Which GPS

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networkn

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#64294 12-Jul-2010 22:52

Hi There!

I have traditionally purchased NAVMAN GPS's but I have found them fairly average in terms of reliability, though service is generally reasonably good. After my S100 has failed for the third time I am starting to reconsider my idea's around what GPS I should run.

Basically these are the features I want:

1) Easy to Use, I found the screen on the S100 a little unresponsive, and the interface is probably 7/10
2) Spoken Street Names and Navigation is a must.
3) Clearly readable map, I like the navman for this.
4) Traffic Updates ability would be nice.
5) Comes with Windscreen mount or can easily be purchased.
6) I don't require bluetooth, camera's etc etc, I just want something very simple that gets a signal fast.

I have a HTC HD2 with a 4" Screen and I wondered if there was good quality GPS Software for NZ that has
spoken names that works with it, in its native resolution?

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#350468 12-Jul-2010 23:36

I agree with you, Navman is no longer the best GPS device. I would recommend TomTom or Garmin devices for reliability and ease of use.

RedJungle

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#350526 13-Jul-2010 09:41

I also recommend TomTom these days.. unfortunately I don't think you'll find traffic updates anywhere but with a Navman device currently in New Zealand(?)

networkn

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#350528 13-Jul-2010 09:55

Anyone have any experience with service/support for TOMTOM?

marmel

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#351052 13-Jul-2010 19:51

If you select a Garmin device you can get free weekly map updates.

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#351053 13-Jul-2010 19:54

TomTom, you get free updates quite a bit through the TomTom Manage software, also you get free user based updates whcih are good when roads change etc

Sold my TomTom about a month ago and got an Android phone instead :) working well so far

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

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#351257 14-Jul-2010 09:47

TomTom you only get one free "official" map update and only if it comes out within 30 days of your first using the device (and use the "latest map guarantee").

I got caught out, they seem to deliberately ship the device with old maps so when you buy it you update straight away then when the new map comes out 20 days later you've missed out.

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networkn

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#351260 14-Jul-2010 09:54

Hi There!

So no-one knows of any winmo software that does turn by turn spoken directions ?

I thought NavnGO had something in beta a while back?

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#352454 16-Jul-2010 20:15

TomTom Navigator 7 should work on your phone, i was running it on a Okta touch no prob's

System

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#352475 16-Jul-2010 21:28

I would also agree with alot of the people in this thread and recommend TomTom

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#352496 16-Jul-2010 22:07

graemeh: ... (edit)...
I got caught out, they seem to deliberately ship the device with old maps so when you buy it you update straight away then when the new map comes out 20 days later you've missed out.

I think you're being a little harsh here. Units are simply loaded with the current map db at time of manufacture.... and what with shipping/distribution and sitting in the cupboard at the shop there are bound to be map db updates that have come down the line in the interim..... thats why they offer the free update.

For those that produce/maintain the map db's, it's an ongoing thing and not just because Transit is busy building and modifying roads, but also because the accuracy of the base db is continually being upgraded as the map-makers get better quality data.

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#352763 17-Jul-2010 18:11

Shipping a product from the factory to NZ takes up to 6 months, boats are slow and then there is customs etc. Your map will always be out of date, thus the 1 free update.

Even Google Maps is outdated and wrong. They get their data from Map Data who's current map is correct for my street, but a bug slipped in some time ago and for more than a year all on-line maps have an error of my road and there is no way of contacting any of them to get it fixed. Look at the satellite view and ever street view of Jan Place, Pakuranga, Auckland. This road was built about 45 years ago and has never changed. However on the Map Data web site it has been correct for a long time.

To get back on topic, Tom Tom Navigator 7 is tops if you can get hold of it (for sale in the UK and a few other countries). The only snag is you must use their memory card.

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#352767 17-Jul-2010 18:23

Don't like Navman anymore. Their interface I find difficult to use. I now have a TomTom.

TomTom's support desk can be frustrating at times (like trying to find out why we were charged in AU currency recently, plus VAT on top. Their answer indicates they have refunded the order... which doesn't make sense.

Other than that they are pretty good. The support desk has previously given us the maps for USA, Mexico and Canada for free, after a problem when we first got the unit (now we just need to go to the USA to be able to use 'em. lol)

TomTom is easy to use with a good user interface, matched with PC software that makes it easy to update the device (including Map Share updates) and to backup/restore the maps/voices etc on the device.

There is no traffic updates, but found it very good when we were in Australia on the motorways as it gave very clear full-screen graphics on which lane to take to get off on the correct exit.

I haven't experienced any other unit other than Navman and TomTom and Tom Tom is the best out of the two... just be prepared for a little bit extra work occasionalyl if you have to request help via a support ticket.

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As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

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#352800 17-Jul-2010 19:51

Tom Tom also gets my vote. Love the "Home" software that allows regular updates etc to keep at least minor adjustments up to date.

networkn

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#352804 17-Jul-2010 20:18

Navman came to the party and replaced my faulty unit 12 months out of warranty with an EZY40, which I have to say is chalk and cheese to the prior models, it's really very compelling.

I would be interested however if someone had a link to navigator 7 NZ maps and software

Niel

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#352887 18-Jul-2010 07:31

I would be interested however if someone had a link to navigator 7 NZ maps and software

Can be purchased off the UK Tom Tom web site and add NZ map (but only for the phones they approved). It is also available by other means at a >significantly< lower price and works on any Win Mobile 6 phone, but that kind of practice is frowned upon and I do not support it.

Sometimes it is available on eBay, genuine product out of the UK.

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