - 2007-11-22 2:59 PM

 

Keep it coming guys, I am still undecided as to what to upgrade to, as i said my garmin street pilot 111 map wise is great and hasn't let me down, and i can upgrade the maps but i cannot put my own pois on it. I have always used the bus/lorry option when using it and it has not yet taken me down a route that was bad or not suitable (maybe i've been lucky)

 

We have the same problem. We have a Mio 268+ that came with MioMap V2 and in January 2007 we purchased MioMap V3, which is excellent but unfortunately will not allow us to download POIs or speedcams from the usual places. It will, hoever, allow you to enter your own POIs singularly, which is a pain in the proverbial. Mio say that on V3 you can use their download facility but unfortunately not our model. So, what do we do? use the current mapping system and buy a speedcam device now that they are legal here or replace the SatNav for something that will do both the routes and speedcamsand is able to download POIs, if there is such a device.

[Miami]

Miami - 2007-11-22 3:27 PM

Does anyone know if there is a conversion programme available for routes planned on Autoroute and can then be downloaded to my Garmin Nuvi?

They both use the Navteq maps so I would have though it possible.

Have found this but am not sure what it converts????

http://www.routeconverter.de/download.html

Loads of Poi's here http://www.poidownload.co.uk/poi/index.php