I know nothing about these but now may go this route [ no pun intended ]
I drive a Motorhome.
What would be the best type/model to think about?
I have no need for it to be used abroad at present.
I would like it to be able to be used for walking.
It needs to be simple to setup etc.
Any additional help if you can.
Tomtom.. I use one for my Job all over the uk everyday. I've had lots of tomtoms now on the 740 live, before this it was the 730T.
I also used built in the dash JVCand pioneer, and portable garmin, and navman. The tomtom still kicks! You can even google with the 740 live e.g i needed a kebab last week and i had no idea where one was as i was 30 miles from home. I googled kebeb shop and it showed me one 1 mile away and it took me to it, super eh? you can google anything and navigate to it.
Hi, Thanks for the reply. Have you ever had any bad directions? Also can it be programmed for larger vehicles? so I won't be driving a Motorhome down narrow lanes etc.
please remember I am a total novice with these.
Also can it be used while walking etc?
Does it have to be programmed with Post codes or can other means be used?
Sorry about the questions!! & thanks for the help.
I also use Tom Tom we have 2 the 740 and one of the older versions We NEED Sat Nav for the OH as her sense of direction is hopeless I have never had bad dierections but I have heard all the stories but if you use common sense it shouldn't be a problem Not too sure about inputing the size of vehicle though
As for setting directions you can set Points of interest (POI) and not just postcodes
For walking I would have a good look at the dedicated walking/hiking handheld GPS models from the likes of Garmin or if you have a fairly modern phone can you buy/download maps for the phone HTH's
Steve
I'm on my 3rd sat nav 1st was Medion ( so so ) 2nd Road Angel ( total rubbish ) now use Tom Tom 520, easy, simple to use, just about idiot proof, just remember it's only a tool to get you from A to B, it will take you down narrow lanes etc, so always look at a map before hand, if the road it wants you to take looks too narrow ,it probably is, so go past & let it re-route you
I use a Syrius Snooper S2000 TRUCKMATE, its designed for use by commercial lorries, but has a duel use in that on power on you can select car or lorry mode. On initial use you enter Data for height, width length and weight of vechile. It then warns you of and routes you around width, height and weight restrictions. Plus warning of speed cameras. A useful application allows you to select multi destination. Through software provided, every week or so I download any new info regarding the restrictions. Every year I download updated road maps. It has lots of other Gizmoes and uses which can better be explained by going to their web site
Thanks for all of the replies. I am getting an idea of these now.
I like the Snooper type, is it easy to manage, load & user friendly?
With the Tom Tom's I notice there are several types in use, apart from their price what are the differences between the models?
Can they download up to date maps & if so does this cost?
I had heard Garmin were a better type but it seems as if Tom Tom is now more liked but I suppose it is probably personal preference & what a person has used before.
Mattew, I have no problem with the Snooper and find it very easy to use. Although it is in the slightly dearer end of the market, for me, the extra cost was worth it. All entries into the unit is touch screen. Down loading data ia via a USB and a click on the options and away it goes. In central London I have used it as a "hand held " to locate various Post code addresses. Destinations can be entered as Post Code, Town and or street. It stores all my trips, which can be re selected fast. If you are going to buy one, shop around a bit as the prices do vary between suppliers. When I purchased mine, the web address below was the lowest priced authorised dealer . I would suggest that if you order one, order as an extra the coiled power cable, the one supplied, not being a coiled one is a bit too long, dangling around the dash board becomes a bit of a nuisance.
Whatever you choose I hope you get the one that suits you.With All Kind Regards
Hi Chixycoco,
Thanks for the reply, this type seems to be what is required for larger vehicles. I started reading through the info, I think they make these things look more difficult to use because of all the stuff they say they can do.
With Tom Tom you can download off their webbsite sort of semi updates, that are placed by other Tom Tom users free, but you are best to pay for 1 years map upgrades that can be downloaded on a quarterly basis they will email you when they are ready,if your buying new you will get upto date maps with your unit so thats your first year sorted, if like me you get a used one, i had to pay for a new upto date upgrade, then pay for the next 4 quarters upgrades costing me double, but money well spent, dont know much about the different models only that my 520 series has a bigger screen which i much prefer, as i said earlier ALL sat navs are only a tool to aid you, dont get complacent with it, because sooner or later it will try to take down roads where common sense tells you otherwise
If you want to avoid narrow roads when using sat nav, always select the fastest route, if you select the shortest one you will end up in some very daft places
I have used a number of different makes and i swear by Tom tom its very easy to use has lots of points of interest, you can find sites to load all sorts of POis for free.
Replacement maps are expensive at £70 but i tend to do this on the third year.
Funny places Ive been sent along a rough earth forestry road in Northern Germany it did cut 5 miles off the route but had to dodge the tree carrying lorries.
Ive also been directed across a field on a motor bike in France when i selected scenic route nice vlllages though.
Good point to remember input rubbish and you end up a cul de sac pulling a trailer. with the sat nav stating turn round immediately (your having a laugh).
They are really usefull finding campsites abroad taking you to the entrances.
Never go on holiday without one mine even answers the phone and plays music like an ipod.
I like the TomTom, my brothers & I use them in our lorries, we use the older 700 & 710 versions & find them superb. Obviously if it tells us to turn soemwhere simply unrasonable for the vehicle size, we don't do it. It'll re-route in seconds & if it continually tries taking us down the unreasonable route we ring the delivery point to make sure it is down that road. Common sense has to prevail at the end of the day but I certainly suport the suggestion to buy TomTom.
A mate has a new version & it's got built in hands free without the extra wires I have on mine & his has lots of additional things on it which make it a superb device to have & one which I'll replace mine with when the time comes.
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Topic: Sat Nav [ best type? ]
read this for what it does. 
