Portable GPS...worldwide use.

[trooper]

So... although I'm quite good with maps...:mrgreen:,,,,Ive decided solo trips to the US...Russia and France this year will be less stressful with a little dash mounted helper...

I'm looking for recommendations for a unit to buy.....

So far the Tom Tom GO series looks good.... worldwide map uploads included and some other decent features...

Anyone care to share their experiences?

 

[coriander]

So... although I'm quite good with maps...:mrgreen:,,,,Ive decided solo trips to the US...Russia and France this year will be less stressful with a little dash mounted helper...

I'm looking for recommendations for a unit to buy.....

So far the Tom Tom GO series looks good.... worldwide map uploads included and some other decent features...

Anyone care to share their experiences?

Android smartphone and Google Maps? Download maps for offline use when you're out of 3G/4G range.

 

[whatmeworry]

Here Maps on to a Android/Windows phone with downloadable maps.

 

[VPS]

Sygic maps on phone - often have good specials for all of the world - need to download the country before you go

 

[trooper]

Ahh... another option to investigate.....

 

[bsb]

We're in Europe at the moment using our Tom Tom and it's great. Have used it in the US and STH America as well. Maps on the phone seem to use too much power

 

[JohnM]

I have a TomTom GO6000 with world maps and free updates. Just needed to add a SIM to fit all the maps. Works well for me.

 

[coriander]

Just needed to add a SIM to fit all the maps. Works well for me.

SIM? or (micro)SD card?

 

[JohnM]

SIM? or (micro)SD card?

Oops , yes - SD card.

 

[williamsf1]

So... although I'm quite good with maps...:mrgreen:,,,,Ive decided solo trips to the US...Russia and France this year will be less stressful with a little dash mounted helper...

a special note for Russia

[FONT=&quot]The importation of electrical and some high technology equipment, for example Global Positioning Systems (GPS), is strictly controlled. Russian Customs have advised that all visitors may import terminal GPS devices upon their declaration on arrival. However obtain a special customs permit where you intend to import a GPS peripheral device connected to a computer or to an antenna. This extends to the importation of equipment in accompanied baggage, including by business people as samples. The penalty for using a GPS device in a way that is determined to compromise Russian national security can result in detention.[/FONT]

 

[RooFlyer]

Sygic maps on phone - often have good specials for all of the world - need to download the country before you go

This is the way I went a few years ago - works really well; one less bloody device and cord to take around. As VPS says ... you download the complete map database before you go, so no need for data connection. Just need a good dash mount.

Check out this thread for a similar query to yours & discussion on Sygic & others (ps re that thread, I cured my quick battery drain problem - it was the car charger adapter - didn't flow the charge through quick enough)

 

[amaroo]

Sygic maps on phone - often have good specials for all of the world - need to download the country before you go

I'm another Sygic user - excellent service

 

[opusman]

Why carry another device, just use your phone.

 

[trooper]

a special note for Russia

[FONT=&amp]The importation of electrical and some high technology equipment, for example Global Positioning Systems (GPS), is strictly controlled. Russian Customs have advised that all visitors may import terminal GPS devices upon their declaration on arrival. However obtain a special customs permit where you intend to import a GPS peripheral device connected to a computer or to an antenna. This extends to the importation of equipment in accompanied baggage, including by business people as samples. The penalty for using a GPS device in a way that is determined to compromise Russian national security can result in detention.[/FONT]

Interesting! So does a standard in car type GPS require that permit???

As it happens I'm going to Ekaterinburg for a pistol shooting competition... so I'm dealing with permits already!!!:mrgreen::mrgreen:

 

[harvyk]

I'm another Sygic user - excellent service

I'm going to go against the grain and state I wasn't happy with Sygic. I purchased it and tested it around CBR, with no problems. Took it to the US and surprisingly it had no idea where to find most of the addresses I was trying to find in LA. (yes I had purchased the US maps).

I ended up giving it up as a bad joke and went to apple maps. (Luckily I was on vodaphone $5, so I didn't have to worry about data)

 

[amaroo]

I'm going to go against the grain and state I wasn't happy with Sygic. I purchased it and tested it around CBR, with no problems. Took it to the US and surprisingly it had no idea where to find most of the addresses I was trying to find in LA. (yes I had purchased the US maps).

I ended up giving it up as a bad joke and went to apple maps. (Luckily I was on vodaphone $5, so I didn't have to worry about data)

Never used in the States. Had no issues throughout Europe, Asia and Japan - maybe a horses for course thing.

 

[opusman]

Sygic use map data from TomTom so I'd be surprised if it was that bad in the US. Normally I just end up using Google since I usually get a local data sim when I'm anywhere long enough to hire a car.

Also note that you can get Google Maps to cache map data for offline use, although you don't get live traffic data of course you can actually use it for navigation without an internet connection.

 

[whatmeworry]

Here maps are free with most countries available. Just remember a in car charger.
HERE Maps Can Do Something That Google Maps And Apple Maps Can't, And It's Really Helpful : TECH : Tech Times

 

[williamsf1]

Interesting! So does a standard in car type GPS require that permit???

As it happens I'm going to Ekaterinburg for a pistol shooting competition... so I'm dealing with permits already!!!:mrgreen::mrgreen:

I think the standard car types are ok .... its more the fancy ones that need a permit ......

That info came from the australian smart traveler government webpage .... but best to check it out yourself

 

[docjames]

Have just upgraded my ancient TomTom to a new one (Go5100) with "lifetime" global maps, traffic etc. for $279 (offered a discount by TomTom RRP $349). The 5100 looks like it's on run-out as the website lists the 5200 but they're virtually identical. And the 5100 is a sufficient upgrade for me!

Very impressed with the new device, interface is different to the old one, so now i've used it for a couple of weeks, it's quite easy.

I'd suggest if you go the TomTom, use it for a while in aus first to get used to it, then pre-program addresses you know you'll be using into it so you don't have to do it on arrival.

Drawbacks? Well as mentioned, carrying another device (mine's fixed in my car but obviously relevant for you). Other than that, none really. Mount was easy to install, the battery life is good off the power unit (which is a USB input so you can use to charge your phone intermittently if the car doesn't have a separate input).