Trying to buy my first gps ever. Need some advice

DonkeyBoy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 28, 2007 Posts: 2

Hi

I'm trying to buy a satnav for my dad for xmas and i thought it would be an easy task to just get a tomtom.
I never realised there was so many types available though so would like some help picking out the best one for me.

Firstly my dad is hard of hearing and is not good at glancing at signs while driving. (I know this because i always direct him when its to places he hasnt been before)
So i ideally need a satnav with a loud clear voice and a nice large screen.

So far the only journeys he makes is in the uk. We live in harrow so his journeys will mainly be to and from the following locations:
London, Southsea, Brighton, Rugby, Nottingham and Scotland.
So we need detailed maps in those locations.

My dad doesnt like driving on unlit roads at night. Do any have features to avoid roads like this?

My dad doesnt speed so speed camera locations isnt a neccesity.

I would like realtime traffic updates though i heard that they update from some fm waves so is unrealiable (is this true?).

Im really confused on how to update the satnav with new maps, i see all these horror stories on updating and would like something easy to use (and free if possible).

Prices im looking at would be between £100-180.

Can anyone suggest the ideal model for me please?
Also could explain to me in laymans terms the easiest ways to update maps. Thanks :D

martinloat · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 15, 2007 Posts: 26

This is always a difficult one since so much is personal preference.

The viaMichelin models are reputed to have the best volume.
They are just about to release a new model range so you can pick up last years range for just under the £100 from Argos or Maplin (x930 et al), just assure that they have the 2007 maps as that also assures the latest software.

You do not have as much flexibility as with a Tomtom but this is perhaps not such a bad thing - suck it and see.

Cheers
martinloat

Skippy · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject:

Another question you need to ask is will he ever use it in Europe or does he just want the UK maps. It's cheaper to buy UK only maps but if you ever want to upgrade to all of Europe then it would probably have been cheaper to buy a unit with them installed in the first place.

As for volume, does anyone know of a unit that can play through the car stereo? That would probably solve the problem. Wink

_________________
Gone fishing!

Andy_P · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 12:27 am Post subject:

DonkeyBoy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 28, 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for the advice so far Smile

Yes its only for the uk. Whenever he goes on holiday he never drives since he just goes to relax.

I'm planning to go to some stores on the weekend to have a play with some models but thought i would research a bit before i approach some of these salesmen. (I dont plan to buy straight away though)

I read the review for the tomtom one v3 in these forums.
I really liked the review, it was quite in depth and didnt feel like it was trying to sell me the unit unlike most of the other reviews i see on the net.
Trying to find a similar review for the XL version since i thought a bigger screen would be better for him. Initially i thought it was just the ONE v3 with a widescreen but looks like it has a few other bits to it.

Anyway you have given me a few points to look for in the units i view on the weekend, thanks again!

Andy_P · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 10:47 am Post subject:

Have you seen the reviews page on this site?
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/item-menu.php?idSubCat=11
Although I must admit I couldn't see one for the XL.
There's a quick comparison of lots of models HERE and a review of the XL and others HERE

philpugh · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject:

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