Car Satellite Navigation Systems

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morgie · #1 Post by **morgie** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 8:28 am

Hi guys,

I'm looking to pick some brains on anyone's experience of car Sat. Nav. systems. I'm looking for a system to use (between a number of cars). I've looked at various Garmin, NavMan and TomTom's, but would appreciate any input. My basic spec. stands at:

1.) Must be portable - easy to transfer between cars.
2.) Includes European Motorways (I'm in the UK).
3.) Includes European towns/cities
4.) A fair size display - small isn't necessarily best.
5.) Can detect speed cameras
6.) Costs around £300 – I am willing to look a little either side for something that meets the spec.
7.) Easy to update software when needed.

Being able to play MP3's, or having Bluetooth capabilities would be an added bonus, but I realise these will affect price.

Also, is anyone to advise of systems that will be compatible with Microsoft Autoroute? Are most, except for TomToms?

Thanks in advance for any help.

ppotz · #2 Post by **ppotz** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:17 am

I added Bluetooth to my T30 and use a Garmin GPS10.

For software, MS Streets & Trips.

The hardware is outstanding. I had a few problems finding the correct drivers - but since resolving that issue, performance has been excellent.

MS S&T works - but has been something of a disappointment. It does the job and the degree of detail sometimes astonishes me - but the maps appear to be up to three years old (in some places), the interface is clunky and outdated and the software itself somewhat quirky. MS S&T comes in "euro" versions - with (I am sure) similar features and shortcomings.

Total cost (not including my time for installation of the BT card and drivers) was well under your price limit.

There are other software and all-in-one hardware products out there that I'm sure would be much better, but none that I am aware of that could detect speed cameras and handle navigation duties in one package.

As for MP3s - I plug the "headphone" jack from the Thinkpad into the "AUX" plug found on many car stereos. Even on my longest drives (8 hours plus) in some of the most remote parts of the country (northern Ontario, Canada) I never run out of music.

Cheers!

umern · #3 Post by **umern** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:21 am

I recently bought a Fujitsu Siemens Loox N500 with Navigon 5 for a bargain £189 from: www.shopFujitsuSiemens.co.uk

Intel XScale PXA270 312 MHz
64/64 MB ROM/RAM
3.5" TFT Active Matrix - Transflective - 16-bit (64k colours)
SD Memory Card - 256 MB
IrDA
Lithium Ion 1200 mAh
Integrated GPS functionality
Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition

Comes complete with an SD Card preloaded with UK Maps, Car mount etc and a DVD with other Maps.
You can then buy Activation codes from the Navigon website for other areas, installed them from the DVD.

I am very happy with the Loox N500 - have also installed TomTom 5 on their and they both coexist happily (had to buyer a bigger SD card). The full blown PDA functionality means I can listen to MP3, play games etc and also use the organiser facility.

Also, since it is WM5 you dont lose your data if the battery runs flat. So, even if you only use it occasionally you should be OK

nutjobox · #4 Post by **nutjobox** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 6:35 pm

i just tested out M$ streets and trips 2007 with a generic nemix gps reciever ($40). Works GREAT! ....... on my blackberry, the gps software is extremely limited, its a great tool in case of emergency because you wont be lost, but for everyday use you cannot beat a laptop with streets and trips.

the only disapointment ive noticed is the voice directions. it will say 'turn left' or 'turn right' and all that good stuff, but it doesnt say the road's name.

If there are any better gps applications out there for windows i would like to know. for now, s&t is awesome.

Phazer · #5 Post by **Phazer** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:16 pm

It doesn't meet your qualifications of radar detector & mp3 player but I've used a Garmin StreetPilot III for years and love it.

Stargate199 · #6 Post by **Stargate199** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:40 pm

Now, I never have used a Nav system in a car, but apparently TomTom's are great. I heard this as a rumor and it might be available now, but you can replace the original voice with that of several voices, including Mr. T. That would be so cool to hear "Turn left here, fool!"

egibbs · #7 Post by **egibbs** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:08 am

I've played with GPS software for years, used Delorme Street Atlas (both laptop and handheld), Pharos Ostia, and TomTom. Never had a dedicated device though.

Currently I'm running TomTom 5 on a WM5 smartphone using a Pharos Bluetooth receiver. TomTom is by far the best I've seen - UI is easy to work with the fingers and the traffic rocks - shows you any tie-ups along your route and offers the option to replan the route. I'm in the US so speed cameras are not a big deal (yet) but TomTom has speed camera subscriptions available for Europe.

Running it on a phone is great because it constantly updates the traffic info in the background (unlimited data plan a must).

Ed Gibbs

#8 Post by **tomh009** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:29 am

Stargate199 wrote:Now, I never have used a Nav system in a car, but apparently TomTom's are great. I heard this as a rumor and it might be available now, but you can replace the original voice with that of several voices, including Mr. T. That would be so cool to hear "Turn left here, fool!"

Or better yet, John Cleese.