SAT NAV - Tomtom or Garmin

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Have decided to take the plunge and get a sat nav for work (rep). Frusrated after trying to get advice from retailers and being told that "they all do that" I've turned to you guys for help.

The feature that I'm looking for is alternative routes. That means that if my original route is too busy (traffic, accident, etc) then the sat nav can generate alternative routes.

I believe that the garmin and tomtom do this but can't get confirmation from retailers.

I would appreciate any advice that people might have regarding this issue and general happiness with their sat nav. I have searched through the forum and gained some great info, but would like some more recent advice and info regarding the alternative route option??

cheers.

[TLX]

Go the Tomtom.

Extremely easy to use and won best Sat Nav device in Europe last couple of years......and there not too expensive:)

Tully

[JimmyVZR8]

I have a Tomtom in my car and a navman in my wifes and I belive the Tomtom is ten times better, never used a Garmin tho..

[BlAcKbEtTy]

I should also mention that I am looking particularly at the garmin nuvi 300 and the tomtom one or the one xl. Thanks for the replies guys. Seems to me that the tomtom seems to be the one to go for based on everything that i've heard?

[VooDoo]

I have a Tom Tom 910 with bluetooth (good for hands free)

highly recomended

[BlAcKbEtTy]

I already have a bluetooth handsfree in the car, so not too worried about that feature. Primarily want the alternate route feature??

Thanks voodoo.

[Acer]

I bought a TomTom One earlier this year & am extremelly happy with it. Easy intuative menus (via touch screen) & great performance. I have used mine in Australia, Canada & the USA (after downloading North American Maps which you have to pay for off course) so far & found satellites quickly (some seem to take forever) & got me to where I wanted to go accurately & without any issues.

These units will work out an alternative route for you automatically & within 5-10 s as soon as you deviate from the route it is guiding you along say due to traffic jams personal preferance etc.

Had a look at the newer XL version of the One at an airport in Europe recently & was tempted by the wider screen but all other functions are identical to the One as far as I could tell.

Hope this helps.

Acer

[lampshade]

Tom Tom just seems to me to have the best user interface by far when compared to others on the market, they all do more or less the same things but Tom Tom does it better.

[Shmacky]

TomTom.

The alternate route is the feature I like the best. Did a trip down to VIC and found the freeway way of driving extremely boring and tiresome, so hit the alternate route button and get off the beaten track. Loved it.

(At one stage went 150km out of my way, and got there earlier than I would've if I'd stayed on the main route - nice long straight roads, no traffic and beautiful scenery. Slightly higher avg speed than normal....)

Shmacky

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Thanks guys,

I know that some if not most units calculate an alternative route if you deviate from the original route, but I'm more interested in getting info about alternateive routes during the journey without having to deviate. Ie, stuck in traffic, press button, get alternative route.

Schmacky which tomtom do you have??

[HDVZMonaro]

I have a TomTom Go 910 and it is great. I have a friend that has a Garmin Nuvi and it doesn't do anything as well as the TomTom does. The Garmin is rather confusing because it does't tell you where to turn until the last minute and you usually end up driving past where you were meant to turn.

[dass-v]

we brought a tom tom one xl and are really impressed has alt routes easy to use big screen picks up sat quickly

[Titanium]

I have a TomTom Go 910 and it is great. I have a friend that has a Garmin Nuvi and it doesn't do anything as well as the TomTom does. The Garmin is rather confusing because it does't tell you where to turn until the last minute and you usually end up driving past where you were meant to turn.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 310 and a Garmin Nuvi 660 ... depends on what setting you have on the instructions on how far ahead it tells you to turn. Mine starts telling me 900 odd meters from the next turn. How far do you need?

The Garmin 660 is the winner. Never found it confusing at all.

Just my pref though,

[cbwolf]

Do any of the TomTom units have the inbuilt locations of fixed red/speed cameras?

[JimmyVZR8]

Do any of the TomTom units have the inbuilt locations of fixed red/speed cameras?

I have the Tomtom 710 and it has the inbuilt locations for the above

[cbwolf]

Do you know if the TomTom One and One XL have them? There's nothing about it on their website.

[caaf]

With some simple search's you can easily add Poi’s into your TOMTOM or what ever GPS you have. I my self have the TT One and do enjoy its functions and worked very well in the country (mapping dependant) as with the recent flood I was certainly giving it a good go finding alt route's due to bridge's being out and such... www . ozpio . com comes to mind where you will find update Poi’s for all sorts of things including red/speed camera locations.

The only one fall back I have found with the "ONE" version is that the software wont allow (or just doesn't have the function) the shut down of the unit when the charging source discontinues. The models above this one do have this function and would be handy if they allowed it threw the whole range. That being said I'm far from disappointed and content with the unit I have as it certainly gets me out of some bother :)

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Thanks for all your help people. I'll be off tomorrow to buy the Tomtom one XL.

Cheers.

[caaf]

Not a worry I hope the input brings you years of happy use of your new GPS..

Just a note..

If you own a computer, the first thing I would do is a full backup of your GPS as sadly things can go wrong and if anything does, say with your memory card (being software based for most models and reliant on the software to run) you will be able to buy a new card copy the software and all will be back to normal :)

[Padina]

Not to confuse you a any more mate, but I would recommend you check out the Road Angel 7000 as well. I got it for my self off ebay and am very happy with it. Nice and quick to recalculate the alternative route if you miss a turn and pretty quick on picking up the satelites. At most i had 11 hoocked up at once. The only thing i found rather disapointing was the bracket, well it does the job perfectly on the windscreen, but wanting to have the GPS next to the radio, I have to go with different methods.

Cheers Vlad. :D

[Ryzz]

Mate,

Whilst i am far from an expert on GPS Navigators, one thing I do know is, that currently in Australia, you CANT get traffic updates sent automatically to your Satnav/GPS and have it recalculate the route based on this.

Traffic Conditions updates is a service only available in parts of Europe and the US.

Is that what your trying to ask??

[HDVZMonaro]

For anyone with a TomTom, here is a good site to get the latest traffic cameras, voices and other POIs from.

http://www.ozpoi.com/

It is updated frequently with new camera sites

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Thanks again guys,

I'll have a look at the road angel while i'm there.

Ryzz,
I don't want traffic warnings or anything like that, it's simply if I'm in the car and I see that the road is busy with traffic, then I can press a button and get an alternative route. Some people have said that if you deviate from the original route then their sat nav with recalculate an alternative route, which is great. BUT i want to be able to anayse alternative routes before deviating.

Fussy, maybe???

[caaf]

Thanks HDVZMonaro I did post that URL above but being new I've found the limitation of post count would allow me to post it so had to space it.


Which you should be able to do with most Units Blackbetty, only nasty ones can't or have a screwy menu system...

[Haroc]

yep, another vote for tomtom Ive got the tomtom 710 and used it to find my way across Aus, worked a treat and the http://www.ozpoi.com/ has been very helpful over the passed months in regards to speed camera locations etc :)

[Drewxt]

I've got a Kogan GPS with eBay Tom Tom ugprade... all up, cost me $355...

battery life is crap, but function wise, I have a Tom Tom... :-)

[Black AH CDX]

i got the Tom Tom One and its just fantastic!

And best bit is u can pick one up now for under $500!!!

[Highway]

I have been using the Garmin C320 ( old model now ) for over 2 years with
no complaints.( 40-50 hours a week )
They have software updates to recitfy any problems and I have found the
C320 reliable and easy to use.
The new models would be good with the street names advised.
I might try a Tom Tom one XL next time.

Mike


Thanks for all your help people. I'll be off tomorrow to buy the Tomtom one XL.

Cheers.

Let us know what you think of the Tom Tom one XL when you get a chance.

Be interested to know how it goes doing the following -

-Speed it calculates a new route
-How much notice if gives before turning at the required street
-Does it recalulate very often due to errors.
-How accurate it is with street numbers( In the street and whether it is correct when it says on the left or right )

The only real small problem with the Garmin would be the limited number of street numbers you can access for main roads.( All the brands are probably like this )

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[LargeRice]

The TOMTOM ONE, XL, 710 & 910 are all great units.

Blackbetty on the TOMTOM units you can select different routes whilst driving. Very handy in traffic. If you are on a main road and it's clearly blocked you can choose the 'roadblock' selection and select how long you want to avoid that section of road. It will then give you an alternate route around the area and plonk you back in later. I've used this a few times and it's great.

When you say analyse a route i'm assuming you mean you want to view the route? You can view the route as text (like in the brief steps on the whereis site), browse as images, browse on the large map and also have a demo video played of the route.

If you mean analyse the quickest etc, you are able to do this in the choices of how the TOMTOM will calculate the route for you. If you select the fastest then the TOMTOM will calculate the speeds given to all the roads on the map (roads are assigned speeds, however this is not exact speed limits) and will work out based on average speed the fastest drive. If you select the shortest, it will work out the lowest kms however this may take you through a few backstreets. Generally you will use the fastest route which is normally the way you would travel on (ie main roads etc).

You can have your speed, distance, estimated time of arrival, estimated trip time etc all displayed on the screen. The XL with the latest map even shows the speed zones and will alert you if you are speeding (speed will go red). However it does not have all speed zones on the map as Sensis is still currently working on that right now.

Points of Interest can be updated from the website that was listed above. You can list the Macca's, BP's, hardware stores, school zones, petrol stations, ATM's on your TOMTOM. The petrol stations are very handy and has saved me a couple of times when i was caught in whoop whoop with only a few litre's in a tank.

On the 710/910 with the bluetooth some points of interest have the phone numbers aswell. So if you are looking for a restaurant you can search the TOMTOM and then call the restaurant through the hand free on the unit to make a booking. Extremely handy when you are travelling and have no idea where to eat/sleep.

They are the perfect companion when travelling oversea's and can show you the nearest ATM's, retaurants, parks etc. Hopefully the above has helped a bit :)

[kayman]

Not to confuse you a any more mate, but I would recommend you check out the Road Angel 7000 as well. I got it for my self off ebay and am very happy with it. Nice and quick to recalculate the alternative route if you miss a turn and pretty quick on picking up the satelites. At most i had 11 hoocked up at once. The only thing i found rather disapointing was the bracket, well it does the job perfectly on the windscreen, but wanting to have the GPS next to the radio, I have to go with different methods.

Cheers Vlad. :D

I purchased the Angel 6000 and also am dissapointed with the bracket. Other than that its fine. Though sometimes I find it takes a while to switch on.

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Quick update for everyone. Ended up buying the Tomtom XL. Was basically sold out in Melb, but luckily found on at Myer for the right price.

It is exactly what I wanted. As mentioned in the last couple of threads it can calculate an alternative route, even giving you a roadblock option to simply find the quickest way to get around a slow section of road. Calculates very quickly, on average I would say 5 seconds.

It gives you plenty of notice before turns, typically one command when you are some distance away from the turn and then just before you make the turn. It also provides information for a series of turns. Ie, "proceed through roundabout and then turn right in 100m".

Have found very few errors with it, although it took my to the wrong end of a street, telling me I was at house no 162, when I was actually at about 42!!

POI from www.ozpoi.com.au are great, especially safety cameras (red light/fixed speed cameras). Also downloaded an alternative voice (K.I.T.T) from knightrider, but sounded pretty crappy so I put it back to the aussie bloke.

So overall absolutely wrapped with the purchase. A day on the road in unfamiliar territory is much less stressfull. Thanks again for all your help.

Cheers.

Forgot one thing that you should be aware off. Battery life on these doesn't seem too great, which isn't a big deal as they come with a car charger anyway. It also depends on how much you play with them as you're driving, which I guess I've been guilty of.

[caaf]

On average you'll get 2 hours in normal bright mode however depending if you have to look at the screen or have a nice dark place you could always choose the night mode and batt life will increase a great deal :)

[popper114]

A question for Drewxt regarding your Kogan with tomtom upgrade.

Can you give a bit of info on how the upgrade works ect ? Can you revert back to the original Kogan configuration ? Can you upgrade the tomtom maps ?

I have heard a little about this upgrade but have not seen anywhere that details how it works ect ? Youwouldnt have link would you ?

Thanks For any info

[LargeRice]

Personally i'd just buy a TOMTOM rather than load the software onto another device to say a few bucks. At least that way you have warranty, tech support if something goes wrong and you don't have to worry about the questions you asked.

[beaver_roadkill]

I know this thread is over and done with, but I've had a Garmin c320 as well and it's served me very well.

Considering it's getting old now (couple of years), the range of features on today's GPS systems should be getting better.

I'm not into the ones that do handsfree and everything else, as I'd rather spend the money on one that does the GPS side of things and does it well, rather than one that does everything, but could possibly freeze (had a customer's navman freeze up, he wasn't watching the unit and just kept driving the same road. Only about 20 minutes wasted, but wouldn't be fun when you're in the middle of Melbourne)

I suppose, all in all, just don't skimp out on a cheap brand. Garmin, Tom Tom, even Navman are big companies, and you're gonna want an update every couple of years for the navigation, and you don't want that business to be going bust and then having to buy a new navigation unit to get some updated maps :P

[CalaisOwner]

The Garmin Nuvi 660 is the Rolls Royce of portable GPS. It comes with windscreen mount, dash mount, incar charger, USB cable to charge it from PC, AC battery charger, bluetooth, MP3, FM transmitter, etc.

[VX2VESS]

howmuch are map updates on the tom tom.

what is the navman icn330r like, strathfield have advertised for $298, 3D maps etc

http://www.strathfield.com/images/navigation_experts.jpg

[MikeD]

TomTom One. love it

[cbwolf]

I baught a TomTom One XL about 2 weeks ago, played with it for 1 hour after which it promptly died. Sent it back for replacement and was told they're sold out (Stock shortage in Australia apparently) so i got a Mio C520 instead. Let me tell you - WOW! So much better then the TomTom...beats it hands down.

So now i'm used my new little Mio and have hard wired it into my car :thumbsup:

[Ghia351]

I baught a TomTom One XL about 2 weeks ago, played with it for 1 hour after which it promptly died. Sent it back for replacement and was told they're sold out (Stock shortage in Australia apparently) so i got a Mio C520 instead. Let me tell you - WOW! So much better then the TomTom...beats it hands down.

So now i'm used my new little Mio and have hard wired it into my car :thumbsup:If no trouble could you let us know which features impressed you more over the Tom Tom as I'm also in the market and would like a reverse camera video feed into the same GPS screen and a big wish would be a single route plan function with multiple destinations eg. working out a delivery run. ATM a top end Garmin for over $1800 is what matches best...ouch

[seldo]

The Garmin Nuvi 660 is the Rolls Royce of portable GPS. It comes with windscreen mount, dash mount, incar charger, USB cable to charge it from PC, AC battery charger, bluetooth, MP3, FM transmitter, etc.I just bought one and i'm pretty impressed. One of the best features is that it also states the name of the street as well as "turn left in 50m". So you get "in 50m turn left into Holden St" . The Bluetooth function also works a treat with my phone - far better than the Nokia kit, and it will also run everything through your stereo as well. So far, so good - I'm happy.

[cbwolf]

If no trouble could you let us know which features impressed you more over the Tom Tom as I'm also in the market and would like a reverse camera video feed into the same GPS screen and a big wish would be a single route plan function with multiple destinations eg. working out a delivery run. ATM a top end Garmin for over $1800 is what matches best...ouch

Well basically the C520's can be had for around $600, for which you get:

4.3" Widescreen (Brighter then the TomTom)
Text to speech )ie. Turn left in 50m into Flinders St)
Built in Speed/Red cameras with proximity alerts and speed limit/distance info/countdown
Current speed limit display (including school zones at appropriate times)
Bluetooth to your phone/pda (Able to make phone calls through the unit)
MP3 Player
Included USB/AC/Cig chargers

Basically, the C520 is comparable to the Garmin Nuvi 660 (The Garmins have yet brighter screens) for about half the price. Not to mention that the C520 is MUCH more customizable then the Nuvi series.

I love this thing and would pick it in a heart beat over the One XL, because it's simply better for an extra $80 or so and the Nuvi 660 because it's half the price.

[iron chef]

Definitely go the TomTom we own two of them and they are really useful. I would get the Tomtom one XL with the larger screen and the memory card rather than hard drive.
Antony

[Ghia351]

Thanks cbwolf.

[seevee8]

i've just brought the road angel 7000, and i wouldn't mind knowing where to buy the dash mounted bracket that you can get for it.........
don't like it hanging off the windscreen, looks too messy, imho

[Padina]

i've just brought the road angel 7000, and i wouldn't mind knowing where to buy the dash mounted bracket that you can get for it.........
don't like it hanging off the windscreen, looks too messy, imho

Yup, same one that I have mate, but I've found a solution to the bracket. I've got the navigator sitting right next to the radio, no holes drilled in the dash or anything like that at all. I'll take a pick tomorrow and host it so you can see how it sits. I did have to buy one of those ipod shuffle cradles, ripped it appart and incoorporated my navigator one instead. works a treat.

Cheers Vlad .:D

OK here they are:

http://users.on.net/~padina/Padina/Pics/2.JPG http://users.on.net/~padina/Padina/Pics/3.JPG

This is where the suction cap attaches. This base simply sticks to the plastic and with that lever pulled out you can turn it 360*.
http://users.on.net/~padina/Padina/Pics/1.JPG

Hope this helps.

Cheers Vlad. :D

[IH8HSV]

I will be updating soon to the new model tomtom go 720, will be available in aust. end of august

[Haggy]

Just wondering people's thoughts on the text-to-speech function of some GPS models as compared to the TomTom models that do not state the actual street name?

I have experience with a Garmin unit (Dad's) that states that street name however considering a TomTom for myself...

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers
Haggy

[Drewxt]

A question for Drewxt regarding your Kogan with tomtom upgrade.

Can you give a bit of info on how the upgrade works ect ? Can you revert back to the original Kogan configuration ? Can you upgrade the tomtom maps ?

I have heard a little about this upgrade but have not seen anywhere that details how it works ect ? Youwouldnt have link would you ?

Thanks For any info

Oops, just saw this...

basically, the "upgrade" is a different set of files that you copy to the SD Card, and when you launch the navigation application from the Kogan menu, it runs a version of TomTom v6.00, rather than Navteq...

I paid about $35 for it on eBay...

PM me if you want more info...

[Ryzz]

Just wondering people's thoughts on the text-to-speech function of some GPS models as compared to the TomTom models that do not state the actual street name?

I have experience with a Garmin unit (Dad's) that states that street name however considering a TomTom for myself...

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers
Haggy
This i would also be very interested in. This is probably the only thing that is stopping me buying a TomTom One XL, although someone mentioned there might be a way to put this feature on the TomToms??

[Micks]

I have a TomTom Go 910 and it is great. I have a friend that has a Garmin Nuvi and it doesn't do anything as well as the TomTom does. The Garmin is rather confusing because it does't tell you where to turn until the last minute and you usually end up driving past where you were meant to turn.

Gotta agree bought the GO910 a month or so back & all good. Definetly the one to go for even though a little expensive...

[lumina ss]

I have a garmin 660 and I would buy the tomtom one xl, if you travel overseas and you want to use it, all the maps are "available" on the net and are quite easy to crack, once put on there own flash card and cracked you simply swap the card for the country you want. The Garmin is not so easy because the base map is actually on the device and the metro maps on the flashcard you can run them all on the device but it means fiddling, backing up yarda yarda yarda. In short any shortcomings the Tom tom has are more than compensated for by its world wide "Free" compatability

[Ryzz]

I just picked up a Garmin Nuvi 310 last night from Harvey Norman. In short, what can i saw but wow. Really simple interface to get around in. Although its not "wide screen" its still more than big enough. Once you load in all your POI (places of interests) its only a few taps to navigate to them.

It also does alerts for fiixed speed cameras and 40KM/h school zones. Another funky feature is the screen changes colour from white background during the day, to black background at night to make it easy on you eyes.

If your quick, Harvey Norman have a whole load of GPS's real cheap until Monday as part of a Fathers Day sale. I got this one for $647, Dicksmith wanted $799 :yup:

[V-Car]

Dont know what they are like, but if you travel overseas alot, then the Navman iCN 550 might be the go as i saw it at DSE Powerhouse Springwood yesterday for less than $600, marked down from $1194.
Comes pre-loaded with US and Europe maps as well as local ones, and free downloadable speed camera locations.
Im still using my old faithful Garmin 2610.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/46c6245e021ffb402740c0a87f9c06be/Product/View/D4135

[KeenGolfer]

Im still using my old faithful Garmin 2610.

Me too :)

The Navman iCN 550 looks very impressive if you can get it for $600 considering it has all the maps pre-loaded for America and Europe. Would come in very handy for overseas trips.

[V-Car]

Me too :)

I was just thinking about that when i posted Drew, remembering when we both got ours from the US when in-car portable GPS were almost unheard of here. :)

[KeenGolfer]

I was just thinking about that when i posted Drew, remembering when we both got ours from the US when in-car portable GPS were almost unheard of here. :)

:) I'm just reading the manual of the Navman, it seems it may only cover southern Finland which is a bummer as my wifes town is up near Oulu. Have to check for sure, as if I can get a complete Finland map I may buy it as we go there fairly regularly.

[V-Car]

If you do decide to get one Drew, but cant find for that price down there, let me know and ill pick one up from the store here if you want.

Was looking at my log on the 2610, and even though it hasnt been plugged in all the time, it still shows:

Total Elapsed Time - 424 hrs.
Driving Time - 337 hrs.
Stopped Time - 87 hrs.
Distance - 23473 kms.
Average Speed - 69 kmph.

:)

[KeenGolfer]

Cheers mate, that would be much appreciated. I'll check out the local stores today. After some hunting I found the map coverages:
http://www.navman.com/Navman/templates/productinformation____68557.aspx

[Ausmartin1]

Go TomTom
Have a V2 One and it's REALLY great !
Chooses beter routes tha than the Garmin side by side.
Had the TomTom In Calgary - bloody brilliant had me driving like a local
Purchased the Canada/Usa maps from TomTom before I left in Euros.
For a Bracket go "Proclip" WITH power next to the radio and file a little chamfer in the locking notch to make it easy to remove.


* Note always purchase TomTom with Australian maps as they are the most expensive - Typical and this applies to other GPS brands -dam "sensis..less"
"Ryda" had a good deal at the time.

Still happy 1/4 a year later with the TomTom, Preplanning routes work a treat ! :smilesandbanana:

[Haggy]

Can anyone help with a TomTom One XL. I have two "simple" questions...

I have it always coming up with directions to a previous locatino i was headed to - is there any way to cancel the directions and have it go back to just a map going along with the drive?

Secondly, is there anyway to automatically store POI's as I drive along?

Can't make sense of it yet...any help appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

[VX2VESS]

maybe click done on the trip its still trying to use.

most points of interest can be downloaded.
is an option to make your own. you can add places to you favourites or any other place you have been, go to manage POIs, make new categories add some of your save ones etc

bp petrol stations POI list is handy

who know what setting a nokie n73 on 3 needs to allow a tomtom one xl to download data. can get the connection to the phone but not the data connection

[troytroy]

Just bought a Tomtom One (new Edition) from Dick Smiths. Paid $399 which was the best price around at the moment. (18 Aug 07) He even offered me a tomtom XL for $529 which was his best price......bloody tempting....but the XL didn't offer anything better aprt from an extra 1.5 inches of screen. Which in hindsight means that putting the tomtom in your pocket once you leave the car...is possible as opposed to the XL. Food for thought.

Can't wait to download the John Cleese voice.....

[VX2VESS]

Just bought a Tomtom One (new Edition) from Dick Smiths. Paid $399 which was the best price around at the moment. (18 Aug 07) He even offered me a tomtom XL for $529 which was his best price......bloody tempting....but the XL didn't offer anything better aprt from an extra 1.5 inches of screen. Which in hindsight means that putting the tomtom in your pocket once you leave the car...is possible as opposed to the XL. Food for thought.

Can't wait to download the John Cleese voice.....

i got the XL for $520. is a bit big and need to get a carry case for it, doesn't come with one. but the advantage is easier to read and use the touch screen, just use any old fat finger and not miss the spot your pressing. don't need a screen pen at all.

i loaded on the full australian maps 3.5mb not sure what advantage they are over the small one thats already loaded. plus most of the POIs available, and 8 voices loaded on from that site, removed all the others except the aussie one

[dattodude]

I have a tomtom one. I bought it in germany, and installed european maps. Never once got lost in rome, germany, austria, london :-)

Had a some problems with the tomtom one finding satellites after it's been turned off, and you've moved a long distance, then switched it back on. Sometimes would take 5 minutes to startup.

Now I'm back in Australia, I loaded the aussie maps too, and it's still all good.
It doesn't come with a 240v charger (as it uses USB (computer or cig lighter) to charge)

If you are a sales rep or a tourist..you can't go without one.

My holiday was so efficient..never needing to hope for a service station ahead, always knowing where ATMs were, when the euros were running low..brilliant.

The pocket size of the tomtom one is a big selling point. The XL just isn't portable, and only good for blind people.

[Stelth]

I have the TT 910 and love it,

But update software dose not work anymore on Mac.

[VX2VESS]

Can anyone help with a TomTom One XL. I have two "simple" questions...

I have it always coming up with directions to a previous locatino i was headed to - is there any way to cancel the directions and have it go back to just a map going along with the drive?

Secondly, is there anyway to automatically store POI's as I drive along?

Can't make sense of it yet...any help appreciated.

Cheers
Chris

just notice in the menu clear route that should do it....

[Haggy]

just notice in the menu clear route that should do it....
Ok thanks, I will have a look. Still having plenty of blonde moments with this new little toy :smilesandbanana:

[Blitzer]

Voting for Navman here... if only for great customer service - they've replaced several car brackets for us at work that idiots have broken (not a product fault). The older models do pick up satellite fairly slow, newer models sweet

[LargeRice]

Haggy - You can add POI's by going to Preferences --> Manage POI's --> then select add POI category if you haven't already got some setup. From there you just enter the info you want. You can do it whilst you drive, just make sure in the safety preferences you have it so it doesn't lock you out whilst driving.

If you need more help just post up here :)

[Haggy]

Thanks LargeRice. Just new to the whole TomTom thing. Just hoping I could add POI's whilst driving, for example key exits etc.

I will continue to play, any dramas i will give you a yell.

Cheers
Chris

[popeye3dr]

sorry to bring this back up guys
but how the hell do i unzip the RAR files that you download?
basicaly i bought the tomtom one and it doesnt come with speed/traffic cameras loaded and want them lol

[HazzaHSV]

Google is your friend.

Winrar (http://www.rarlab.com)


but how the hell do i unzip the RAR files that you download?

[mgygto]

Having been involved in testing GPS for Mobile Phones for the past 4 months and testing the Handset devices against purpose built GPS for cars such as Navman, Tomtom, Garmin , inbuilt GPS in Audi, BMW, Holden I hate to tell this guys but the one that everyone felt was the overall best experience , easiest to use , most accurate etc was a Nokia 6110 Mobile Handset !!! We tested it in some of the toughest places for a GPS to navigate lanes such as the approached to the Sydney Harbour bridge , the M7 interchanges , country NSW and so on. It was also tested as a pedestrian navigation tool and again came out with great results. My rather expensive Navman now sits in the glovebox , my new Nokia 6110 on top of the dash !

[LargeRice]

popeye3dr - The GO710 & GO910 come pre-loaded with the speed camera's and school zones. For the other models they are not pre-loaded however you can easily download them from www.ozpoi.com.au which contains all the speed zone's and a stack of others for free.

mgygto - You must have great eyesight to use the Nokia in the car as it only has a 2.2inch screen. The TOMTOM XL has a 4.3" which improves visibility drastically, not to mention the buttons and keyboard layout on the touchscreen are bigger/easier to touch aswell. The mobile phone GPS systems are good for 'pedestrian' use but far from ideal for in-car due to the small screen and small keypad.

[mgygto]

mgygto - You must have great eyesight to use the Nokia in the car as it only has a 2.2inch screen. The TOMTOM XL has a 4.3" which improves visibility drastically, not to mention the buttons and keyboard layout on the touchscreen are bigger/easier to touch aswell. The mobile phone GPS systems are good for 'pedestrian' use but far from ideal for in-car due to the small screen and small keypad.

Actually not true - the voice guidance on the 6110 is far superior to any of the others we tested in regard to getting you into the right lanes at the right time and positioning the car for turning etc. The visual is large enough and easy to see in the context of the voice and sight combination and in fact in regard to how it looks compared to the likes of the TOMTOM there is very little difference in the display. We also tested all units by following the voice guidance with the screens taped over and the Navman, incar Audi unit, Nokia 6110 were the only ones that we all felt comfortable on voice alone. Interestingly the Nokia N95 was far inferior to the others.

[coombesy]

yeahh my mates got a tomtom and he says sooo easy, been with himk a couple times and he is right!! go the tomtom!

[LargeRice]

Well as long as it suits your needs that is the most important thing. It can take a little adapting to using the GPS efficiently when driving to get a method that works best for the driver. Myself, currently i don't often listen to the spoken instructions unless i am REALLY lost. On the TOMTOM ONE XL, the screen is big enough that i just have a glance to find out where my next turn is (direction and distance) and that's it :)

[mgygto]

Well as long as it suits your needs that is the most important thing. It can take a little adapting to using the GPS efficiently when driving to get a method that works best for the driver. Myself, currently i don't often listen to the spoken instructions unless i am REALLY lost. On the TOMTOM ONE XL, the screen is big enough that i just have a glance to find out where my next turn is (direction and distance) and that's it :)

Spot on , totally agree :)

[VX2VESS]

had the gps just lying down the bottom of the console for a couple of days and it still works just fine.

so decided to make a mount for it that doesn't involve holes being drilled, it uses existing screws in the glove box. Still have to paint it the same colour as the dash but so far..........

photos taken on phone on low resolution so sorry about that

from the drivers seat
http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/vt2vx/30082007076.jpg

from the other side

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/vt2vx/30082007077.jpg

how it is fixed

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/vt2vx/30082007078.jpg

[Ausmartin1]

Good idea that.

I got the proclip for th vxii comes with power is the only difference and a hole in the Wallet.

For Tom Tom help try forum http://www.tomtomforums.com/
My Rar files unzipped no drama

:)

[Acer]

Does anyone know when the latest Tom Tom maps for Australia were released? I bought my Tom Tom One in March this year & keep checking for updates on the official site but no luck so far:( .

[LargeRice]

Acer - Hi mate, the v14 maps have been released however the pricing is incorrect on the TOMTOM website. This should be corrected next week so i would recommend waiting until that is updated. I have put the link to the Aussie map for you below. http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps/select.php?D=20&Language=8&P=10#

VT2VX - It looks really good mount there. But how come you mounted it so low? Now you have to completely take your eyes off the road to use it or look at it? The best signal strength is on the dash, mounting it lower will not get you as clear a signal.

[Acer]

Thanks LargeRice, funny enough no map selection now appears on the TT UK web site for Australia that your link pointed to - guess they are in the process of updating the site. Do you know when the V14 Australian map came out? The "Australi" map version I am running on my unit currently is V650.1114.

Cheers,

Acer

[VX2VESS]

Acer - Hi mate, the v14 maps have been released however the pricing is incorrect on the TOMTOM website. This should be corrected next week so i would recommend waiting until that is updated. I have put the link to the Aussie map for you below. http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps/select.php?D=20&Language=8&P=10#

VT2VX - It looks really good mount there. But how come you mounted it so low? Now you have to completely take your eyes off the road to use it or look at it? The best signal strength is on the dash, mounting it lower will not get you as clear a signal.

easiest place to not have to make any holes. seems to work ok, get 8 sats registering 2 lowish. still directs as well as up top...

PS i like that pricing, not... $199 -20%= $334.95 ???

it says V6.75 i already have V675 1431 loaded

what is the map file called? was just trying to find it, is it cline?

map links

http://www.austech.info/showthread.php?t=149311&page=9

[LargeRice]

Acer - i believe approx 3 weeks ago it was released on the web.

vt2vx - Glad to see you still get a good signal, i was worried that it might be making it a tad hard to get a signal as when i have had a unit on someone's lap instead of the mount i found the signal quality wasn't anywhere near as good.

On your second part, the V6.75 is the version 14 map so you already have the latest version. The TOMTOM ONE XL and a few thousand ONEv2's shipped with the current map so you must be one of the lucky one's :)

The pricing is a slight error. The 199 is the EURO price and not AUD as indicated. I would think it should be fixed shortly and reflect the correct price.

Hope that helps guys :)

[mgygto]

This is where the likes of TomTom , Navman etc are absolutely ripping you all off by charging the prices they do for map updates. In our testing the Nokia 6110 maps were all already up to date , to get the Euro maps was around $8 ... yes thats right $8 and it included all the guidance etc , and downloaded to the handset within 10 minutes, what I couldn't believe was that some of the Sat Nav major companies didn't even have the M7 in Sydney on their maps !!! and then expected owners to pay for upgrading them , unbelievable.

[blackbettyhsv]

guys Im buying a gps this week coming, been reading all the posts about them very mixed opinions. I will borrow my sister inlaws tom tom for a day to check it out, but the nokia 6110 sounds good also. Im a bit worried about battery life which was mentioned way back & can you get a sophie monk voice sound happening instead of a bloke. and I do need camera possys as I just started 12 months probation for demerit points. but interesting read this post

[Devil CV8]

Picked up a tom tom one for $379 at DSE (love the woolies discount) and have already added the speed camera POI as well as a few extra voices. Downloaded Dr evil, Clint Eastwood and Yoda.

[LargeRice]

This is where the likes of TomTom , Navman etc are absolutely ripping you all off by charging the prices they do for map updates. In our testing the Nokia 6110 maps were all already up to date , to get the Euro maps was around $8 ... yes thats right $8 and it included all the guidance etc , and downloaded to the handset within 10 minutes, what I couldn't believe was that some of the Sat Nav major companies didn't even have the M7 in Sydney on their maps !!! and then expected owners to pay for upgrading them , unbelievable.

To properly give information on the maps for the other readers.....

The maps are made by SENSIS not by the GPS companies. Map prices are XXX from Sensis and then you get the usual markup from the companies which isn't anywhere near as much as you make it out to be. Sensis are making more from maps than the GPS companies.

If Nokia are charging $8 for a EURO map i would think you are leaving out the part that it only covers 1 country. There is no way that say a Western Europe map would be $8 to buy, unless it is a cut-down version from what the main GPS companies are using. Otherwise TOMTOM, Garmin, Navman would be buying their maps from Nokia. I'd be interested to hear how much they charge for Australian maps..... your answer is either going to be in line with every other GPS manufacturer or if it's a lot less then it means they have dodgy maps, period.

I think you are misunderstanding the map concept that works with the GPS units. I've heard the same comment a few times from other people but the answer is very reasonable. The map content on the units is purchased from a seperate map provider who in Australia's case is Sensis. Sensis, literally drive all over Australia and collect data then create the maps for GPS use. They charge a price for that to the GPS companies, it sounds like you think that is all free but that is definitely not the case.

Just because a map update is available in no way means you need it. If your unit already covers all the roads you use then great. I know people that are using 3yr old maps just fine. The main change in the V14 update in Sydney is the Lane Cove tunnel, other than that 99.99999% of people will probably never even see anything different in which case a map update isn't really needed.

[HazzaHSV]

Actually the 6110 Navigator doesn't even use Nokia Maps AFAIK. It uses Route 66 which is not the Nokia Maps application that comes with the N95 for example. I have no idea on the price of maps for Route 66 as I don't use it much so I just downloaded all the maps for testing.

The Nokia Maps application (formerly known as smart2go) that comes with the N95 etc, actually does have free maps, for most countries in the World. BUT the reason for this is they actually charge a subscription for Voice Guidance. So they figure the subscription indirectly pays for the maps.

In terms of the differences between them, I find TomTom still the best, although Route 66 is also very very good. Nokia Maps is quite basic in features and isn't very customizable so I don't rate it.

[LargeRice]

The Nokia Maps application (formerly known as smart2go) that comes with the N95 etc, actually does have free maps, for most countries in the World. BUT the reason for this is they actually charge a subscription for Voice Guidance. So they figure the subscription indirectly pays for the maps.


Thanks for going into detail regarding the Nokia maps. So sure the maps are free/cheap but they don't include any voice guidance and if you want that you have to pay for it. Something the previous poster conveniently left out from his rant.

mgygto - So in reponse to the above from Hazza, now that we have the full story, you find having to pay subscriptions for voice guidance perfectly rational. Whilst GPS units that provide voices (and funny voices) + a map for free with the unit, you find it outrageous that you have to pay to get an updated map.....mate they always hit your wallet somewhere along the line. You don't get anything for free.

So is smart2go actually creating the maps themselves or are they purchasing the data from elsewhere and simply renaming it under their own brand?

[HazzaHSV]

There is still a bit of confusion it seems. mgygto was using the 6110 navigator as his example but this phone uses Route 66 which is what I assume he is talking about the 8 dollars for the upgraded map, it does not use Nokia Maps like he may have accidently implied.

Route 66 has free voice guidance so if it is 8 dollars for the upgraded map then this does include voice guidance LargeRice. But yes you get what you pay for usually, so maybe the 8 dollar upgraded map was 99.999999% the same as the last one, although Sensis maps are probably more expensive than NAVTEQ ones. Route66 uses NAVTEQ maps.

Nokia Maps has free maps you download off the official site, but no voice guidance unless you pay subscription ($130 for three years I believe). Nokia Maps (smart2go) do not make the maps themselves they use NAVTEQ and Tele-Atlas maps.

[LargeRice]

Ok i got you now.
If it's Navteq maps, it looks like they dropped their dacks for Nokia at that pricing. Even so, from the testing people i know have done between maps i'd stick with Sensis for the best accuracy.

[Padina]

Do you guys find that your navigators are telling you to make a right hand turn even thought its been a NO right hand turn for years? For instance turning right onto St. Kilda Rd. from Flinders St? So annoying! Anyone know of a fix, please let me know..

Cheers Vlad. :D

[HazzaHSV]

The other thing is, it may be 8 dollars for 6110 Route 66 users but much more for other Route 66 users, as that model phone purchase may subsidise the map prices.


Ok i got you now.
If it's Navteq maps, it looks like they dropped their dacks for Nokia at that pricing. Even so, from the testing people i know have done between maps i'd stick with Sensis for the best accuracy.

[LargeRice]

Do you guys find that your navigators are telling you to make a right hand turn even thought its been a NO right hand turn for years? For instance turning right onto St. Kilda Rd. from Flinders St? So annoying! Anyone know of a fix, please let me know..

Cheers Vlad. :D

Hi Mate, unfortunately there is not really much you can do when that happens. That is a problem with the mapping data itself. Possibly a map update to the latest one 'might' fix it.

[Holdendriver]

Do you guys find that your navigators are telling you to make a right hand turn even thought its been a NO right hand turn for years? For instance turning right onto St. Kilda Rd. from Flinders St? So annoying! Anyone know of a fix, please let me know..

Cheers Vlad. :D

Don't think there is a fix, however the Garmin site has a place where you can notify them of anomolies.
I have used it a few times and they are right on the ball, get back to you within 24 hours normally and either tell you they know about it or they note it down and tell the map mobs who hopefully fix it.



Im still using my old faithful Garmin 2610.



Me as well, with the hardwire kit and an external speaker its unbeatable.
Also an external aerial makes it fairly well bulletproof, only drops out in the longest of tunnels.

Best thing, no bloody batteries to die over a few years!

[indyblue]

Just got a question for those that have a GPS that uses the Sensis maps (TomTom etc) - do the maps on the GPS contain exactly the same data that we can access through the whereis dot com website?

I'm primarily interested in rural roads/tracks in NSW - most of which DO appear on the whereis site, but I'm worried about if they will appear on the GPS.

An example could be the road from the freeway south of sydney to Wombeyan Caves, or the Bridle Track route from Hill End down to Bathurst.

[Holdendriver]

Just got a question for those that have a GPS that uses the Sensis maps (TomTom etc) - do the maps on the GPS contain exactly the same data that we can access through the whereis dot com website?

I'm primarily interested in rural roads/tracks in NSW - most of which DO appear on the whereis site, but I'm worried about if they will appear on the GPS.

An example could be the road from the freeway south of sydney to Wombeyan Caves, or the Bridle Track route from Hill End down to Bathurst.

Does on mine, has the ability to route via "off-road".
Cheers

[Padina]

Thanks for that LargeRice & Holdendriver... Yeah the Road Angel have the anomolies report page on their site as well, i'll leave them a note about it see what they reply with... but hopefully it will be fixed with the next update. I'll keep my eyes opened..

Cheers Vlad. :D

[LargeRice]

Just got a question for those that have a GPS that uses the Sensis maps (TomTom etc) - do the maps on the GPS contain exactly the same data that we can access through the whereis dot com website?

I'm primarily interested in rural roads/tracks in NSW - most of which DO appear on the whereis site, but I'm worried about if they will appear on the GPS.

An example could be the road from the freeway south of sydney to Wombeyan Caves, or the Bridle Track route from Hill End down to Bathurst.

Hi Mate, yes it will contain the same data as they are the same source so don't fret. The dirt roads out back will appear on your unit, i drive out to Scone and around whoop whoop and i have yet to encounter any sort of road problem. My father in law even found his farm (now we're really talking whoop whoop) that he worked on on my TOMTOM unit.

The maps from Sensis are always improving. They had the basic road layout from the Govt and worked on it from there. They are now marking speed zones onto maps (which those who have a TOMTOM ONEXL will know about)
and eventually all speed zones will be available (currently it's really only main roads). They are marking building plots to make maps more accurate, crossings, stop signs, lane markers etc. This is all being built into the database to provide more and more accurate maps for consumers.

[VX2VESS]

Hi Mate, yes it will contain the same data as they are the same source so don't fret. The dirt roads out back will appear on your unit, i drive out to Scone and around whoop whoop and i have yet to encounter any sort of road problem. My father in law even found his farm (now we're really talking whoop whoop) that he worked on on my TOMTOM unit.

The maps from Sensis are always improving. They had the basic road layout from the Govt and worked on it from there. They are now marking speed zones onto maps (which those who have a TOMTOM ONEXL will know about)
and eventually all speed zones will be available (currently it's really only main roads). They are marking building plots to make maps more accurate, crossings, stop signs, lane markers etc. This is all being built into the database to provide more and more accurate maps for consumers.

yep on main roads displays current speed over posted speed. eg 98/100 if you go over it flashes red...

i have the schools zones warnings added but not related to time and speed limit, just warning school zone ahead. unit knows the time so they could add time somehow. also with the school zones, if you option to warn if on route only you can get caught out most schools go over 2 streets, so maybe marked as being on the other street but backs onto another one which is also 40kph. to get over that i set warn if in the area, not your route, which also can be annoying but better than the other.

[indyblue]

Great thanks for that info LargeRice! What are the "speed zones" you talk about? Are they the school 40km/h zones? Are they only available on the OneXL at the moment, and not the One?

[LargeRice]

Great thanks for that info LargeRice! What are the "speed zones" you talk about? Are they the school 40km/h zones? Are they only available on the OneXL at the moment, and not the One?

No probs mate.
The speed zones are as vt2vx explained above. On the XL is will show up the speed zone you are in with your speed next to it. If you go over, your speed turns red. We all know Sydney changes speed zones every 10m's so it is a fantastic function to have. For example even Epping Rd with the rd works is marked at 60km/h. This is on the ONEXL and will be on the GO720. The ONE does not have this function at this time. On V14 maps it only contains some roads (mostly the main roads) speed limits. In the next release it will contain more speed limits.

[Wonky]

No probs mate.
The speed zones are as vt2vx explained above. On the XL is will show up the speed zone you are in with your speed next to it. If you go over, your speed turns red. We all know Sydney changes speed zones every 10m's so it is a fantastic function to have. For example even Epping Rd with the rd works is marked at 60km/h. This is on the ONEXL and will be on the GO720. The ONE does not have this function at this time. On V14 maps it only contains some roads (mostly the main roads) speed limits. In the next release it will contain more speed limits.
Excellent! Was looking at the Tomtom One and One XL in the local JB Hi Fi last night and thought there had to be more than just the screen size difference to justify the difference in price but the salesperson (who probably had NFI) said nope, only the screens were different...... :(

Their prices were excellent too! $377 on the One and $564 on the XL. They wouldn't budge on the One but would come down around $40 on the XL, making it very good value!!

[indyblue]

I've been doing some research on this and it appears that the new TomTom ONE v2 now actually includes the speed zones feature, which the original TomTomONE didn't!

That sounds like an excellent price for the ONE, Wonky - wish I could get it in writing somehow to get my local store to match the price! Best I can find here in Sydney is $447 from Ryda.

[Wonky]

I've been doing some research on this and it appears that the new TomTom ONE v2 now actually includes the speed zones feature, which the original TomTomONE didn't!

That sounds like an excellent price for the ONE, Wonky - wish I could get it in writing somehow to get my local store to match the price! Best I can find here in Sydney is $447 from Ryda.
What are JB up there selling them for? Their price on the One was displayed in store as $377 i.e. walk in off the street and buy it at that. Go into a JB there and tell them their Narre Warren store here in Vic has them for $377 and hopefully they will come close to matching it.

If you really want you could deposit $390 in my bank account and I could buy one for you and send it up registered and insured post. Only problem with that could be you may have to send it back down if there's a warranty problem but I'm guessing if you did have a problem you should be able to take it back to any JB and I've just checked - lots of them in NSW. See http://www.jbhifi.com.au/stores/statestore.php?store=NSW

[indyblue]

Oh I thought that was a special price you'd negotiated? Yes we do have JB up here. I'll have a look over the weekend and see what the prices are that I can get. If I still don't have any luck, I'll be in touch!

[Wonky]

Oh I thought that was a special price you'd negotiated? Yes we do have JB up here. I'll have a look over the weekend and see what the prices are that I can get. If I still don't have any luck, I'll be in touch!
Nope, got them down to $520 on the XL but $377 was the advertised price on the standard one and they wouldn't budge on that as it's already obviously greatly reduced.

[Devil CV8]

I've been doing some research on this and it appears that the new TomTom ONE v2 now actually includes the speed zones feature, which the original TomTomONE didn't!

That sounds like an excellent price for the ONE, Wonky - wish I could get it in writing somehow to get my local store to match the price! Best I can find here in Sydney is $447 from Ryda.
DSE had them last weekend for $399.

[Brendan]

If you can wait there is a TomTom One V3 listed as coming soon on the TomTom website.

When it first went up it had a RRP of $399 but that has been taken off now.

http://www.tomtom.com/products/product.php?ID=395&Category=0&Lid=8

[troytroy]

I got the TOMTOM One....it's awesome....especially after you got to ozpoi.com and downloaded celebrity voices, Speed cameras, hardware stores, fast food oulets, coffe places....bla bla bla bla

With all of those....it's pretty well unbeatable.

I paid $399 at Dick Smith Electronics and that was a month ago...They're now $20 cheaper....

[indyblue]

I paid $399 at Dick Smith Electronics and that was a month ago...They're now $20 cheaper....

Wow my local Dickie wants $499 for it! I sometimes wonder if these shops see me coming and then whack the price up - I've never seen them for the prices you guys are talking about on here.

Brendan the OneV3 looks interesting but I think the only difference is they've taken bluetooth out (to traffic updates etc - which isn't really usable in Aust I believe?), and it now has "Map Sharing" where you can update the maps as you go and the changes are fed back into the main mapping database so everyone can download the changes - might be fine for Europe or the US but I wonder how Sensis will feel about that with the way they seem to have such a stranglehold on the maps here.

[Brendan]

I wonder how Sensis will feel about that with the way they seem to have such a stranglehold on the maps here.
There are some new units coming onto the market now with Navteq maps which will put pressure onto Sensis - user updates/corrections are a big part of the Navteq system

[Wonky]

Their prices were excellent too! $377 on the One and $564 on the XL. They wouldn't budge on the One but would come down around $40 on the XL, making it very good value!!
Oops..... Dunno whether it's OldTimer's or dyslexia but the XL price was $546, not $564. Also, checked the catalogue when I was in there tonight and the price on the standard one in there was $444! :eek:

They've obviously come down to beat other places eg. Dicky Smith at $399 or cheaper as mentioned above. I was amazed that DSE were so cheap as they are normally full RRP on stuff except for their specials, so checked their website and as far as I can see they have the TomTom One for both $499 and $394! :weirdo:

On the details page they both also have the following: "Also be aware that in some cases the product may be shop soiled, ex-demonstration, repaired, or incomplete. All products do however carry their normal warranty and satisfaction guarantees." :hmmm: Don't think I'd buy one from there....... :(

[Devil CV8]

so checked their website and as far as I can see they have the TomTom One for both $499 and $394! :weirdo:

On the details page they both also have the following: "Also be aware that in some cases the product may be shop soiled, ex-demonstration, repaired, or incomplete. All products do however carry their normal warranty and satisfaction guarantees." :hmmm: Don't think I'd buy one from there....... :(

The $394 is the version 1 of the tom tom one. The $499 is rrp for the V2. For fathers day weekend they had the V2 one at $399. In ACT Tuggers and Woden were sold out but canberra centre powerhouse had 30 odd left, so that is where I went, and got the woolies staff discount on top.
already dropped the camera POI on it along with Dr evil, yoda voices

[macca_779]

I just purchased a new TT GO 910 on eBay today. I won the auction at $640, got to be happy with that. I compared a lot of the other units on the market and the 910 is the flagship unit until the 920 comes out.

[Holdendriver]

On the details page they both also have the following: "Also be aware that in some cases the product may be shop soiled, ex-demonstration, repaired, or incomplete. All products do however carry their normal warranty and satisfaction guarantees." :hmmm: Don't think I'd buy one from there....... :(

Wouldn't worry too much about that, it is some standard thing they put on all their end of line/ clearance items when they are getting rid of a particular model of something, it generally means the item is discontinued or superseded.
I got a bit worried about it at first when I was looking at a new lcd, but soon worked out what it was about, just covering their backside!
Cheers,

[Wonky]

The $394 is the version 1 of the tom tom one. The $499 is rrp for the V2. For fathers day weekend they had the V2 one at $399. In ACT Tuggers and Woden were sold out but canberra centre powerhouse had 30 odd left, so that is where I went, and got the woolies staff discount on top.
already dropped the camera POI on it along with Dr evil, yoda voices
OK, you did well then! :yup: Wonder which JB are selling for $377? V1 or V2?


Wouldn't worry too much about that, it is some standard thing they put on all their end of line/ clearance items when they are getting rid of a particular model of something, it generally means the item is discontinued or superseded.
I got a bit worried about it at first when I was looking at a new lcd, but soon worked out what it was about, just covering their backside!
Cheers,
OK, makes sense on the $394 one (V1) in that case but not the $499 one (V2). Still :weirdo: to me....... Guess their web team just linked to the same info page without knowing what they were doing.......

[ado_civon]

TomTom just because i like the interface better, maps are the same crap as Garmin, nothing competes with CoPilot though.

But despite that, TomTom is much easier to update with new maps and if you search hard enough they can be obtained from the net :)

I'm using centrafuse.com in my car and that comes with destinator, it works good but the routing is retarded, sometimes takes you the longer way.

[oxblood8]

Hi all, been reading this thread with interest. I just wondered what would be the better buy in your opinion. TomTom One ($407) or TomTom One XL ($510)?

[black vxss]

What are JB up there selling them for? Their price on the One was displayed in store as $377 i.e. walk in off the street and buy it at that. Go into a JB there and tell them their Narre Warren store here in Vic has them for $377 and hopefully they will come close to matching it.

Thanks for the tip Wonky. I just picked one up at JB for $390 this morning. I like the smaller screen of the ONE compared to the ONEXL for carrying when removed from the car.

Seems easy to use so far :)

[caaf]

Both being basically the same.. One simply has a larger screen. Both as easy to use as each other. I'm happy with my TomTom One ;)

[LargeRice]

Ok made a slight mishap before.
OneV2 with version 14 maps WILL give you the speed zones. Most OneV2's came with V13 maps but if you upgrade or bought a unit with v14 you will have speed zones. I haven't actually used a ONE with v14 maps so i didn't realise that was the case until i checked it out.

ONEv2 - $399 is where the big guys are playing around at the moment. I believe HN & Dick Smith price match so for indyblue, bring in a catalogue that contains the $399 and they should match it for you.

oxblood8 - The choice between the ONE & XL purely comes down to whether you want a larger screen or not. Personally i love the XL but as another poster mentioned, it is a larger unit than the ONE and a ONE can literally fit in your pocket, the XL would fit unless you have massive pockets :)

There is some insane pricing going on with GPS by the retailers right now, expect even more as we get closer to Christmas so save up and grab those TOMTOM's!!!!:)

[indyblue]

Went to a few JB Hi-fi's here in Sydney today. All had TomTom ONE's (version 2) for $377, but only one had stock (Mt Druitt). Naturally I grabbed one straight away! The stores that didn't have stock said they would take orders at the discounted price.

Haven't had a chance to play with it much yet but certainly looks easy to use. I'll be grabbing the ClicOn holder for it too, as I don't like it hanging on the windscreen.

[Wonky]

Went to a few JB Hi-fi's here in Sydney today. All had TomTom ONE's (version 2) for $377, but only one had stock (Mt Druitt). Naturally I grabbed one straight away! The stores that didn't have stock said they would take orders at the discounted price.

Haven't had a chance to play with it much yet but certainly looks easy to use. I'll be grabbing the ClicOn holder for it too, as I don't like it hanging on the windscreen.
Good stuff! :thumbsup: What's the ClicOn holder? Is it a TomTom specific product or generic? How does it work? Clip onto the air-con vents or something? I'd also prefer not to have it hanging off the windscreen.

[indyblue]

Good stuff! :thumbsup: What's the ClicOn holder? Is it a TomTom specific product or generic? How does it work? Clip onto the air-con vents or something? I'd also prefer not to have it hanging off the windscreen.

ClicOn is probably the best mounting system I've found (personal taste obviously) for these kind of things. I've got one for my iPod already. They are moulded specifically to the model of the car and the product you want to use (in this case TomTom One v2 or "New") and attach without any screws at all. You can buy them online from http://www.kioskcommunications.com.au/kiosk/ - I think they're the only Australian distributor.

Granted they are not cheap but this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for - they are solidly build and it's obvious a lot of care has gone into the design.

Also do a search on the forums for "ClicOn" and you'll find a few posts and someone has even put up some pics of his.

[Wonky]

Thanks Indy! :thumbsup:

Yeah, they're expensive but if they end up looking integrated into the car instead of an obvious add on then they'll be worth it given all I've already spent trying to put a unique package of a car together.

I'd really appreciate it if you could post some pics here of the new mount once you've got it so I can see exactly what it looks like.

[Haggy]

ClicOn is probably the best mounting system I've found (personal taste obviously) for these kind of things. I've got one for my iPod already. They are moulded specifically to the model of the car and the product you want to use (in this case TomTom One v2 or "New") and attach without any screws at all. You can buy them online from http://www.kioskcommunications.com.au/kiosk/ - I think they're the only Australian distributor.

Granted they are not cheap but this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for - they are solidly build and it's obvious a lot of care has gone into the design.

Also do a search on the forums for "ClicOn" and you'll find a few posts and someone has even put up some pics of his.

Am i reading it right...you screw the mount into the dash?

Cheers
Chris

[KeenGolfer]

Am i reading it right...you screw the mount into the dash?
Did you look at the website? It clearly shows on every installation "no holes installation" - at least every one I looked at.

[indyblue]

Am i reading it right...you screw the mount into the dash?

Cheers
Chris

No the mount literally clips on to the dash - i.e. if you remove it in the future, there will be no sign of it having been there before.

Have a look on the website, it has photographs of how the different mounts attach.

[indyblue]

Thanks Indy! :thumbsup:

Yeah, they're expensive but if they end up looking integrated into the car instead of an obvious add on then they'll be worth it given all I've already spent trying to put a unique package of a car together.

I'd really appreciate it if you could post some pics here of the new mount once you've got it so I can see exactly what it looks like.

Well I've finally got it all installed and working. Position of the mount is perfect.

If I was really trying hard to find a complaint then it would be that the cd eject button on the head unit thingy is hidden from view (but still fully accessible) when the TomTom is actually sitting on the holder.

Will try to take some pics on the weekend and post them here.

[Wonky]

Excellent! Thanks indyblue. :thumbsup:

[Black R8]

I've been using a Tomtom for the first time this weekend and it works great. I'd recommend them, but I have not used any other type other than the one that comes with the Holden Commodore Hire Cars.

[indyblue]

Pictures as requested:

With TomTom -
http://www.dbasplus.com/files/share/DSC05569_320x240.jpg

Without TomTom -
http://www.dbasplus.com/files/share/DSC05570_320x240.jpg

[Wonky]

Thanks indyblue! Looks great - just like a bought one! :D Looks like you didn't go for the powered version?

[indyblue]

Looks great - just like a bought one!

Ummm maybe because I did buy it?? :)


Looks like you didn't go for the powered version?

No I didn't fancy the idea of *another* cable. The TomTom comes with the car charger cable anyway so whenever it needs some juice I just plug that in - it fits fine when the TomTom is on the holder, and the cord is stretchy enough to reach the power socket. Saved a bit of money too (about $60 if my memory serves me right).

[black vxss]

Looks good - i might have to get one.

Does anyone know how to tell if i have V13 or V14 maps loaded on the SD card? I think i have v13 but would like to know for sure?

[indyblue]

Looks good - i might have to get one.

Does anyone know how to tell if i have V13 or V14 maps loaded on the SD card? I think i have v13 but would like to know for sure?

I believe v14 has the Lane Cove Tunnel in Sydney, and v13 doesn't. That's how I checked anyway.

I know it's possible to *cough cough* download the latest maps from *ahem* certain websites...

[Wonky]

Looks great - just like a bought one! :D
That's an old joke saying but you're probably too young to know it indy. :D

[indyblue]

That's an old joke saying but you're probably too young to know it indy. :D

Ah don't pick on me - I'm just a baby :)

[Wonky]

...... and I'm an old, old fart...... :bawl:

[VZLAD]

Just purchased the Pioneer AVIC S2 system and it works very well indeed.. MP3.. Bluetooth...in car charger..AC adaptor..Head phone connection..Speed camera locations...and does give alternative routes.. great looking unit and functions at this stage anyhow very well indeed...purchased from Autobarn in SA and was reduced from $800 down to $599...batteries duration 4 hrs till they need recharging...

[Gen-erous]

You could try a review website such as CNET (http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/0,239035568,230000041c-1r-10s,00.htm)

Quite a few of my mates are using the Mio P350 and swear by it as a GPS/PDA combo. They are full on IT propeller heads, but admit that if you can operate a DVD player you're over qualified for this unit. They also confess to getting a twinge in the pants to the sassy femail voice over ;). Not too shabby for $300 either.

Just make sure, whatever you buy, you compare how much on-board memory the unit has (this will help with speed of route re-calculation) and the graphics resolution (the bigger the numbers the better - this will help with screen clarity)... maybe also (if available) what chipset type.

Realistically, you could buy any sort of PDA that is Bluetooth enabled, buy an $80 GPS receiver and download the TomTom software and relevant maps from your friendly neighborhood torrent for free. At the end of the day, it's just software on a PDA/micro PC.

Hope this helps.
GE

[LargeRice]

I believe v14 has the Lane Cove Tunnel in Sydney, and v13 doesn't. That's how I checked anyway.


On the main screen tap the right hand side down the bottom (where the satellites are) and it will go to a map screen. On the bottom right it will say 'version'. Tap that part and on the next screen on line 5 you will see 'map' and then a version next to it. If you have v675, then you have the V14 maps. If it is less than this, you have an older map version.

For those on here lucky enough to have purchased a GO720 you will see v7XXX which is the latest v14 maps & software on the unit.

[Gen-erous]

Apparently "The system also doesn't support multidestination route creation" on the Garmin Nuvi 660 according to CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/garmin-nuvi-660/4505-3430_7-32078943.html?tag=txt).

That would have to be a show stopper for anyone looking beyond going from point A to point B.

[Chowny]

Picked up a TomTom One XL just over a week ago and im dam impressed with it. Really simple to use, updated it with a heap of extra POI's i found on another website. Really simple to upload with extra info.

The SD card it come with was only 128mb, so adding extra info to it was annoying as the card filled up straight away. Had a spare 1gb SD card laying around so i dumped all of the file off the smaller one on to it and stuck the bigger card back in no worries.

Id recommend one of these to anyone. Great little unit.

[LargeRice]

Apparently "The system also doesn't support multidestination route creation" on the Garmin Nuvi 660 according to CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/garmin-nuvi-660/4505-3430_7-32078943.html?tag=txt).

That would have to be a show stopper for anyone looking beyond going from point A to point B.

You can do that on the TOMTOM via the itinerary route. Just set the different waypoints on the map and it will guide you along the trail :xmas:

[Wonky]

Was about to buy a TomTom One XL as I like the extra wide screen but just found that Garmin now have a widescreen model too! Good news from the choice (and no doubt competition/pricing) point of view but now I'll have to go back through the thread and read reviews on GPS type sites to decide.

Both have RRP of $599 but I'd already found the TomTom at $520 even before the Garmin came out so I'm guessing there should soon be fierce competition on pricing and we'll all be winners! :)

Neither has TTS (text to speech) which means they only say stuff like "turn right in 50m" and not "turn right into Smith St" which tends to lessen potential confusion. I'm still leaning towards TomTom as it would seem extra maps etc are more readily available from certain sites........ :D

[VX2VESS]

Was about to buy a TomTom One XL as I like the extra wide screen but just found that Garmin now have a widescreen model too! Good news from the choice (and no doubt competition/pricing) point of view but now I'll have to go back through the thread and read reviews on GPS type sites to decide.

Both have RRP of $599 but I'd already found the TomTom at $520 even before the Garmin came out so I'm guessing there should soon be fierce competition on pricing and we'll all be winners! :)

Neither has TTS (text to speech) which means they only say stuff like "turn right in 50m" and not "turn right into Smith St" which tends to lessen potential confusion. I'm still leaning towards TomTom as it would seem extra maps etc are more readily available from certain sites........ :D

saw the tom tom xl for $500 in a brochure the other day forget who's maybe dick smiths? so coming down fast, worst luck but only lost out on $20 so far

[Wonky]

saw the tom tom xl for $500 in a brochure the other day forget who's maybe dick smiths? so coming down fast, worst luck but only lost out on $20 so far
It'd be good to know who had it for $500 as many places price match these days. I'd be very surprised if it was Tricky Dicky's as their prices are usually at or close to RRP. It's their range that gets people in there.

:eek: Well I'll be buttered on both sides!! Just checked dse.com.au and you're right! Tricky has the TomTomXL for $499! Also has the new Garmin widescreen but it's still $599. :(

[Covers]

Probably getting as many sales as they can before the 720 comes out

[Wonky]

What's the 720? Widescreen? TTS?

It's OK, just checked their website - is widescreen and has TTS but is $799...... :(


It'd be good to know who had it for $500 as many places price match these days. I'd be very surprised if it was Tricky Dicky's as their prices are usually at or close to RRP. It's their range that gets people in there.

:eek: Well I'll be buttered on both sides!! Just checked dse.com.au and you're right! Tricky has the TomTomXL for $499! Also has the new Garmin widescreen but it's still $599. :(

Actually, my original comment about Tricky Dicky normally selling for RRP was right! While I was looking up the 720 (see above) I also checked the One XL. Guess what? It is now RRP $499 and not $599! :yahoo: Plus the normal width TomTom One is now RRP $399 instead of $499!! Bring on the price wars with Garmin!! :D

[LargeRice]

What's the 720? Widescreen? TTS?

It's OK, just checked their website - is widescreen and has TTS but is $799...... :(

Actually, my original comment about Tricky Dicky normally selling for RRP was right! While I was looking up the 720 (see above) I also checked the One XL. Guess what? It is now RRP $499 and not $599! :yahoo: Plus the normal width TomTom One is now RRP $399 instead of $499!! Bring on the price wars with Garmin!! :D

Guys the GO720 is a high end model. It is not a replacement for the XL in any way shape or form. Screen size on GO720 is 4.3" which is the same as the XL. The GO720 additional features over the XL are FM transmitter (so you can play music over the car stereo, listen to instructions, phone call etc.), hands free calling (that's works like a charm unlike a certain competitors unit), text to speech.....and also has a nice function of speech recognition which is relatively accurate :) There's other stuff to like help menu's, quick access to emergency numbers nearby, instructions for what in an accident (ie CPR, call emergency services etc.), you can change the icon on your map to cars, bikes etc. plus you can record your own voice to use as instructions.....in a nutshell it's the next level of GPS.

The price drops are now the ONE @ $399 & XL @ $499, expect retailers to drop this further with their own discounting.

[Gen-erous]

You guys might like to try Better IT.
TomTom One $365 (http://www.betterit.com.au/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=63708)
TomTom One XL $456 (http://www.betterit.com.au/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=88199)
TomTom GO 720 $735 (http://www.betterit.com.au/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=93353)

I'm about to buy a unit myself at the moment but my choice would have to be the TomTom GO710. They're runnin these bad boys out for a crazy $579!!! (http://www.ht.com.au/N/-1816+-1784/part/U8036/detail.hts).

Compare the tech specs at TomTom Aus (http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=0&Language=8&TT=7a1281a6%3Ababa37bd%3A00000000%3A00000000%3A000 00000%3A00000000%3Av1d5ibot07dct7mcueukij7404&Lid=8&selector=true). IMHO the 710 is the bang for bucks. 400Mhz CPU and 64MB RAM, not the 266Mhz CPU and 32MB RAM of the ONE and XL will help with function like faster route re-calc etc.

Just my 2c.

[SSidewayz]

This is a great thread Im busting to get one, but the prices are on the slide big time so I might wait till closer to chrissy.

[Wonky]

Hey LargeRice - you don't happen to work for TomTom do you? Or a retailer of such units? I'm not chasing a discount as can do my own negotiating - just sounds that you know your stuff! :yup:

[black vxss]

Largerice - thanks - i have version 14.

Wonky - dick smith catalogue up here today had OneXL for $499.

Indyblue - thanks got my clickon holder today - looks good.

[Wonky]

Wonky - dick smith catalogue up here today had OneXL for $499.
Yep, that's now RRP! (Typical Dick Smith..... :( ) Still, $100 drop in RRP in one hit is great for us! :yahoo: I'm guessing it's to put pressure on the new Garmin widescreen that starts at RRP $599, same as the XL's original RRP.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

DOES TOM TOM do an integrated IN dash unit?
i was in the doctors waiting room the other day and was reading about one an eclipse by tom tom [ long model no ]cant remember it, but it was an in dash unit

[LargeRice]

Hey LargeRice - you don't happen to work for TomTom do you? Or a retailer of such units? I'm not chasing a discount as can do my own negotiating - just sounds that you know your stuff! :yup:

Not for a retailer.
Can talk about it if you PM me, i don't really want to post up here my position for all to see.

There is a lot of changes going on in the GPS market, it's evolving so quickly i don't think the consumers have the chance to really learn why something is better than something else. Why is a TOMTOM ONE better than the $250 CHOWCHOW Chinese unit? That type of question, often the sales guys on the floors don't give you a decent answer and you could end up buying the wrong product based on someone's opinion that is not up to scratch.

Hopefully i can give a correct answer all the Q's you guys have and make sure you get the full story, not a my 'mate Jeff's sisters former boyfriends mother spoke to an alien once and he said buy the CHOWCHOW unit'.:xmas:


DOES TOM TOM do an intergrated IN dash unit?

Nope.
Another poster on this thread has his unit mounted down near the dash though, looks pretty cool to.

Fujitsu have released an in dash head unit that also has a space where you can plug in your TOMTOM one. Link is below.
http://www.fujitsu-ten.co.jp/english/release/2007/01/20070109_e.html

As for price and how good the actual head unit is, i don't know as it's purely a Fujistu project.

[HSV271]

Well I finally gave up on the 5 street directories I have, trying to find streets that are not there, and having to get a new one every year.

And bought a TomTom ONEXL($399)... which I think was a great price seeing that I also got a Kenwood 200w mp3/CD player + 2x3way(250w) speakers for the wifey's car as well. :thumbsup:

[Wonky]

There is a lot of changes going on in the GPS market, it's evolving so quickly i don't think the consumers have the chance to really learn why something is better than something else. Why is a TOMTOM ONE better than the $250 CHOWCHOW Chinese unit? That type of question, often the sales guys on the floors don't give you a decent answer and you could end up buying the wrong product based on someone's opinion that is not up to scratch.

Hopefully i can give a correct answer all the Q's you guys have and make sure you get the full story, not a my 'mate Jeff's sisters former boyfriends mother spoke to an alien once and he said buy the CHOWCHOW unit'.:xmas:
Good stuff - I'm sure everyone appreciates such informed input thanks! :thumbsup:


And bought a TomTom ONEXL($399)... which I think was a great price seeing that I also got a Kenwood 200w mp3/CD player + 2x3way(250w) speakers for the wifey's car as well. :thumbsup:
Jeez! That's an amazing price! Where from please? So, are you saying you got that price due to buying the Kenwood etc?? (I have no idea what that is worth but I'm assuming a fair bit due to the discount on the TomTom.)

[HSV271]

Good stuff - I'm sure everyone appreciates such informed input thanks! :thumbsup:


Jeez! That's an amazing price! Where from please? So, are you saying you got that price due to buying the Kenwood etc?? (I have no idea what that is worth but I'm assuming a fair bit due to the discount on the TomTom.)

You are correct there Wonky.... They initially wanted $499 for the TomTom but gave me a further discount due to the rest of the gear and got a discount on that gear as well. :D

[VX2VESS]

just bothered to hook up the tomtom to the pc got the latest updates.

seem to have new additional preferences

new help options, phone for help, drive to help, where am i etc etc. except don't have the POI for these, even says call NRMA, need to get the POI for these...

my phone now seems to be able to hook up and get weather etc, before i couldn't get my N73 to hook up (pair), it would find it but then hang trying to connect.

just need to work out i can make call via it now or not.

i don't like the new tomtom home program that much. can't have mulitple backups only the latest

[LargeRice]

TOMTOM has just dropped the Australian map prices.

Australian map update is $149 from the TOMTOM.com website. Just select Australia, maps and there you go.

[MK1]

What brand is the one that Holden are using in the VE's?

[LargeRice]

Not sure. There's no local support (ie you take it back to Holden and Holden don't make these units) so i'd imagine it's a no name cheap and chearful Chinese unit. It seems the VE sat nav doesn't work to well according to the threads on this forum.

[vessontheway]

i see the new navmans have been relaesed has any one used one yet they look very good

[Wonky]

For those that have a TomTom One or XL, as you are driving down a street does it update the number of the houses you are (theoretically) driving past as you go?

I was watching a couple of units in Dick Smith the other day and they were doing that in demo mode but the TomToms weren't actually running a demo. I figured it was far better to ask people with them than some pimply faced salesperson who probably has NFI.

I had satnav on my iPAQ but it didn't do that and I reckon it would be a handy feature to have!

[Devil CV8]

For those that have a TomTom One or XL, as you are driving down a street does it update the number of the houses you are (theoretically) driving past as you go?

not that I've noticed. I have a one with the latest V14 maps

[indyblue]

For those that have a TomTom One or XL, as you are driving down a street does it update the number of the houses you are (theoretically) driving past as you go?

I was watching a couple of units in Dick Smith the other day and they were doing that in demo mode but the TomToms weren't actually running a demo. I figured it was far better to ask people with them than some pimply faced salesperson who probably has NFI.

I had satnav on my iPAQ but it didn't do that and I reckon it would be a handy feature to have!

I'm pretty sure it doesn't, although my old Garmin Streetpilot did.

The TomTom seems to be dead accurate when I'm navigating to a street number though, much better than the Garmin was. On larger land blocks it's even waited until I've reached the driveway before saying "You have reached your destination"!

[LargeRice]

i see the new navmans have been relaesed has any one used one yet they look very good

Yes i have taken a look and played with them.

Removing any bias i may have there were 2 BIG differences between the Navman and TOMTOM units that i thought Navman were behind.

1) I thought the navman units looked good in catalogues. In person, i thought the units looked very cheap compared to the TOMTOM units. Especially the S80 vs GO720. The TOMTOM is such a better looking and the quality was much higher.

2) Using the Navman interface frustrated me a bit. It was very slow to action any touch on the screen. On the TOMTOM you can just tap-tap-tap and it's very quick. On the Navman it was tap----tap----tap as you waited for it to load the next menu. Having used TOMTOM for so long, i was frustrated within 15 seconds of using the unit.

On other notes: I found the icons to small. The TOMTOM icons are massive and easy to hit. Some of the Navman icons i felt were a tad to small. No biggie in the grand scheme of things but nevertheless i definitely prefer the TOMTOM layout.

I wasn't impressed with the Navman person i spoke to at the Motorshow who lied about a specific question i asked. I wont go into details about it on here though.

Wonky - mate can you give me more information on that? You mean whilst doing a demo of the driving it showed houses on the actual map? Which units were doing this?

[Wonky]

Wonky - mate can you give me more information on that? You mean whilst doing a demo of the driving it showed houses on the actual map? Which units were doing this?
As it was moving down the street (in demo mode) the address display down the bottom went from 2 Smith St to 4 Smith St to 6,8,10 etc.. I've often had problems finding a particular house number in the dark as in some streets in the dark you can't find any numbers unless you actually turn into a driveway to shine your lights on the letterbox.

Sorry, can't remember which units did that now but can go back tomorrow and check if need be. From all I've read the TomTom XL seems the way to go for me, so I guess I was just hoping it did that too.

[LargeRice]

Mate if you could check those units again and let me know that would be great.

I can't find anything on the net that says their units display the house number live on the screen. The XL's don't have this function and people i have spoken to don't know any unit that has the function you speak of. It would be a feature of the map not the unit to display houses and i know from using V14 maps that it doesn't display the house numbers.

They do however show the distance to a turn which is what is sounds like you were watching??

Nevertheless can you find out what units were doing this for me? Cheers mate.

[V-Car]

I have an old Garmin Streetpilot 2610, and that definately displays the street number of the house you're passing.

[redss]

Has anyone had any experience with the Navman S50? I've been trying to decide between the Tom Tom One XL and the S50, but they both seem like they're pretty good (same sort of price too). From what I can gather, the S series Navmans have been improved over the older models...

Any input much appreciated. Hoping to buy something in next few days

Cheers

Pete

[LargeRice]

Has anyone had any experience with the Navman S50? I've been trying to decide between the Tom Tom One XL and the S50, but they both seem like they're pretty good (same sort of price too). From what I can gather, the S series Navmans have been improved over the older models...

Any input much appreciated. Hoping to buy something in next few days

Cheers

Pete

I posted above the noticeable difference between the TOMTOM & Navman units, mainly quality and ease of use i found TOMTOM to be way ahead. The big selling point for the S50 is the hands free calling.... but even salespeople will tell you the quality is very poor and i have only heard negative feedback regarding the hands free on the S50. As always, the best suggestion is to try them side by side and make up your own mind.....but seeing as 95% of people on this thread own a TOMTOM and a few on here are able to help with any TOMTOM questions, don't expect the same help and support if you have a problem with your Navman :eyes:

[redss]

I posted above the noticeable difference between the TOMTOM & Navman units, mainly quality and ease of use i found TOMTOM to be way ahead. The big selling point for the S50 is the hands free calling.... but even salespeople will tell you the quality is very poor and i have only heard negative feedback regarding the hands free on the S50. As always, the best suggestion is to try them side by side and make up your own mind.....but seeing as 95% of people on this thread own a TOMTOM and a few on here are able to help with any TOMTOM questions, don't expect the same help and support if you have a problem with your Navman :eyes:

Thanks LargeRice. I did see your post, but wasn't sure if the S series in particular was better/worse etc. I can certainly see that the One XL has a lot of fans... one of my concerns with it compared to the S50, is that the S50 has the newer maps (as far as I was told anyway). The hands free is not a big selling point to me, given that the VE has is anyway:).

I spent a bit of time in the shop today playing with the two units... to be honest they seemed pretty similar. Bit hard to get a 'real world' side by side comparo when no one I know actually owns one... The closest I can get is the feedback from people (non-salesman) such as forum members here.

Cheers

Pete

[KeenGolfer]

I have an old Garmin Streetpilot 2610, and that definately displays the street number of the house you're passing.

Yep, sure does.

Do any of these new units give you a PC application like the Garmin that allows you to view the maps on your PC, create routes and waypoints etc then upload to the GPS? I find this feature invaluable in planning trips.

[Wonky]

Mate if you could check those units again and let me know that would be great.

I can't find anything on the net that says their units display the house number live on the screen. The XL's don't have this function and people i have spoken to don't know any unit that has the function you speak of. It would be a feature of the map not the unit to display houses and i know from using V14 maps that it doesn't display the house numbers.

They do however show the distance to a turn which is what is sounds like you were watching??

Nevertheless can you find out what units were doing this for me? Cheers mate.
Guess what? Went back into that Dick Smith store and they've put all these nav units into a totally different display case and moved it to a different area if the store. While I was standing there cursing because none of 15 or so units was powered up a couple came up and asked the "salesman" (and I use the term loosely) if they could see any of the units working, to which he said no, they've just been moved here and it could be another week before they can run the power to them all. :hmmm:

They also asked him if there were any differences between them and he said no, they're basically all the same! :shock: No mention of features such as text to speech etc.. Justifies my wanting to ask people on here about the feature I was interested in and not someone there.

I suspect the units I saw the street numbers change on included the Garmins, as other people have mentioned. I also suspect as a professional programmer myself that it wouldn't necessarily have to be a feature of the map itself.

It would be relatively simple to write a routine which calculated the length of the street in question and divided that by the largest street number in the street. It could then work out proportionally where ever house number in the street would be and as the unit worked out your change in position according to feedback from the satellites display that guesstimate of the address. For example, if the street numbers went up to 200 and you were half way along it would guess that you were at #100.

I can't see that it would be anything more sophisticated than that as there is no way the unit could hold all the positions of every house in every street on the maps! It wouldn't always be totally accurate but would be better than nothing and still quite handy. That would rely on the maps providing the largest street number in every street which may not even be feasible. Maybe they just work on the average block size??? :confused:

[BadMac]

To Wade in here, TomTom is launching in NZ this week, so for you aussies travelling this way you will be able to bring your Satnav (after aquiring NZ maps) to help you navigate.

2nd. I own 2 Navmans, a 520 and a 720. So am more than willing to help anybody who needs help. I am also looking at the S50 and the TomTom right now (I like toys and can justify having 3 units for my business). Sorry I can't compare the Navman versus TomTom yet (until I can get one in NZ). But personally I find the Navman interface very friendly (depends what you are used to!) and extremely responsive (in both versions I have). No lags or delays, this may have changed with the S series as Navman was sold, then resold and are now made by the same people who do the Mio range, so they could well have gone downhill.

3rd. I can also confirm both my Navmans do street numbers. They seem to be based off some algorithm rather than a database of GPS corgdinates versus house locations. Still very useful when you are looking for a particular street number when numbers aren't visable. Also the turn instructions are dead on, never miss a turn, unlike another brand that told you 50m past where you needed to turn.

I am keen to try a TomTom due to the very positive responses on this forum, but so far I can't see any features that TomTom has that Navman doesn't (other than MUCH cheaper maps!!!). And just to check something, if you encounter a road issue or bad route on the Navman you touch the screen and it pops a menu, you can then select "add avoid area" can the TomTom do this (its something I use often).

[LargeRice]

It would be relatively simple to write a routine which calculated the length of the street in question and divided that by the largest street number in the street. It could then work out proportionally where ever house number in the street would be and as the unit worked out your change in position according to feedback from the satellites display that guesstimate of the address. For example, if the street numbers went up to 200 and you were half way along it would guess that you were at #100.

I can't see that it would be anything more sophisticated than that as there is no way the unit could hold all the positions of every house in every street on the maps! It wouldn't always be totally accurate but would be better than nothing and still quite handy. That would rely on the maps providing the largest street number in every street which may not even be feasible. Maybe they just work on the average block size??? :confused:

In respect to the map, they are constantly working on adding more information and the house/building plots are just one thing that will be added to the maps. As are locations of signs, pedestrian crossings etc. All the actual real life information is part of the map, not the unit. In regards to the units showing house numbers, they do use an algorithm to calculate it. It's ok for a rough guide but it's not 100% accurate. TOMTOM has developed Map share technology which allows you to alter maps on the go and upload them on the web. It's a leap ahead of what other local units currently offer, it shouldn't be to far off:smilesandbanana:

BadMac - The GPS units basically all do the same thing. The difference with any technology really comes down to how it looks/quality, performance, how easy it is to use, will it break, price and for some it's a brand thing. Navman is a cheaper priced unit as it is a 'cheaper' unit so to speak.

If you get a TOMTOM i would be keen to hear your feedback on it and your thoughts of it compared to your Navman units.

Actually anyone that has had a Navman and then bought a TOMTOM i would love to hear your views on comparison. I was using a GO720 yesterday and compared to the S50 i played with it was very easy to use and lightning quick through the menu's.

[Fnomna]

Just starting to look into these myself after playing with one at AIMS.
There is a surprising number of videos for them on YouTube - just look up GPS or satnav.
For the Navman S-series, the user manual suggests the street numbering comes with the maps, as it says street numbering may not be available for some streets:
http://www.navman.com.au/userguides/SXX_en-GB.pdf
- whereas if they used an algorithm theoretically it should work for any street.
Makes sense because Whereis does have street number info and they are the ones supplying the Oz (and Holden) maps

http://poweredby.whereis.com/content.aspx?PageID=294
http://poweredby.whereis.com/content.aspx?PageID=276

[Wonky]

LargeRice - went to different store today and saw units running demo. The Navmans definitely show the street numbers as you move down the street. 3 different models all did it.

[BLACK expreSS-V]

The NAVMANs show the street numbers on most streets. Really only on major multi-laned roads it justs shows the street name, but on the otther 90% of roads the street numbering is surprisingly accurate and handy.

[v2346]

Do any of you guys know anything about the Pioneer AVIC-S2 ? How does it compare to the others? The salesguy was really pushing this unit .More profit for him maybe.

[Wonky]

I have no idea on the Pioneer but just Googled it and found http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/gps/0,239035573,339277741,00.htm

I'm leaning towards the TomTom units due to the ready "availability" of extra maps etc and POI stuff on the net.

[djmorgan]

Do any of you guys know anything about the Pioneer AVIC-S2 ? How does it compare to the others? The salesguy was really pushing this unit .More profit for him maybe.

I have just installed an AVIC-HD3 in my monaro I also have a TomTom but you can't compare the two, the AVIC is a full featured haead unit and very expensive but worth the money IMHO, here is the link

Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=85149)

[huggies]

Used tom-tom for the last 3yrs.
Have now converter all my gps's over to IGO,its great took it to the states grabbed the maps for it and worked a charm driving threw chiacargo ,la,wiscosin etc.
I like igo layout better maps are more detailed too


Cheers
Huggs

[Wonky]

Huggies, please explain?? (IGO) :confused: (apologies to the red haired wench :D)

[VZLAD]

I have no idea on the Pioneer but just Googled it and found http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/gps/0,239035573,339277741,00.htm

I'm leaning towards the TomTom units due to the ready "availability" of extra maps etc and POI stuff on the net.

Check post 144...not having any problems at all with this unit...quick and easy to read...

[Goggles]

bought a TomTom OneXL yesterday......so far appears to be a fantastic unit.

it even picks up when you totally ignore its instructions and takes a different route - it recalculates the new directions as you are driving very quickly.

did also notice that when I carried it from my car, and it was still on, it was telling me how fast I was walking!!

[indyblue]

I checked out the Navman's at the Motor Show on the weekend. After using a TomTom I could find my way around the Navman but it wasn't as obvious where things were on the interface.

The fun part was looking in the history and you could see everyone had put their home addresses in to test it out!

So I just stood back and waited for every cute girl that tried it, and then jumped in to grab their details... :)

[VX2VESS]

bought a TomTom OneXL yesterday......so far appears to be a fantastic unit.

it even picks up when you totally ignore its instructions and takes a different route - it recalculates the new directions as you are driving very quickly.

did also notice that when I carried it from my car, and it was still on, it was telling me how fast I was walking!!

yep and the map spins around if you turn around while walking

[Timson]

Purchased a tomtom go720 on the weekend. I am pretty impressed. Installed it in the wifes jeep patriot.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/allpaw/front50.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/allpaw/side50.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/allpaw/dash50.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb125/allpaw/outside50.jpg
It came with a dock for the desk but I modified it to use in the car. It just sits on the dock and gets power from the 12 volt charger that came with it.
I think it looks great, no cables in the way, no suction cup on the window (which in the patriot is so far away you have to lean right forward to reach the satnav) and best of all total portability.

[BLACK expreSS-V]

Well done that is a very neat installation

[Wonky]

Looks good Timson! I just got a TomTom One XL then spent an extra $120 or so to get the ClicOn setup commented on by Indyblue earlier in the thread. (See http://www.kioskcommunications.com.au/kiosk/ProductDetail.asp?tid=2&cid=6&mid=974&pid=1904 plus also http://www.kioskcommunications.com.au/kiosk/ProductDetail.asp?tid=13&cid=94&mid=1064&pid=2153)

On a different note and going back to the question I raised a while back re displaying house/street numbers as you move down the street as the Navmans do, I found an option on mine in Change Preferences, Name Preferences which says "Show house number before street name" which I thought may have been what was needed to do so but it doesn't look to have done anything......

Guess I've interpreted what it does incorrectly.......... :(

[LargeRice]

The TOMTOM units do not display the house numbers.

The answer to the next question on 'why not' would simply be, you enter the number of the place you are heading to when calculating a route. The unit will take you directly to that number and tell you how far away it is on the screen (in time and distance) so why would you need to know what numbers you are passing?

[V-Car]

The TOMTOM units do not display the house numbers.

The answer to the next question on 'why not' would simply be, you enter the number of the place you are heading to when calculating a route. The unit will take you directly to that number and tell you how far away it is on the screen (in time and distance) so why would you need to know what numbers you are passing?

Spoken like a true tom tom salesman! :D

But in all reality, i find the house number facility in my Garmin very handy, without having to program in an address if you know where the street is already.
Great at night when you cant see numbers.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

WHATS BEST FOR ME ?
we are going over seas to china, japan, Singapore and then to N Z and wont a nav system we can use in all places ?
will want to be portable most of the time

[caaf]

Well for TomTom the Japan and Singapore maps are $67 each. I just can't find the cost of a NZ one. I'm thinking that its not supported for there. I guess that rules out TomTom?

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Well for TomTom the Japan and Singapore maps are $67 each. I just can't find the cost of a NZ one. I'm thinking that its not supported for there. I guess that rules out TomTom?


THANKS i see you can buy a NZ unit on the site ?
can you tell me if the upper TT models 720/910 tell you the street NAME [by voice] as well as Ware to turn the one and XL doesnt apparantley from what Ive read hear


I believe v14 has the Lane Cove Tunnel in Sydney, and v13 doesn't. That's how I checked anyway.

I know it's possible to *cough cough* download the latest maps from *ahem* certain websites...

is it posable to get maps for other countries from *cough *cough :) said website ?

[LargeRice]

THANKS i see you can buy a NZ unit on the site ?
can you tell me if the upper TT models 720/910 tell you the street NAME [by voice] as well as Ware to turn the one and XL doesnt apparantley from what Ive read hear



is it posable to get maps for other countries from *cough *cough :) said website ?

GO910/GO720 feature the text to speech and it will read out the street names. It will also read out your SMS messages when you have your blue tooth phone activated. The ONE/XL do not do this.

Redmaloo - Try reading this thread. You can get country maps for all main brand GPS units. buy a unit that works well for what you want it to do.

Timson - That's an awesome setup. Nice work!

V-Car - Nah i'm not the salesman type. I just figured that's exactly what they would tell me if i asked LOL. IMO there are a mountain of options on these GPS units but reality is you won't use them and they aren't that important. A house number whilst an additional feature really doesn't make any sense seeing as it's taking you there anyway so why would you need to know the number? you typed it in? But anyhoo if you like it, cool. :xmas:

[V-Car]

V-Car - Nah i'm not the salesman type. I just figured that's exactly what they would tell me if i asked LOL.

Do you work for tom tom, and/or sell them?

[LargeRice]

Oops, it posted twice for some reason.

No i don't sell any GPS or work in retail. I just happen to like them :)

[Brandonsdad]

It sounds as though Tom Tom are the most popular, but how are they compared to the unit that comes with the VE SS-V? Im thinking of getting one in my SS, if its possible, or would it be way too expensive. Timsons looks great on the dash and I suppose there would be a hole underneath it for the wires, and wouldnt a Calais V already have it from factory? Thanks anyone.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

GO910/GO720 feature the text to speech and it will read out the street names. It will also read out your SMS messages when you have your blue tooth phone activated. The ONE/XL do not do this.

Redmaloo - Try reading this thread. You can get country maps for all main brand GPS units. buy a unit that works well for what you want it to do.


Timson - That's an awesome setup. Nice work!

V-Car - Nah i'm not the salesman type. I just figured that's exactly what they would tell me if i asked LOL. IMO there are a mountain of options on these GPS units but reality is you won't use them and they aren't that important. A house number whilst an additional feature really doesn't make any sense seeing as it's taking you there anyway so why would you need to know the number? you typed it in? But anyhoo if you like it, cool. :xmas:

that's what I'm doing
but asking a few questions along the way 14 pages is a bit of a read :confused:
i now you can get maps if you by them . cough cough
wont a nav that tells street names in [voice ]
I was told by a friend that has a TT910 that his only displays the street name on the lower half of the screen and just says turn in xxx meters no street name so just asking :)

[LargeRice]

It sounds as though Tom Tom are the most popular, but how are they compared to the unit that comes with the VE SS-V? Im thinking of getting one in my SS, if its possible, or would it be way too expensive. Timsons looks great on the dash and I suppose there would be a hole underneath it for the wires, and wouldnt a Calais V already have it from factory? Thanks anyone.

Personally i wouldn't touch an in car sat nav. They are overpriced for starters, GPS start around $370 but yet the manufacturers still claim $3k (that's why they offer free sat nav because it's $3k of value....*cough*). They offer you zero tech support and from the horror stories i'm hearing on the VE threads, guys are on their 3rd unit and driving around with a hole in the dash until they can get a new unit replacement. Those are my 2 major beef's with manufacturer Sat Nav's.

Red Maloo - I had a Go910 and it tells you the street name. Your mate may not have the option turned on :eyes:

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Personally i wouldn't touch an in car sat nav. They are overpriced for starters, GPS start around $370 but yet the manufacturers still claim $3k (that's why they offer free sat nav because it's $3k of value....*cough*). They offer you zero tech support and from the horror stories i'm hearing on the VE threads, guys are on their 3rd unit and driving around with a hole in the dash until they can get a new unit replacement. Those are my 2 major beef's with manufacturer Sat Nav's.

Red Maloo - I had a Go910 and it tells you the street name. Your mate may not have the option turned on :eyes:


THANKS :) i will let him know

[VooDoo]

GO910/GO720 feature the text to speech and it will read out the street names. It will also read out your SMS messages when you have your blue tooth phone activated. The ONE/XL do not do this.

Redmaloo - Try reading this thread. You can get country maps for all main brand GPS units. buy a unit that works well for what you want it to do.

Timson - That's an awesome setup. Nice work!

V-Car - Nah i'm not the salesman type. I just figured that's exactly what they would tell me if i asked LOL. IMO there are a mountain of options on these GPS units but reality is you won't use them and they aren't that important. A house number whilst an additional feature really doesn't make any sense seeing as it's taking you there anyway so why would you need to know the number? you typed it in? But anyhoo if you like it, cool. :xmas:

Except the bluetooth support on the GO910 units is crap and doesn't support many phones. SMS functions, reading phone books and even the handsfree rarely work (N95) I bought the 910 specifically for these features and they don't operate.

[Fnomna]

Red Maloo - I had a Go910 and it tells you the street name. Your mate may not have the option turned on :eyes:

Also, some of them only say the name if you use one of the default voices. If you record/use a custom voice then it won't do the text-to-speech, just distance readouts.

Personally holding off a bit to see what Christmas brings to the market in terms of new releases and price drops.
Almost considered a Garmin Nuvi 310 (anyone know someone with one of these? just interested in feedback) with the text-to-speech, bluetooth, MP3 etc for $549 from Dick SMmth's but I think I prefer the TomTom after playing with a few.
The TomTom One XL-S should be out soon. Basically the One XL with text-to-speech added. Decisions, decisions...

[Wonky]

Communication from Kiosk Communications seems pretty good (see my previous post re the parts I ordered from them to mount my TomTom XL on the dash rather than windscreen). Got an SMS from them to say that the TomTom holder wasn't in stock but would be on Monday, then logged on to find I also had an email to the same effect. It also said that as soon as they received it they would sent it by Express Post.

[Timson]

Largerice,
I would have loved the tomtom to read out or display the street numbers as yesterday it sent me in the wrong direction down a street and then stopped me at the wrong number. It was a commercial street and it stopped me right in the middle, most retail shops rarely show their street numbers anymore so I had no idea what number it had taken me to, or which way I had to travel in order to get to the right number. I know it is a little thing but seeing the number come up on the screen can save some frustration. Text to speech is not working with the downloaded voices so I will try the default voices and see what happens. Thanks, the set-up in the Patriot sure does look good.

vess60,
yeah there is a hole under the unit, I have another dash lid on order to replace it if I ever remove the tomtom. The lead runs down to the 12 volt lighter socket. The sat-nav in the Calais was a very expensive option and after playing with the two the tomtom is a better allround proposition, but in terms of full intergration the factory system wins hand down. Would I order the factory system again? Yep, prefer the full intergration for the Calais. The factory sat-nav for the SS models is only voice with arrows in the centre console for direction so an aftermarket unit would be alot better proposition for you.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

I have bought a garmin nuvi 660
can any one tell me if the red light cameras and fixed cameras are preloaded in to the 660 or do you have to down load them from somewhere we cant seam to find them in the POI menu :confused:
I have the map on 3D

[Muttley]

Just back from L.A.
We used an O2 mini, BT-338 bluetooth GPS with Tom Tom for 2 days around the L.A freeways and streets. The unit was just magic! It couldn't give us street numbers however it was simply 100% accurate on the freeway exits (very important if you don't want an extra 30 mins added to your trip!) etc. The voice directions were clear and easy to understand. You do need an extra SD memory card for the maps though.
I'm looking at the new I-mate Ultimate 9502 (Intergrated GPS) and Tom Tom as a combo.
Tom Tom seems to me to be the goods. Cheers. :cool:

[Fnomna]

I have bought a garmin nuvi 660
can any one tell me if the red light cameras and fixed cameras are preloaded in to the 660 or do you have to down load them from somewhere we cant seam to find them in the POI menu :confused:
I have the map on 3D

Try
http://www.gme.net.au/garmin/sample_POI_download.php
You will need to use Garmin's free POI Loader utility on that page.

and give us a review of your unit when you've used it for a bit.
Garmin routing performance and detail of directions generally gets better reviews than others
(eg. routing tests
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/06/garmin_vs_magellan_vs_tomtom_which_gps_picks_the_b est_routes.php
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/08/garmin_nuvi_350_review.php)
but I like the TomTom's rerouting flexibility. But then I like Garmin's grouping of POI groups eg. Food goes into subgroups - Asian, Mexican etc...

[morgan000]

i've used a tom tom and u know how many times i've hit it coz it gave me the shits. i dont know which model i've had but it was crap. took me to the wrong places, doesnt pick up a signal fast enough. lucky it was works so i didnt have to pay for it but if i was a paying customer, i wouldnt get a tom tom after my experience. maybe the newest models r better i dont know but the one i had was crap!

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Try
http://www.gme.net.au/garmin/sample_POI_download.php
You will need to use Garmin's free POI Loader utility on that page.

and give us a review of your unit when you've used it for a bit.
Garmin routing performance and detail of directions generally gets better reviews than others
(eg. routing tests
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/06/garmin_vs_magellan_vs_tomtom_which_gps_picks_the_b est_routes.php
http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2007/08/garmin_nuvi_350_review.php)
but I like the TomTom's rerouting flexibility. But then I like Garmin's grouping of POI groups eg. Food goes into subgroups - Asian, Mexican etc...

THANKS for the good links MATE very helpful in my early days of using the garmin
LOT OF INFO on GPS magazine do we have traffic brodcasting in OZ mine doesent seam to have the recever in the 12v power cord like the US one CHEERS

[Fnomna]

No worries.
TMC traffic updates via FM transmission are coming next year to the capital cities.
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,22628065-39525,00.html
So any GPS units that can get TMC should work - may need a software update on the unit.

Looks like you'll need a GTM20.
http://www8.garmin.com/traffic/fm/index.jsp
You'll also need to subscribe.
Maybe contact GME Aus or Garmin directly and check out what their plans are for it.

[Wonky]

i've used a tom tom and u know how many times i've hit it coz it gave me the shits. i dont know which model i've had but it was crap. took me to the wrong places, doesnt pick up a signal fast enough. lucky it was works so i didnt have to pay for it but if i was a paying customer, i wouldnt get a tom tom after my experience. maybe the newest models r better i dont know but the one i had was crap!
I've just bought a TomTom XL and apart from it often not choosing the obvious routes (not back roads) I myself would use (when just trying it out to see which way it chose to places I knew) I think it's great.

It picks up signals very quickly - the newest ones have some enhancement to enable them to do so and the first time I connected it to the TomTom site it automatically downloaded an update to that and other functions.

Taking you to the wrong place I am pretty sure is a function of the maps they use, not the unit. I have read many complaints on virtually all older units getting stuff wrong because the maps were poor. Almost all new units use the V14 Sensis maps (inc the latest inbuilt Holden satnav) and whilst still not perfect they are apparently a big improvement! (Same as maps on whereis.com.au.)

[Zombie]

I've just bought a TomTom XL and apart from it often not choosing the obvious routes (not back roads) I myself would use (when just trying it out to see which way it chose to places I knew) I think it's great.

I was lucky enough to get a TT XL for my birthday a few days ago, and find it a great unit. I agree that the chosen path sometimes is not the best. For example, I gave it an address of a cafe located together with other shops, which only has an entry from a side street rather than the main one. It got the journey right, except at the end, it took me right around the block, and into the side street from the other side, rather than directly in.

So the maps aren't always spot on, but aside from that, great little toy. Starts up quickly, has a nice big screen and easy to hit buttons.

[Haggy]

Can anyone help. I am still a novice with my OneXL and there is this weird noise that occurs whilst driving along. The noise is a low "bing bing" noise - similar to that on airplanes when the seat belt sign comes on. I thought it might have been indicating a POI but at times when it occurs, there are no visible POI's.

Anybody else heard the noise or maybe able to explain?

Cheers
Chris

[indyblue]

My guess is that it's the overspeed warning - you must be driving too fast!!

On most main and busier roads it has the speed limits built in, and dings when detects you're going over them. Mine is shown in the bottom right-hand corner of the main map screen.

If this is what it is, then please slow down! If not, please share what it is with the rest of us when you find out :)

[Haggy]

Hmmm mine has never shown speed on the display, although I was wondering if there was a way to display...A little confused with this noise, I will keep searching and see what i can find out...

[Wonky]

Chris, it's either the overspeed warning as indyblue said or if yours has speed camera locations (easily downloaded from a site given earlier in this thread) it could be warning you that you are approaching one of the camera locations.

The sounds you get are easily changed in the "Change Preferences" section. I had changed my speeding warning to a cow's moo sound so it didn't scare the $hit out of me if it happened. Was driving home from the detail clinic the other day with MIKEVYII and he had the unit in his hand. At one point it suddenly went MOOOOO and scared the $hit out of him! :shock: Turned out that the unit thought I was speeding but I wasn't because after some roadworks with an 80kmh limit on the Monash Freeway they have moved the 100kmh sign a few hundred metres towards Melbourne. I was doing 100kmh when the TomTom thought it was still a 80kmh zone. :D

[Rogues]

gunna haveta get me one of these tom-toms.........luv tinkerin' with gizmos

[Wonky]

Yeah, they're great Rogues! :yup:

Pics of my TomTom XL set up on the ClicOn holder in my SSV. :) Expensive but great - no holes and removes in seconds!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/Misc/TomTomXLholder1.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/Misc/TomTomXLholder2.jpg

[Goggles]

is it me, or does everyone else get the QuickGPSFix update every time they connect their TomTom OneXL to their PC?

on another note, I am currently using the standard windscreen mount with mine, and it survived a day of rough off-roading on Saturday, and did not fall off the windscreen. did a pretty good job of picking up rural roads too.

[CSP]

Not a fan of that clicon setup personally... Apart from partially blocking the vent, it's too far to the left and too low.

I like mine :D (excuse the blur but driving and taking a photo don't mix)

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/IMG_0243.jpg

[Haggy]

Not a fan of that clicon setup personally... Apart from partially blocking the vent, it's too far to the left and too low.

I like mine :D (excuse the blur but driving and taking a photo don't mix)

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/IMG_0243.jpg

What mount is that??

[KeenGolfer]

This is where I have mine, standard mount that came with my Garmin 2600.

http://www.drewbytes.com.au/images/wagon/garmin1.jpg

[GODSMACK]

If anyone has a Garmin in-car GPS, purchased prior ro October 07, and you would like updates for:
Talking Red Light Camera's
Talking Red light Speed Camera's
Talking Speed Cameras
Talking School Zones
Talking Speed Zones

Please flick me a PM with ur email, and ill send em on.. Instructions included.

Cheers
Steve

[BLACK expreSS-V]

I just sold my NAVMAN N40i and updated to the latest NAVMAN S90i.

The S90i is one beautiful unit.

The main differences I have noticed are:

- Extremely accurate and responsive to positions and movement
- Much clearer and brighter screen (auto dims at night)
- Nice, smaller form factor mount - plus a hotshoe setup for power and mounting (very quick to remove or drop in place)
- reads out street names (with an Aussie accent - very good)
- a much more refined and intuitive menu / layout
- very fast start up time on power up to find a GPS signal
- the new NAVPIX camera is now 2 megapixel and uses flickr images with over 2 million online to download for free!!!
- new 2007 maps are great, preloaded redlight and speed cameras are good.
- Has 500,000 POIs preloaded. Just select one and hit go. Nice touch is that you can auto call the place to book in if you have the bluetooth phone connected.
- Reads out SMS messages in the aussie female accent - just like having a secretary in the car.
- plus it is already for the new traffic alert system that will start to come online next year.

I have a routed power cable up the back of the dash and have the unit setup to use car power and then auto startup and auto shutdown with ignition, just like the factory unit - look mum, no hands...

A very happy camper :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[BLACKWAGON]

Ive got the Garmin nuvi 310 with blootooth, mp3, jpeg viewer etc.
I was originally looking at Navman, then everyone was on about tom tom which I had never heard of.
After some reading about tom tom I had a definate no in my mind, not 1 person seems to have got through to customer service at all, here or overseas.........who the F do u deal with if there is no customer service!

A few guys I have had a fair bit to do with work in the electronics area and all told me to go straight to Garmin, they said Navman was good but the new models are all cheap feeling as they have gone to a cheaper casing...........they told the sales reps it was due to getting the weight down.....hilarious.

I took about 5 mins to set my 310 up, turned bluetooth on for my dopod pda and it was done.
Put it in the car in 2 seconds as they have a lever activated suction cup and thats it.
Bluetooth and calling from the unit is simple and bloody great quality sound......even over the burbling 5.7.
I havent played with many of the functions, just gps and bluetooth and so far its like an old nokia phone as far as user friendly.
The announcements are accurate and easy to hear and more than one warning before u get to an intersection.
Ended up paying 485 for the Garmin nuvi 310.
So far Im wrapped with it.

[KeenGolfer]

BLACKWAGON, did your Garmin come with PC software so you can plan routes etc on PC and then load onto the GPS? This is one thing that I think would stop me from upgrading my old trusty Garmin 2610 if the new ones don't do this. It's a brilliant feature that I use all the time.

[BLACKWAGON]

Gday Drew,

The cd it came with seems to be a pdf instruction manual only.
I dont know if you can use a program you have and load your trip onto an SD card and plug it in though.

[Fnomna]

Well, I was all set to get a Garmin Nuvi 310, but we just ended up getting a Navman S80 for $539 (-$25 fuel bonus) so we basically got 4.3" widescreen, text-to-speech (spoken street names) and bluetooth for $514. Pretty good price - and probably what tipped the decision in the end. The other thing was wife-acceptance-factor.
http://www.navman.com/Navman/Templates/productinformation____69884.aspx
This price was at Dick Smith in the Myer centre in Adelaide. The guy said it was only this weekend - they also had the S30 and S50 on special, not sure about the S90i.

I must admit comparing the two, the S80 has a much nicer screen and maps. Works well so far and has a few features the 310 didn't like multi-point routes and setting areas to avoid. Text-to-speech works well. Has GPS logging to file, route recording and also a mileage report.
The 310 is still a good unit for the price and has MP3 and lots of travel extras - but I guess we just didn't need those in the end. And it was $579 (-$25 fuel bonus - another 40c/L fuel bonus = $28 for 70L tank) => $526 not much different.

Will have a further play around today and hopefully put up a review with the pros and cons.
For anyone with a S-series, you can change the camera warning chime to any sound/voice and change the startup screen
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=60384
Haven't tried it yet - waiting for the unit to come back home!
I must admit comparing both

[phat-dave]

not related to the two brands in the topic but i went to the good guys today and they have Navman S50 units for $373 but I have to wait til Tuesday for it to come in as they've sold out.

They had a TomTom XL One for $449 which we managed to get down to a very nice price of $399 but I went the Navman due to the its bluetooth & address book syncing etc (My Astra doesn't have bluetooth so this feature will come in handy or so I hope :P )

The Navman was an advertised catalogue price too, so if it helps anyone I'd suggest getting in before close of business tomorrow as its only some you beaut 72 hr sale.

[Bradlym]

Hi Guys,

I am alos looking at getting a GPS. Just wondering with the units that have the talk to text feature such as the Tomtom GO 720, can you choose between using the Talk to Text and the normal 'turn right 100 meters"? I can see the talk to text being an issue where roads are poorly signposted as well at night time where lighting may be an issue.

Cheers

Brad.

[Wonky]

I assume you mean TTS (text-to-speech)? :confused: I had that on my iPAQ satnav (which I didn't really use that much) and haven't really missed it on my TomTom One XL.

As long as you realise that in normal driving the TomTom is usually a fraction behind in updating you should be OK. For example the first time I used it (and only had it sitting on the console before I got my ClicOn mount) it was telling me 50m to a left turn but I wasn't sure which of two roads to go down because one was closer than that and the next one was a bit further. Now I know that when it says 50m it probably really means 30m unless I'm coming to a stop.

I wouldn't go paying hundreds of dollars just for TTS - depends on whether some of the other features on the 720 are worth it for you. There's also a new TTS version of the XL due - has been released overseas already but haven't yet seen any reference to it here (not that I've been looking).

[Fnomna]

can you choose between using the Talk to Text and the normal 'turn right 100 meters"?

As long as you can change voices, you should be able to use one that's non TTS. I know on our Navman you can select voices that are not TTS and the ones that are have a name like Tim or Shazza or whatever so you know which is TTS and which isn't.

I find TTS useful in Adelaide where there's a lot of poor signage. Also helps when you first use a GPS if you're not too good with estimating your metres. It also means most of the time I don't need to look at the screen.

One odd thing - the S80 spells P-T W-A-K-E-F-I-E-L-D road instead of saying the word. Don't know if it's because it's a long word or because it's all captial letters. Anyone else had this with other units?

[GODSMACK]

......................

[SEMPER FI]

Took the plunge and bought a Tomtom OneXL 4.3" screen Sat Nav from Good Guys for $395, cheapest I found apart from Ebay!!

[Crusty]

Took the plunge and bought a Tomtom OneXL 4.3" screen Sat Nav from Good Guys for $395, cheapest I found apart from Ebay!!

I'm on my way to Good guys now to see what they can do, hopefully for Cash I can swindle it for around $400 :)

[SEMPER FI]

I reckon it's a bargain at $395 !!

[Micks]

Tom Toms a good unit, my 910 has been great.

Cheers
VYT
:xmas:

[RRossi]

I'm on my way to Good guys now to see what they can do, hopefully for Cash I can swindle it for around $400 :)

Just remember if you get a written quote Supercheap auto can beat it, thats there price policy, I say use it!

[Crusty]

Just remember if you get a written quote Supercheap auto can beat it, thats there price policy, I say use it!

My local good guys had them for $499 still so I told them I would pay cash and that supercheap were doing it for $449 so they did me $435 which I thought was OK.