Help Required in Selecting a GPS

[mike-davies]

I’m a newcomer to GPS looking to buy my first unit. I liked the look of the TomTom X10 series, particularly because of the Bluetooth mobile hands-free facility, and was on the point of ordering one (probably a 910) when I stumbled across the reports of the new X20 series. However, I have a few questions.

1. A major part of my reason for purchasing a GPS is to reduce the “partner map reading stress syndrome”! Since I’m driving to France on holiday on 14 July, what are the chances that the 720, for instance, will be available in UK by then?

2. The integrated FM transmitter looks interesting. My question is how is this going to work on a GPS given that presumably the integrated car audio system will have to be tuned to a particular frequency to receive navigation instructions. Doesn’t this prevent me from listening to a CD or another radio station at the same time?

3. My work can take me to some far-flung corners of the world. How easy would it be to take my GPS with me? How good would the map coverage be of, for instance, South Africa, China or Mexico? How easy would it be to download maps for other countries if I need them?

4. Finally, given my situation (50+ age bracket but reasonably tech literate, driving around 12,000 miles annually in UK plus more overseas), what advantages would a 720 offer over a 910? I can buy a 910 for around £260 (incl VAT) but it looks like the 720 is going to be over £400. The price is not necessarily a problem but I like to feel that I’m getting value for money. Alternatively, is there another unit altogether that may better suit my needs?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[alix776]

if you go to far flung places of the earth then a pda maybe a better option as tt may not have the maps for the areas youare going
_________________
currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

[mikealder]

[mike-davies]

Gents

Thanks very much for the helpful responses – particularly Mike Alder’s most comprehensive reply. (Btw, Mike, I wish that my business trips overseas were “exotic” – most times all I see of my destinations are the insides of aircraft, cars, meeting rooms and hotels!)

Based upon your advice, I think the answer is to continue with my proposed order for the 910, which I can use in Europe, and maybe hire a GPS (where possible) from the car-hire company when I’m further afield.

One last question on a general theme, if I may. I recall reading some while ago that the sight of the windscreen suction device (or even the mark left by it) was encouraging a new trend of opportunist thieves breaking into cars hoping to steal the GPS itself even if it was hidden away. The problem being, of course, that, even if the device is not in the car, one still has to deal with the aftermath, smashed windows, etc. Is this still a problem, in your opinion?

Thanks again
Mike

[mikealder]

The problem of breaking in to vehicles because of the tell tale marks has certainly not gone away, keep a pack of computer screen wipes in the car to wipe the evidence away from the screen, keep the main nav unit in your pocket when away from the car and the mount at best with you, but at the least out of view - Mike

[robertn]

A wee while back my mate had is car broken into and the mount stolen. The theifs left the Navman unit he owns in the glove box - I cannot figure that one out

[alix776]

they had taste sorry couldnt resist
_________________
currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

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!