Need a New Sat Nav

foxtrot_mike

I need a new sat nav, the map data and routing information is now too out of date and getting frustrating.

I don't use a sat nav very often, probably only 5 or 6 times per year to navigate me on the last legs of my journey.

But as I use it often to find locations in very remote areas such as for walking in moorlands I could do with the facility to enter a grid reference into it as opposed to a post code, im not sure if such a device exists.

I have an Iphone which i could consider an app for, in fact im going to try the navfree app but i think id prefer a dedicated sat nav with the maps pre loaded rather than being loaded from 3G.

Im not fussed about traffic information or speed camera information but the quality of instructions and display layout of the map is very important to me.

I find it very hard to translate verbal instructions into the visual outlay of the road so the instructions and map layout is the most important.

But it would also be good to have a sat nav that gives known scenic routes, the ability to add vias, and exclude or include certain roads / locations

Also one where updating the map information is available and even free!

Cost is less than an issue but don't want to be spending a fortune for the intended frequency of use but I do need the functionality above.

blinkythefish

I'm in the same boat. I only want UK mapping. Ideally it should offer an updateable list of speed cameras, display the estimated arrival time and offer the ability to install custom voices. I'm sure Which have this information, but I'd rather have real user views.

funkycoldribena

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRN7ef43poffqxJOWmFGzm1vn67dFFmKKkp5dHe1ZbCybAn29EE_A

I use this-does everything you want.

RichGold

The Tom Tom site sells refurbished ones for about £70. I've had one 2 years now, and the tom tom one i have lets you enter a grid reference.
http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/products/tomtom-outlet-store/

Although an app for your iphone would probably come in cheaper.

foxtrot_mike

After some research im looking between Tom Tom and Garmin and I think perhaps quality of instructions are going to be important to me therefore i want a 5inch screen and the advanced visual instructions.

Looking at the Tom Tom start 25 and the garmin Nuvi 1440

Any ideas?

Weird_Nev

If you are due an upgrade on your phone, consider an HTC device: My Desire does the full Sat Nav bit through Google maps and 'google nav'. I spent £15 on a car charger and cradle for it and it's been perfect for occasional use. It even handles calls in the background whilst navigating.

foxtrot_mike

I have an Iphone and have considered using Navfree or TomTom or garmin apps for that but I think id prefer a dedicated device

Piggo_2

Try checking out some of the online testing reviews of the newer models, that's what we've been looking at. We can't make up our mind so a friend gave us theirs for a while, its a Mio Spirit one, not bad and pretty simple to use. Will see how we go with it.

getmore4less

My Navigon came with 2 years free updates, new models seem to get a voucher for money off

I like the features especialy the display but not sure if map ref is an option on new ones.

Gloomendoom

Both my Garmin and my built-in car sat nav can take latitude and longitude coordinates. Not quite as user friendly as an OS grid ref but usable none-the-less.

BlueFox

I have recently bought a TomTom Start 20 & am very pleased with it, starts up & finds satellites quickly & gives clear directions.

I looked around at lots of different sat navs & read plenty of reviews & decided this was the one for me

I have had several different makes in the past but I find TomTom more efficient and user-friendly. I don't use my sat nav all that often, probably a couple of times a month & for this the TomTom Start 20 is ideal. I also have an iPhone & have used NavFree & for what it is it's not bad at all, but it is a free app & you do get what you pay for. The TomTom iPhone app & mount would cost more than a stand-alone sat nav so that was also a no-no.

It all comes down to personal preference but I can recommend the latest TomTom.