TomTom Sat Nav

[Lead_Head]

Hello all,

I'm after a sat-nav for my car and I've been casually looking around various websites and decided that I want a TomTom.

Now, my girlfriend has a TomTom 300 that she bought quite a while ago for something like £300. Ideally I don't want to spend that much so the cheaper the better, I think I could stretch to around £200 for one. The 300 also seems pretty chunky from what I can remember.

I won't be using this sat nav abroad, only around the UK. I like the aspect of updating the maps and adding points of interest that I understand can be 'safety cameras'? Which models allow me to do this? I'll put some links below and if anyone can give me some information on each one or provide a cheaper link, or has personal experience with them please let me know!

- Tom Tom GO 300 GPS Recievers (Out of Stock atm)

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...uct&sku=518526

- TomTom One All In One In-Car GPS Navigation System

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...ull&tabIndex=1

- TOMTOM ONE GB ALL IN ONE IN-CAR GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...&category_oid=

Sorry for the massive links, I didn't know how else to put them. If anyone has any better links please let me know!

Thanks for your help.

[directhex]

the tomtom one is like the 300, but smaller, with a much shorter battery, no proper dock, a tinnier speaker, and faster processor. supports all the cool bits like traffic updates over bluetooth over gprs

i use one happily, and it was £215 from pcworld

[!nfil]

http://www.find-tomtom-deals.co.uk/ is a good site to look it if your after the best price, they also do price comparison Garmin Nuvi systems.

Currently Dixons (they're all owned by the same company, meh) seem to be the cheapest but you do need to use the voucher code listed on the site.

[autopilot]

You can pick up PDA/TomTom deals for less than the price of a TomTom One, which also means you have the functionality of a full PDA too. another option, which i have done, is to get a PDA/smart phone (free on contract) and run tomtom on that.

not for everyone, but worth a mention.

[Saracen]

I've used TomTom software on an iPaq as a GPS system extensively all over the UK, and have been very happy with it. A friend has used the same system, and has recently changed to a TomTom 700. He's delighted with it, and has found it works much the same as the software version, but is an all-in-one unit that he can program and update on the PC, then just stick in the car.

With the iPaq version, there are countless POI (Points Of Interest) files you can get (many are free), or you can build your own. I use a custom file to find client sites, but also generic ones to locate the nearest TravelLodge, Little Chef, etc, when I'm on a run. I'd imagine the same POIs could be used with an integrated system, but would have to check. On my unit, I add them simply by copying the relevant files into the right subdirectory on the iPaq.

I've also done a number of tests with other integrated systems and, so far, am still convinced about TomTom. For instance, I've recently run some side-by-side tests with a Road Angel, and while the traffic update system and 'safety' camera warning systems on the RA are pretty slick, it has tried to take me on some VERY strange routes to places. I've had the odd similar routing with a Garmin (car-based) GPS too.

While all-in-one integrated units do certainly offer ease of use, I preferred the iPaq option because of multiple functionality. I use the iPaq a lot anyway, so can convert it to SatNav cheaply, and easily when I need it as such. But unless you have and/or are carrying an iPaq anyway, the integrated unit probably makes more sense.

[directhex]

I'd imagine the same POIs could be used with an integrated system, but would have to check.

You'd be correct. Copy the POI data to the "maps" folder on the SD card supplied with the unit. Assuming you have space, that is (the Go comes with a rather full 64MiB card)

Alternatively, if you have fed your TomTom an intarweb connection, then it can browse & download POI files from TomTom directly (though the choice is limited)

[GeorgeTuk]

I have been using a Garmin i3 Streetpilot which has all the same functions except not a touchscreen (not found it a problem myself) and is therefore only £160.

It also has maps of Northern Europe pre-loaded, which was impressive and changes the side of the road type bits automatically.

Its also not permanent so once the unit is removed nobody knows there is one in the car stopping the recent trend of breaking into cars with TomTom holders to see if there is a unit inside.

Also has Point Of Interest editing and adding.

[autopilot]

Another thing, which standalone TomTom units have a net connectio? I get unlimited gprs for live traffic updates etc.

[360bhp]

Was in the same boat as you.. Looked around alot! Read alot of reviews

Finally went with the TomTom one from currys with £20 off voucher

The TomTom is very easy to "mod" and generally mess round with. Another good one I had in my hands, was the Sony U-50... Very nice to use.. Alot of features, but all simply arranged! Nicer, clearer maps than the TomTom too! Was suprised that it's not bigger than TomTom to be honest.

[directhex]

Another thing, which standalone TomTom units have a net connectio? I get unlimited gprs for live traffic updates etc.

all of the current models, including the Go, do bluetooth for traffic updates

[Lead_Head]

So if I had my w810i phone in my pocket and paired it via bluetooth to my TomTom, it'd use my phone as a GPRS gateway to get live traffic updates?

I prefer the look of the TomTom's from Curry's (around £200), but do they have SD card slots? Can you add POI's?

Thanks for the links as well, I'll have a scout around

[kalniel]

Where do people get iPaq + tomtom software from? I can't find them anywhere near the price of a dedicated satnav box

[directhex]

So if I had my w810i phone in my pocket and paired it via bluetooth to my TomTom, it'd use my phone as a GPRS gateway to get live traffic updates?

yes - but traffic updates aren't free. you get a month in the box, subsequently you pay €40 a year

I prefer the look of the TomTom's from Curry's (around £200), but do they have SD card slots? Can you add POI's?

comes with a 64MiB card, pre-loaded with a vaguely recent TomTom kernel/distro/software & UK maps. if you want more maps, you can buy them on card or CD - but more maps and POIs may neccessitate a larger SD card at some point. POIs are small, and should fit fine, even if the card's already pretty full.

i've not done much hacking with mine, other than changing the boot screen

[GFiSH]

My old man bought the Tom Tom One from Wickes a few weeks back, got 20% off. I used it and was impressed at how easy it was to use.

[Lead_Head]

Cheers guys. I think I've settled for the TomTom ONE. With it being my birthday on Saturday I'll pick one up from Dixons.

Thanks

Oh, any sites for free POI's would be appreciated

[Vini]

I've been using the One for 2 months after switching from a PDA+BT setup. The switch was done because the PDA lagged like a mofo, when it worked. And then i sat on the bluggy and cracked the screen. Grr.

Anyhow, TomTom One - £199 (Free Del) @ Amazon.co.uk