SAT NAV system

[Terry Everall]

My Tom Tom has died after 12 years of use and seems to be dead. I could use my iPhone 6 and google maps but will t cost me?

What replacements could you recommend?

[Onliest Smeg David]

I use Tom Tom Go App (on Android but available for Apple too)

You can trial it for free. But I paid for 3 years use at £35. Downloadable maps are free.

I'm very impressed with it & I would highly recommend it. It shows traffic and traffic cams too.

Only downside is if you like to plan routes on laptop and upload to sat nav - the app will not accept them.

[Terry Everall]

Because the phone uses 3g/4g and masts rather than satellites is this a problem?

 

[Onliest Smeg David]

Sure iPhones have gps. GPS can be used when offline/not using 3G/4G so using phone as sat nav doesn't have to use data. Although data is used for traffic updates.

[John K]

I used to be a dedicated SatNav user, but have been totally won over by Google Maps on the S7 Samsung.

I downloaded map areas to the phone so it doesn't consume any data.

I really like you can look the route up on a proper puter and send it to the phone.

And on the off chance you dont want to use the phone, I've got my old Garmin Nuvi 3597 FTGH if you want it. It had the lifetime maps and traffic updates via the radio aerial. It was a high end unit when I bought it.

[CraigHew]

TomTom go5000, lifetime traffic, map updates, speed cameras etc. Usually on offer somewhere especially at Bank Holidays.  I too used an old TomTom device for about 12 years but I was astonished how much the new ones have leapt forward.

It knows the speed limit of every road, can ping to tell you you've crept over etc.

I don't use it much in the Westfield (unless I'm looking for a specific address / venue) as I prefer the old fashioned "follow the signs use my brain" method, although I do plan the odd route with Tyre (great free programme) which can be uploaded via the cloud to my TomTom 5000.

Yes it's a lot of money but it just works.

[Kingster]

While I like using Google Maps - especially now it downloads a route so you don't worry so much about data - if I am touring, or out on a long run on new roads, I much prefer my Garmin Zumo 390. Like the TomTom Go, it has speed cameras etc. It also has bluetootch to connect to your phone and/or headset (which I use).

The main reason I prefer it though is that it is designed for a bike, and thus as well as being 100% waterproof, it can be used with pudgy gloved hands while on the go. So if you need to change a screen to get some info (like trip distance, eta, miles left, petrol stop, detour etc) then it's dead easy.

Obviously not talking about programming a route while driving type of thing, but a one-tap selection that you can use to quickly switch between a main info screen and the main nav/map screen. With Google maps, it's easy to lose the current route if your phone does something else - then you have to stop and reselect the route. On the Garmin, it's all there and easy to access - as it should be on a dedicated piece of kit.

I used Google maps for the Stoneleigh trip as I didn't want two bits of costly tech to worry about while there - but at one fuel stop, I did something on the phone (music probably) and then people were setting off - so I quickly focussed on getting going. Once moving, it was too distracting and unsafe to try and get the maps back up - especially as it had decide to go into route 'preview' mode and I didn't want to figure out what that meant while driving - especially as it would involve taking gloves off and back on while on the move. So I just stopped using it and followed someone else instead. The Garmin would have been a one or two button selection to get back on track while wearing gloves, so easily done without being dangerous.

[Andy Banks]

Similar to Chris, but I have the TomTom Rider. Designed for bikes with winding routes and waypoints as well as shortest, fastest, etc. Also glove friendly and came with lifetime maps so perfect for the Westy. I also use Google maps on the phone but again as Chris points out, not so easy if you're on your own. A family member got talking to the AA man and he said use Google maps as it's the most accurate at real time stuff.

[Kingster]

Yes, the Garmin does the twisty route thing - and easy to use motogoloco.com to create a route and save as gpx file when planning a trip.

You're right about Google being good with 'live' routes though - I do like the way it shows you congestion and offers you a quicker route.

[Kingster]

Also like the way the Garmin can have a load of waypoints for a nice twisty route, but easy to skip to the end and thus recalc to fastest if you suddenly need to get there in a hurry (ie rain!)

[Rory's Dad]

Google maps for me. Used it at Stoneleigh to find nearest ATM and also nearest fuel - faultless on both counts. GPS seems really accurate too and it's free!

[Terry Everall]

But I guess that the Google maps system does not tell you speed limits, traffic and speed traps? but the Tomtom go does?

[Rory's Dad]

I think it does although I've not noticed.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/710524/google-maps-new-update-speed-limits-safer-driver-android-auto-app

 

[Arm]

Waze. Will do all you need Terry.

[Welly Jen]

Still using an old Tomtom. Hasn't been updated for a while, so it is getting a bit out of date. Still useful though as I know where the coaching inns are to change horses and am warned when approaching highwayman black spots.

Jen