GPS Navigator for the US

John259

IMHO it's rarely worth diverting to avoid a toll road or bridge in the USA, because in most cases the extra mileage will cost you more in fuel. Of course, you might want to take the diversion for other reasons, such as it being more scenic or more interesting. For example, the latter applies to I-44 in Oklahoma from the Missouri border to Oklahoma City where an alternative is part of old Route 66.

If you're visiting the San Francisco area, watch out for the electronic toll only system on the Golden Gate Bridge southbound:
http://goldengate.org/tolls/

GPS devices, like Google Maps, will tend to route you via interstates (the US equivalent of motorways). While interstates are usually the fastest way to get from A to B, they're also usually the least interesting option. GPS devices can also direct you via freeways through big city centres whereas a longer route around the city could be less stressful.

But for directions to and through unfamiliar places, especially getting you into the correct lanes on multilane freeways, these devices are very useful.

Crispy_Ambulance

I love paper maps and use them for planning. On our recent roadtrip, however, we pre-ordered a garmin nuvi from Walmart, with lifetime updates, and it was invaluable - especially in cities where a lot of maps just don't have enough detail. Also, if you miss a turn the satnav will reroute you rather than berate you which makes life much easier for everyone!

wiogs

Deleted_User wrote: »

The only problem I have found with navfree is that it's impossible to delete your history so after a while the number of routes adds up and it becomes a bit of a drag.
But other than that for free it's brilliant.

Not sure what platform you are using but is perfectly possible, on iOS, to clear your destination history.

Preferences=>Clear recent destinations

jumperabv3

Can I ask you if it's worth having both mobiles, THL T5S mobile as well as Nokia Lumia that can be used as GPS and more?

rustyboy21

Unless you can use 2 mobiles I would just go for either option you have been given.


If you want to see what features the Lumia has, click on below, it has got really good reviews on this site and Amazon.


http://www.nokia.com/gb-en/phones/phone/lumia625/


I only got that one, as it had a flash on it, was in my price range I wanted to spend and had the facility to put an SD card in it up to 64gb. There are Cheaper ones. I got the SIM free off Amazon and put my Tesco Mob micro SIM in it. I am not a gamer/FBer etc, I just want a phone to call, text pick up emails and take quick pics. The off line Nav was great for me, but will only use it abroad for that, ofr if I have a hire car ever as my new car has full sat nav already fitted.

jumperabv3

Just an update after the holiday:

I stayed with THL T5S, it's a great Android mobile ... I downloaded CoPilot with USA maps and it was brilliant! You could find any address there, it was quite accurate and I paid extra few pounds to get Active Traffic there ...

I read about lots of other programs but this one just was excellent for us, it took us anywhere we needed to go.

Bri1

Previously I just pre ordered a US sat nav on the US Walmart site for in store pick-up, picked it up on arrival, lifetime map updates & live traffic for about £45, better spec than any UK one I have had, worked fine on two trips, keep or re-sell when you get back