Car GPS for Today's World - 2012

Koffee_Kosmo

Looking for opinions on a portable / plug in GPS for my daughter that is clueless on street directions
I understand that there are a few brands out there - such as Navman, Tom Tom & Garmin
But what brand does it better and without breakdowns

Looking for these features
User 
Speech entry of instructions
Easy to use

Directions
Street names
Best lane to use
Speed advice
School Zone
Red Light & Speed camera advice
Possibly blue Tooth
Or something I have not thought of that could be of use to a driver

I have also seen some tablet style ones from China on the Bay e - but they tend to be more of a media device

So what brands do it best in an instructional way

KK

derrilex

Put a chat entry in but just in case you miss it, Complete Car sound at enoggera ( pickering st) have a good range and are very helpful. As far as whats best, I think they evolve almost weekly at the moment

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1331707644:

Put a chat entry in but just in case you miss it, Complete Car sound at enoggera ( pickering st) have a good range and are very helpful. As far as whats best, I think they evolve almost weekly at the moment

As long as they have the features I noted above and easy to use Then I feel it will fill the brief KK

Beanz

I have used Garmin handheld and car navigation GPS's for quite a few years and always found them to be excellent and reliable. Clear audio instructions and clear maps. Their back up and support is also great. I have not used "speech entry" or had "best lane" to use but all the other features you nominate are available. I suspect those options maybe in the latest versions. There is something new every week ! The bluetooth option is a good feature if you are forced to use a phone and do not have any other bluetooth device built into the car or do not own an add on device such as a BlueAnt. Also very handy if you are in a hire car. You can also dial numbers via the GPS. I find it is not the best quality audio via bluetooth but acceptable I am sure the Tom Tom and Navman are also good. I would stay away from unknown brands, I have played with some but they lacked features, I would also stay away from buying offshore. My past experience was that prices were similar but you ran the risk of having maps of Hong Kong or some other locations that were useless, you can update maps but it defeats the cost savings you were trying to achieve. One of the hardest things is finding a reseller that knows their product and can answer questions and demonstrate the product.

RichardM

I've had TomTom and Garmin (and not the cheapest ones either) and hated them both after time. My absolute favourite GPS is the one built into my Android based phone. It's brilliant...HOWEVER it's illegal to touch the phone while driving. Not sure if anyone makes a pure android Navigation based device that uses google maps.

UNM

Maps and routing are two potential issues. I have an ancient Aldi GPS that works great for me (it currently runs tomTom software and maps). The Sensis maps it came with were useless (90% of local roundabouts missing). Software was 'Route 66' which was OK about routing, but would occasionally pick a less than optimal route. I have tried Tomtom, route66, destinator, IGO. tomtom was a clear winner for me when ti came to picking real world routes that work. I also have Google and Navigon on my phone - rarely use it, but when I do tomTom is better at routing (and doesn't disappear if I get a phone call). I have not tried Garmin or Navman. Whatever you choose, look at cost of upgrading maps (or sourcing maps for other areas if that is likely to be an issue) - I had no trouble getting European tomtom maps for my Aldi device. Nowadays many devices come with several years of free map upgrades, or maps for  other regions bundled in. Ideally buy from a place you can return it if not happy. You will not be able to determine how usable it is in the shop.

Kelsey

My favorite is Sygic mobile maps for iPhone. It doesn't have speech entry (at least not on iPhone 4 - that may be different with Siri on the 4s) but its got everything else, plus is updated regularly and has a walking mode too.

Lacehim

I hate Navmans, they are slow and the software is pants.  Can't pronounce street names or towns very well at all either.  I bought my wife a TomTom, excellent, and I gave that to the inlaws to replace their Navman MY55T.  Mrs wanted an all in one, so I got her the TomTom app and bought the cradle off Apple so mount it on the windscreen.  It's great, but for some reason they still insist on you taking the protective covers off the photo to mount it! In my car I have a build in Pioneer AVIC-F900BT.  Wouldn't go that route again at all. I've heard that Garmin are good, so I would suggest you take a look at them, and a TomTom.  Don't get too sold on the upgraded features if you don't use them.  I thought SUNA would solve all my traffic dramas on my trips to Brisbane, but it was the biggest let down ever and I've turned the bluetooth off in my car.  It's distracting, and if I put my old man hat on, I really don't know why we have to be in communication with everyone 24/7 (isn't that what messagebank is for?).  I like my peace and quiet in the car without devices bugging me, or listening to hardcore techno when I get that boy racer feeling.  :thumb:

Brett H

on 1331719067:

tomtom was a clear winner for me when ti came to picking real world routes that work.  :thumb:

We have had Garmin, Navman Tomtom, Tomtom mobile and Sygic for iPhone.  I do love the Sygic for it's iphone integration but my wife prefers the Tom Tom.  Of all of our units, TomTom is the most reliable routing and hardware although all hardware units have outlasted their... desired usefulness... and been successfully ebayed!  The best decision/TomTom I have bought to date was the one on special at JB Hifi that is a 4.3" screen with limited extras.  It was cheap, effective and my wife loves it.  :thumb: These things are great but will never replace a working brain and a UBD/Google Maps!

Koffee_Kosmo

Thank you all for the replies The use its going to get is 99% Brisbane = from A to B and get home safe & 1% on a trip to Gold Coast or similar

I do love the Sygic for it's iphone integration

How does this thing work ? Daughter has Iphone 4 & possibly soon to upgrade to 4S or 5 if available Does it work as a stand alone item or is it reliant on the phone company and plan ect So if she has a small plan with small data this may end up costing a lot KK

Lacehim

The iPhone has an internal gps chip but the iPhone cradle as better reception.  I only have 500mb 3G data and I've never exceeded it.  Saves carrying around another device etc.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1331767936:

The iPhone has an internal gps chip but the iPhone cradle as better reception.  I only have 500mb 3G data and I've never exceeded it.  Saves carrying around another device etc.

OK that sounds like a win win situation Probably best to use a car charger in addition to a cradle Does it have this Sygic installed or is it an App (never mind I found it - http://www.sygic.com/en) Oh one other question ? what happens when you get a phone call Scenario - a crucial turn is up ahead, phone call comes in, you answer, does it still keep guiding you while you are talking on the phone ? (never mind I have an answer - https://support.sygic.com/sygic/topics/does_sygic_works_well_without_cellular_in_new_zealand ) Is it best to use a vertical or horizontal cradle KK

Koffee_Kosmo

I also found a Magellan navigation software and cradle for I phone [embed=425,349] And comparison with a tom tom kit for Iphone http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=NAdYtnQK3-I And here is a Sygic V Navigov comparison [embed=425,349] KK

Kelsey

Yep, that's true. The iPhone has a decent Google Maps integration also - but I don't find sufficient for actual in-car navigation. As you've highlighted, spoken instructions are vital and that's what a 3rd party app like Sygic gives you. I'm sure they're available on Blamdroid phones too. But the reason I mention an iPhone app is simple - I have an iPhone. Now for the  :stir - ing. I've helped my dad setup his Android phone. It came with 2.0 or was it 2.1 or 2.3? Not sure, but either way it was shipped multiple versions behind and missing features. It also reminded me of typical Windows bloatware advertising crap that comes in pre-built machines - lots of flashy apps that don't doo much. The interface blows chunks, the touchscreens suck and the only reason he gets 48 hours battery life out of it is that he finds it too confusing to put to too much use.  :coffee2: And seriously, Apocalypse notwithstanding, I will never be less than an hour or two away from something that can charge my phone! Now don't get me wrong - I'm no technophobe. I code for a living and I love tinkering around with my home-built media centre and server. But for some things I just want them to work and I don't want to think about it - I love my Mac for the same reason I love my iPhone. They both do exactly what I want from them and I don't have to think about it. I just get on with my work. I don't want to tinker with either of them. :stir ended! :D Edited to add: (AM when are you coming up this way again next? Be good to catch up for a coffee?)

Lacehim

on 1331770460:

PS. And for safety when driving you should only be taking VOICE instructions, not looking a map screens  :thumb:

Or picking your nose, eating, reading a newspaper, playing with the stereo, texting, talking, or anything else that draws you attention from the road!  It's scary the number of folk I see doing just that these days.  Driving the car seems to be the last thing on their mind! PS.  Only mentioned the iPhone because I like it.  I had the same issues as Kelsey, some Android phones are good, but there are some duff ones out there (My father in lawas HTC Deft thingy comes to mind, it's a POS.).  My iPhone just works, and I have apps that let me access my server, DLNA video, I can read my email, and all the apps I use I can also put on my wife's iphone and the kids iPads for free.   They are not for everyone, but if KKs daughter already has one, she can get on the superhighway GPS pretty easy with a cradle and an App.  Also purchasing the TomTom app on itunes and you get the map updates with every update.  So you buy once and it's always up to date.  The same can't be said for standalone device.

Koffee_Kosmo

I knew that I would get a good response here And as mentioned above - we have 2 I phones (3 & 4) with a possibility of an upgrade to 4s or 5 in the next 3/6 months Also learnt a thing or 2 on the way I knew of phone GPS but I thought it was rudimentary in nature as compared to dedicated units  It appears that its the way to go Already have a phone to do the job - why get 2 devices My research so far Both I phone & Android smart phones have a GPS chip installed The GPS function will work without a data plan if the maps are stored on the device However I pad does not have a GPS chip and will only work with an internet connection (not sure of the latest one) I like the idea from lacehim on a cradle - but I like the ones that charge your phone at the same time Some cradles can be installed on the dash and sits lower to an area of the radio ( I feel that a window one is dangerous and obstructs a drivers visibility) KK

Kelsey

The ideal setup is a cradle mount with a slimline charger and a head unit that can accept bluetooth audio. I don't have the ideal setup. I've been using a Belkin system - the charger has a goosneck mount attached and it's also an FM transmitter. It worked pretty well for 2 years, but is now falling apart. The absolute best setup is this: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devium/dash-the-smart-phone-car-stereo

Hatchy

I'd just add that sometimes you get offers for free map upgrades for life - that pays dividends, particularly when TomTom slug you horrendously for map upgrades

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1331795250:

The ideal setup is a cradle mount with a slimline charger and a head unit that can accept bluetooth audio. I don't have the ideal setup. I've been using a Belkin system - the charger has a goosneck mount attached and it's also an FM transmitter. It worked pretty well for 2 years, but is now falling apart. The absolute best setup is this: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devium/dash-the-smart-phone-car-stereo

That Dash System on kick starter - looks good - probably be a while before it goes to market

UNM

Good thread this.

on 1331790128:

As you've highlighted, spoken instructions are vital and that's what a 3rd party app like Sygic gives you. I'm sure they're available on Blamdroid phones too.

Just downloaded Sygic for the droid. Over 5 million downloads, over 20k people +1'ed it. The  app and maps are  free (as in no cost)  so worth trying.

on 1331790128:

Now for the  :stir - ing. I've helped my dad setup his Android phone. It came with 2.0 or was it 2.1 or 2.3? Not sure, but either way it was shipped multiple versions behind and missing features. It also reminded me of typical Windows bloatware advertising crap that comes in pre-built machines - lots of flashy apps that don't doo much. The interface blows chunks, the touchscreens suck and the only reason he gets 48 hours battery life out of it is that he finds it too confusing to put to too much use.  :coffee2: And seriously, Apocalypse notwithstanding, I will never be less than an hour or two away from something that can charge my phone!

2.3.X is current for a lot of android phones (4.0 is in Alpha test). You probably got 1.6 or 2.1. Anyroad, I like the Android I/F -  can't use my daughters iPad, my last experience with Apple hardware was back in the 80s so it has changed a bit. I have put a little effort into learning how to change things on the droid, largely because Samsung/Optus were slow about releasing updates. Generally I use a different app launcher and cleaned a lot of the Optus bloatware out (raw android is actually pretty clean, but most Telcos like to load it up with crap). I only get about 5 hours out of my phone between charges. Crema sucks power with the chat box :pan Watching torrent files probably doesn't help either.

on 1331790128:

Now don't get me wrong - I'm no technophobe. I code for a living and I love tinkering around with my home-built media centre and server. But for some things I just want them to work and I don't want to think about it - I love my Mac for the same reason I love my iPhone. They both do exactly what I want from them and I don't have to think about it. I just get on with my work. I don't want to tinker with either of them.

Apple is restrictive, and has its flaws, but one aspect of the Apple 'ecosystem' is that things generally just work. Personally I prefer technology  that is free (as in freedom) and place a high enough value on that I am willing to put in a bit of effort. Each to their own.

Kelsey

on 1331801384:

Apple is restrictive, and has its flaws, but one aspect of the Apple 'ecosystem' is that things generally just work. Personally I prefer technology  that is free (as in freedom) and place a high enough value on that I am willing to put in a bit of effort. Each to their own.

I must admit, I've never really understood this perspective fully. Don't get me wrong - I built my media centre on Ubuntu and XBMC and use Sickbeard and SAB to run the downloads. I build all my sites using Joomla (an OSS platform) which generally uses other OSS. So I understand the idea and execution of open-source. But I've never once felt restricted by using OS. Sure, Apple have their preferred apps and even their preferred app delivery methodology, but you're not compelled to use them or it if you don't want to. And since I'm forced to use Windows in my testing I'm fairly familiar with that environment too - I can tell you the quality of indie/shareware/freeware software on Apple is of vastly greater quality in general than that on Windows. And since the whole lot's built on a Unix like core, I can do a lot that's typical of those systems too - terminal is permanently open on my machine.

Beanz

on 1331805610:

next week for Sunshine coast... Now where to for that coffee  :coffee2:

I was pretty impressed with The Good Bean Espresso Bar 1 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba when I visited recently. The cold drip bottled coffee was very impressive and got the thumbs up from all the family.

Koffee_Kosmo

PS. Gold Coast in the morning and maybe next week for Sunshine coast... Now where to for that coffee  :coffee2:

Go to  - No Name Lane - at Peppers Resort Elizabeth Ave Broadbeach, QLD 4218

Koffee_Kosmo

Ok - just spoke to the daughter and explained the options She likes the idea of a phone GPS - up to a point She also posed some good questions 1) What happens when I misplace or leave my phone at home & god forbid is stolen or damaged 2) She does not want to have to many things cluttering her phone as she uses it primarily for phone & text with occasional internet for email KK

Kelsey

on 1331805610:

Apple is great for Graphics and apps that usually work.  Also for restrictive social media.

Since a reasonable chunk of my income is derived from training businesses in the use and tracking of Social Media, if I felt restricted you can rest assured I'd be jumping ship!

on 1331805610:

1 x Android Smart Phone or Tablet and I have every tool I need and interconnectivity WITH OUT having to load other viruses (i-tunes) . The tablet acts as a PC and I can add stuff, use the USB ports to drive things and even serial port stuff to manage a switch (cisco) and even in an emergency use the Tablet as a touch screen  for a medical device while a new touch screen in in transit. Lets see a Apple tablet do that  :rofl:

Now that's fair enough (although I actually quite like iTunes), but you have to admit it's a bit of an edge case. You can do all of those things because you need to and you're extremely technically savvy. For 90% of the population, that isn't the case. So even tho I am technically savvy, I still prefer the utter reliability of my 27" i7 iMac. I have 16GB of ram in this sucker and I usually have so many apps running at once all of it gets used. It's been 47 days since my last restart and that was only for a software update. I don't have time to screw around with my hardware or my OS. I just need to to work first time, every time, without fail. Get out of the way and let me work. The OS does that, the hardware does that, the apps do that. If I was a gamer, it'd be a different story - but that's why I have a PS3. I can't imagine anything less appealing than spending my relaxation time in front of the computer (he says, typing this up). If I had special use-cases like you do AM or needed very specific hardware, or was in an industry where the apps were scarce to non-existant (like share trading for example, can't do nuttin on a Mac if you're a trader!) then it'd be a different story.

on 1331805610:

PS. Gold Coast in the morning and maybe next week for Sunshine coast... Now where to for that coffee  :coffee2:

Good Bean in Mooloolaba is pretty good - right near the RSL there. If you're brave you can even pop two doors down and try an Aussie bean at the baked potato shop. Odd looking crema but if they get the pour right (far from a guarantee) then it's a surprisingly decent drop. It'd be good to catch up again, so give me a shout.

Kelsey

on 1331809122:

Ok - just spoke to the daughter and explained the options She likes the idea of a phone GPS - up to a point She also posed some good questions 1) What happens when I misplace or leave my phone at home & god forbid is stolen or damaged 2) She does not want to have to many things cluttering her phone as she uses it primarily for phone & text with occasional internet for email KK

1) The same thing that happens when someone breaks into her car and steals her GPS unit..... except that if she's on iOS5 (as most iPhone 4 devices will be) and has wifi syncing turned on then she'll have a backup of her device including all the apps and will be able to do an easy restore of her previous phone's setup to the new phone. 2) It's just the one app. Also, you can have folders now. I keep Google Maps and Sygic in a folder with another couple of apps to do with travel - my Sydney public transport trip-planner, for example.

UNM

Well, sygic are off my xmas card list!

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1331863531:

Well, sygic are off my xmas card list!

  Please explain I mean is that a good thing?  or a bad thing?

Kelsey

I wasn't sure on that one either, KK! BTW - because the maps are downloaded during the install or updates, the app uses very little data while you're on the road, just GPS.

UNM

Still out and about so this will be brief app called ' sygic: GPS Navigation'  - seems to just be a map down loader. It certainly doesn't  navigate anywhere, even after eating 750MB of my quota for the australian map (it claimed size was about 230MB, but lied). App supposedly free, but when you read carefully, seems a 7 day free trial - other down loaders claim the free trial doesn't work. Sygic web site is POS - doesn't format readably on mobile devices (and the app is aimed at just those devices). some of the tech specialist answers  on their web site are in badly translated english that is really hard to  follow. If they don't understand english, post in a different language or pay a competent translator. It took 80 mins to download this morning and made me late for my first job, so I  am grumpy with sygic. Zero star review coming up.

Kelsey

I paid $50 for my my copy UNM - it definitely does navigation with voice instructions, on-the-fly re-routing, lane guidance and speed alerts. It also takes up about 600MB in the initial download and most big updates too.