What is the difference between postcode searches?

CobraDMX

Hi everyone,

I've made a few searches across these forums, and read the Newbie sticky at the top of this forum but I didn't find the answer to my question. I'm sure it is a very simple one, though!

I have seen in many places that the NavMan iCN520 supports only a five-digit postcode search whereas the TomTomGO 300 supports a "full" seven-digit postcode search. What is the difference in actual terms? Is the NavMan less accurate, or can it not accept some postcodes?

I have been considering either a TomTomGO 300 or a NavMan iCN520. I think I would prefer the NavMan because it is slimmer and therefore more portable for walking, or just throwing in my rucksack.

I would be grateful if anyone could enlighten me on the subject of postcodes, or point me towards a thread detailing the differences.

Regards,

CobraDMX

kartracer · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 3:03 pm Post subject:

A 5 character postcode covers quite a large area so you would normally also have to enter a street name. A 7 character postcode can pinpoint a location to within a few houses, close enough for driving to your final destination without further input, and only needing a house number to identify a specific building. I have seen it reported elsewhere that only the UK and Holland have 7 character postcodes.
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Kam

CobraDMX · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:42 pm Post subject:

kartracer,

Thank you for your reply.

In a nutshell, there is no difference in functionality but you have to spend longer programming in your destination?

CobraDMX

kartracer · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:34 pm Post subject:

CobraDMX · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:54 pm Post subject:

Thank you for your advice, kartracer. I think I'll go for the NavMan iCN520, and maybe buy a 256MB SD card to go in it, too. Smile

martike · Regular Visitor Joined: Aug 02, 2005 Posts: 194

Robin2 · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:44 pm Post subject:

kartracer · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:40 pm Post subject:

I have a friend who lives in France, and he tells me that their 5 digit postcodes frequently cover an area much larger than a single village!
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Kam

mugwump · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 11, 2005 Posts: 54

I have a vague recollection that ALL of Paris is a single postcode. 8O

Could be wrong so dont quote me on it.

martike · Regular Visitor Joined: Aug 02, 2005 Posts: 194

.... and I live in Luxembourg (remember I said "small countries", so France isn't a good example to quote) where a four-digit code is good enough to define a very small area. If our P&T went to 7 digits, there'd be enough codes for everyone to have their own !

CobraDMX · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:11 pm Post subject:

Does anyone know if it is possible to input a GPS coordinate (eg. "N 50° 43.943 W 003° 05.367") into the unit and have it guide you there/point you in the right direction?

Just fancied giving geocaching a shot for a laugh.

kartracer · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 4:27 pm Post subject:

CobraDMX · Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:31 pm Post subject:

That's a shame - I did fancy giving it a shot. I was thinking that it would have a fit about being away from the roads, but I hoped that it would be at least smart enough to highlight the desired area, point the way and keep quiet.

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