best satnav?

Neil_Jones

wongataa wrote: »

And when you can't get a mobile signal it is a bit useless. You need offline mapping for a decent satnav really. Phone apps exist that have that facility.

Google Maps has an Offline Maps ability, so it's not totally dependent on a mobile signal, though the more useful stuff will require a signal such as traffic/congestion delays.

JP1978

I always use TomTom app on my phone (the map is downloaded so very very minimal data charges).

Not sure if you are aware but TomTom have a deal with vodafone - they provide user location data so that live traffic can be detected, that combined with other external sources IMO offers the best traffic detection there is.

I often see an icon on TomTom saying traffic in, for example 700 yards and a bar showing me where the queue starts. 9 out of 10 times, it is accurate to within 50 meters.

TomTom will also constantly check for faster routes depending on local traffic and show you the time saving.

I am sure that Google Maps does similar, I just prefer the TT interface. You can download the TT app for free and get 50 miles of navigation a month for free. After that, its like £15 a year which includes the traffic, speed camera locations

wongataa

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Google Maps has an Offline Maps ability, so it's not totally dependent on a mobile signal, though the more useful stuff will require a signal such as traffic/congestion delays.

Which is fine if you plan the route when you have a mobile data connection but if you need to start a route when you don't Google Maps is useless. Just something to be aware of.

Debbie_Savard

>and preferably a dashcam<

You're trying to cram too much together, get a good dashcam and a good satnav. They're totally different in how and where you install them and use them.

FWIW, I've used a TomTom GO 5000 for close to three years and it's never missed a beat.

custardy

mgfvvc wrote: »

I've used Google Maps very occasionally and it has locked up on me twice. Both times, by the time I realised it hadn't updated the directions for 5 minutes I had missed my turning and had to find somewhere to pull off and restart the phone.


I've never had that problem with my cheap Garmin.

and I have never had Google map-s freeze
I say this as a Garmin fan and owner. However I only use my Garmin on long planned journeys. G maps for every day use

coffeehound

My Garmin has thrown the odd fit too, but at least you definitely know when its happening!

Uxb

Waze app on mobile

ferry

I have had both a Garmin unit and now a TomTom and the Tom
Tom is far more accurate.
I thought they all use the same satellites etc but must be something different
about the TomTom unit as it seems to alert me to upcoming turnings a bit quicker

[Deleted User]

I don!!!8217;t see the point in buying a stand alone unit when the phone apps work just as well unless you!!!8217;re using it for business like taxi driving etc.

DCFC79

mgfvvc wrote: »

I've used Google Maps very occasionally and it has locked up on me twice. Both times, by the time I realised it hadn't updated the directions for 5 minutes I had missed my turning and had to find somewhere to pull off and restart the phone.


I've never had that problem with my cheap Garmin.

Ive used Waze, Google Maps and Co Pilot and the first 2 haven't frozen on me but maybe CoPilot has.