Need to buy a Tom Tom

bob_a_builder

I'd recommend NavFree over Waze as it lets you download maps, so you're not dependent on a data connection.

Yes - but you don't get route recalculation based on traffic delays on Navfree !

They are both free - so download both and see which suits

dacouch

chrisw wrote: »

I'm forever disagreeing with my sat nav and it really annoys my wife - 'you always think you know best', etc, etc.

I know exactly what you mean.

Tom Tom came up with a survey, they reckon people taking back roads to avoid traffic to avoid rush hour traffic were actually taking longing than if they stayed on the main roads and followed their (Tom Tom) sat nav.

That's B.S, I drive mostly in London predominantly Central London, if I followed the sat navs directions most of my journeys would take a lot longer especially in rush hour. Sat Navs direct you through main roads which take a lot longer especially when it's busy. This is made worse by everyone else with a sat nav being directed onto the main roads.

If you follow a sat nav in Central London you'll spend most of your time sitting in traffic

[Deleted User]

Iceweasel wrote: »

I prefer the Garmin.

Did you read Bedsit Bob's recent thread?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5124983

Never having had a Sat Nav before, I have nothing to compare it to, but I'm well impressed with my £90 Garmin.

AdrianC wrote: »

No, it doesn't. Not unless you get a higher-end one with some kind of data subscription

I don't have a data subscription (or a bluetooth phone), but mine gives traffic alerts.

It also comes with lifetime map updates.

Iceweasel wrote: »

My Garmin Nuvi does diverts and avoidances due to delays accidents and roadworks.

It receives live 'real-time' updates and informs me of any delays anywhere along the route.

I pay no subscription for that at all.

Same here.

Mine's a Nuvi 55 LMT.

[Deleted User]

AdrianC wrote: »

And how does it receive those updates? Bluetooth from your phone, via your phone's data connection?

None of the above.

[Deleted User]

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

To the OP, I'm surprised that you "Need" a satnav. Sure, they can be a convenient tool, but we always used to manage with a good old map, and maybe an A-Z if we were visiting an unfamiliar town.

In the UK, I don't think I actually need a Sat Nav.

However, having travelled by coach to Germany and back, I wouldn't fancy trying to do it by car, without a Sat Nav.

thenudeone

AdrianC wrote: »

And how does it receive those updates? Bluetooth from your phone, via your phone's data connection?

I'm guessing from a RDS-TMC receiver, which can be built in or bought as an add-on, provided the software accepts it. They don't need a phone of any kind, SIM, bluetooth or use any data allowance. The signal is broadcast via the FM radio.

The TomTom RDS-TMC receivers are about £15 on ebay.

Ebe_Scrooge

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

In the UK, I don't think I actually need a Sat Nav.

However, having travelled by coach to Germany and back, I wouldn't fancy trying to do it by car, without a Sat Nav.

As I said before, they are very handy, I don't deny it. But I used to regularly holiday in France, Germany, etc., long before satnavs were invented. A map and a bit of common sense is all you need. If you have a passenger, then he/she can read the map. If you're alone, write down directions on a post-it note beforehand and keep a map handy. It's not difficult. Even now, I have a satnav app on my phone, but I always plan my route beforehand and know roughly where I'm going.

Yes, a SatNav is very handy, and makes life a lot easier. But it's not a necessity for anyone, and it's certainly not necessary enough to get into debt over.

My brother-in-law is in the army, and they're always told never to rely on satnavs. They're a useful aid, but ultimately they're told to use a map & compass - they don't run out of batteries and they don't lose signal

Stooby2

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

If you have a passenger, then he/she can read the map. If you're alone, write down directions on a post-it note beforehand and keep a map handy.

The reason I got a Satnav is my wife's complete inability to read a map whilst we are moving. Having to pull over to look at a map and then remember where I'm supposed to go got quite frustrating. I don't want to be reading notes while I'm driving. The Satnav makes life a whole lot easier. I still carry a map book, but rarely if ever use it as the Satnav is charged by the car and these days I have maps on the phone as well as a backup (not something I'd rely on solely though).

I do have NavFree on my phone, which for a free Satnav, is pretty good. But it does need to be plugged in whilst in use.