Decent US Sat-Nav

[dealmaker]

Guys,

Not strictly GT related but could use a US perspective on this please.

I come over to the USA a lot on business and vacation and I am sick and tired of paying exhorbitant sums to hire out a Sat-Nav with my hire car. (usually $13.99 a day plus taxes)

I've had a few problems with the Garmin "Where To" that Avis usually give you - (why for instance doesn't it let you enter ZIP codes as the destination?) - and I wanted to try and ensure I get the best possible unit with the most up to date and relaible maps as well as an easy to use user interface.

Here in Europe the market leader is "TomTom" - and they do make a very nice unit that supposedly covers the USA and Canada (as well as Europe) - but I didn't want to get one of those if anyone has had a bad experience with them in the USA. What other systems do members here have experience of that they can recommend??..or ones they advise to avoid?

Thanks guys!

 

[Empty Pockets]

It appears you have had extensive experience with GPS units, so, I don't know exactly how helpful (or not) this may actually be. But...:

http://hubpages.com/hub/TomTom-Vs-Garmin

 

[Gierkink]

If you have an iPhone use that with Google Maps. It works well for me. Rob

 

[Neilda]

I had the opportunity to try the differential lock on a Land Rover yesterday.

Why?

Because some cretins in a van using 'Tom Tom' ended up in a ditch on my property.

"Did you see the sign saying 'NO ACCESS?"

"Uh, we were using Tom Tom"

"But there's a great big sign saying NO ACCESS"

"We were using Tom Tom"

"Is English your first language? Or perhaps there's a history of mental frailty in your family?"

An hour later and they were on their way leaving a muddy mess.

Sorry Dealmaker, that advances your quest by not a single jot, but at least I got that off my chest - for which I thank you.

:biggrin

 

[ChipBeck]

Gps

Dealmaker,

Garmin (my choice) and TomTom both work well here. Voice control is a nice feature and they seem to get cheaper every month.

Chop

 

[BlackICE]

Both Garmin and TomTom are great. If you are used to TomTom you probably should stick to that one since the learning curve will be nil to none.

 

[dealmaker]

Thanks guys! OK seems like either TomTom or Garmin will be OK - so just depends on what unit I can get the best deal on!

 

[jaxgt]

I like my Tom Tom - plus I prefer saying it over Garmin.

 

[fjpikul]

In the Midwest, it's Garmin all the way since there headquarters are in Kansas. Neil, good story. Chip, did you change your name, or is Chop the evil twin? (Ha, ha, Chip and Chop)

 

[BlackICE]

It appears you have had extensive experience with GPS units, so, I don't know exactly how helpful (or not) this may actually be. But...:

http://hubpages.com/hub/TomTom-Vs-Garmin

Good tip EP. Everyone knows that you don't have any 1st hand experience with any GPS units since you don't drive anywhere.

 

[roketman]

If you have an i phone you can purchase the Magellan Road mate app.I have it and it is terrific!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Good tip EP. Everyone knows that you don't have any 1st hand experience with any GPS units since you don't drive anywhere.

I'm gunna tell Mrs. Moose that you're still pickin' on me..........:tongue

 

[Fubar]

I actually got the TomTom app for the iPhone and then bought the TomTom car-kit. I installed the kit in my GT and hooked the sound up to the aux audio input on the GT Mac system. Now I have all my music, a hands free car kit and a nav system in my GT. Win/Win.

 

[pauleddy]

Garmin Nuvi is small enough to mount on the speedo of the FGT; fits perfectly in the 200 mph area (you can clearly see the "sane" area of the speedo!) and works equally well in the U.S. and Europe. Have used this in Monaco/France/Italy and will use it again this May when over for the Historique's and Mille Miglia. Buy the units from Mega GPS on the web and have it sent to your hotel.

 

[roketman]

garmin nuvi is small enough to mount on the speedo of the fgt; fits perfectly in the 200 mph area (you can clearly see the "sane" area of the speedo!) and works equally well in the u.s. And europe. Have used this in monaco/france/italy and will use it again this may when over for the historique's and mille miglia. Buy the units from mega gps on the web and have it sent to your hotel.

whats sane????????????????

 

[Beach-GT]

I bought a TomTom in Switzerland and it worked perfectly. I sold it because the US map was rediculoulsy priced as an add on. I bought a Garmon (middle priced) and hated it. Took it back. Bought a TomTom One and I love it. Works very well in US. You can put in zip code, or city, or gps coordinates.

 

[MAD IN NC]

I bought a "white box" Magellan from Buy.com for $49.99......

I call it Rosa as it is pre-programmed in Spanish - no option for English. :bored


lesson learned: you get what you pay for.....