All-round satnav systems - advice needed

[Pigleted]

Hi there, my first post here :o)

I am looking for a sat-nav system that I can use for walking/cycling, and as a car based navigation tool. Both are equally important to me :o)

I am living and travelling mainly in central/eastern europe, so mapping solutions are important.

I have been looking at the Garmin Vista system, which says it does all that I need. Is it a useful auto sat-nav? How is satelite reception in a car?

I know that I will need to compromise somewhere, but am I better advised to buy an auto specific system such as Tom-Tom, or the Garmin type systems, which were originally for hiking and can also double up as an auto satnav.

There is a bewildering choice out there these days, and I am getting slightly confused by all the options. Any useful pointers or advice gratefully received ;o)

Cheers

Pigleted

[Dragsterman]

I purchased a Satmap Active 10 thinking it could also be used in the car. It's clearly not designed for use in a car as it doesn't function like say, a Tom Tom. There is no 3D map for instance on this unit. But it is perfect for walking or MTB use due to the OS mapping. The level of detail is therefore second to none.

[philpugh]

My suggestion would be to go for a two separate systems.

For Car: You should be able to pick up a reasonably priced in-car system. Look for an iGo based solution as their Eastern European mapping is supposed to be good.

For walking - it depends. I prefer a simple (ie non-mapping) GPS - I have GARMIN GPS60 - and use paper maps. If you are an experienced walker you will only be using the GPS for occasional position checks and approx distances to next event/waypoint.
_________________
Phil

[7andy]

Check out Road Angel.

[robertn]

Don't forget to consider a PPC based solution. Main drawbacks are battery life and robustness. If you are a fine weather walker and mountain biker, this it should be OK. If not, an otter box will protect the PDA.

I agree a two device solution is best though. The compromises stack up pretty quick.

[Pigleted]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

So, if a PPC is the way to go, which is a good make to look at? I would want maximum screen size/resolution. Not too interested in fancy stuff like bluetooth etc. Just want a good machine that will run the nav software well. Any ideas?

Thanks again

Pigleted

[mikealder]

If you are going down the PDA route there are a number of different devices to consider, firstly if you use a mobile phone on contract that is nearly ready for renewal look at the HTC Artemis which is badged as O2 XDA Orbit or T-Mobile MDA C-III, these units are true PDA devices with built in GPS.

If the phone isn't an option for you go for a PDA with a large screen the old ipaq-4700 or Dell x51 as these had large 42 screens with VGA resolution (makes for a finer displayed image when zoomed in).

Bear in mind you will need an external GPS receiver to use with the PDA (unless you get one with it built in MIO P350/ 550 or HP rx-5935 all have integral GPS as do others).

If you get a PDA with out integral GPS the external GPS needs to communicate with the PDA so Bluetooth is often the method used, so BT is important. Other methods are CF (Compact Flash) if the device has a slot for these thpe of receivers, SDIO - Again a slot is required and often these have proven problematic to get going on some PDA's - Mike

[Skippy]

[robertn]

If you go for the intergrated phone/pda/gps option, be aware the GPS functionality is just enough to get the feature tick on the box - it will work but these usually have small antenna, so will have relatively poor performance when compared to something with a bigger antenna (this really is a case where, everything else equal, bigger is better).

An external antena will help, but IMHO not a great solution - too many wires and things to plug in etc.

[mikealder]

The assisted GPS on the Artemis (HTC P3300 and derivatives) works very well even in built up cities, I have very little doubt that it is as good as the Holux GPSlim236 I have been using for quite a while, some of the other units do suffer from poor reception but the Atremis works great - Mike

[Skippy]

[mikealder]

The Ameo/ Athena is not as good as perhaps it should be, it often takes too long to acquire a signal compared to other units and the Mio 701 which is a little long in the tooth these days.
There are quite a few to choose from, although not much in way of competition for HTC they have this market very well covered with some decent devices, take a look at the Polaris, its like the Artemis but 3G and more memory, it is NOT VGA contrary to what you might read on the net - Mike

[Pigleted]

Well once again, thanks for all the advice.

I decided to go down the 2 device route.

I have just bought a Mio P360. A work mate had an older Mio running iGo 2006. He travels extensively in Eastern Europe and said it was the best solution he had used. Eastern Europe navigation was a very big plus for me. Plus the fact I can also use it in the UK when I visit, and anywhere else in between!

iGo will also be bringing out their new 3D version soon - can't wait!

I will now start to look at inexpensive GPS devices for hiking.

Glad I found this place

[mikealder]

As you have the PDA you might as well use it for both applications, it will certainly do this, for walking/ climbing you need to consider impact damage and water ingress, have a look at the Otter Box 1900 case which you new toy will fit in quite easily, see Here
I use one when out with the PDA and its a great unit offering the protection you need, They cost typically around £50 for that model, the belt clip is a handy addition though.

Then you need the maps for where you are working, you could try using Ozi Explorer by scanning your own paper maps see Here or have a look for one of the topo mapping packages, Fugawi and Memory Map are great for UK, not too sure about overseas though - Mike

[Pigleted]

Plenty to be thinking about there

Looking forward to the delivery of my new toy! If I can get it to do both jobs, so much the better

Cheers!

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!