Am I looking for the impossible

1up2down · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 05, 2008 Posts: 13

Hi, I'm totally ignorant when it comes to GPS. As a result I dare say I'm hoping to find the impossible. What I would like is a GPS that works both when driving and for when I'm walking, or is it absolutely necessary to two separate units? I would also like to be able to navigate using a full post code.

Apart from this, I am also hoping I can have a GPS that works even when it's not in navigation mode. Like when I'm travelling to places I already know how to get to, but would still like to be informed of any speed cameras and so on.

Is their anyone who can advise me what to look for.

mikealder · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject:

A combined device will never give you the full features available that dedicated units for each task offer. The best compromise for this is a good quality PDA running something like Memory Map for walking and one of the car nav software packages for on road. I would look to other software rather than TomTom though for the PA solution as TTN6 is getting a little old by now.
You will also have to consider protection of the device using something like an Otter box for walking, and a decent car holder to secure it.

You should list what else you want from the device, hands free for the mobile phone, mp3 player etc, also an idea of budget would help pointing you at some devices to look at. - Mike

1up2down · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 05, 2008 Posts: 13

Thanks Mike. From what your saying, I would be better off with individual units each dedicated to it's own task. I just thought it might be possible to simply switch cards to do whichever task I Wanted. As far as the budget is concerned, this is not a problem but I would prefer not to have to spend more than £200 unless it's absolutely necessary. The most important of the units I would need would be the one for the car, so I'll deal with that first. It must be very simple to use with good clear maps, especially when zooming out, and should be able to navigate at the touch of the map, by full street addresses or by full post codes. I would prefer a voice warning for speed cameras such as those downloadable from this site. I would also like it to navigate around traffic jams and avoid toll roads if possible. Now, if possible, it would be nice if the unit when switched on can show me my exact location on the map wherever I might be, and also to direct me back home at the click of one icon. As for MP3 player and hands free phone, these would be a bonus but certainly not essential. I will have to look more into the PDA's as I know less about them than I do GPS. Tony

Kremmen · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject:

One point worth investigating if you do decide to get a single unit is the battery life.

Some car units only have a 2 hour life which would be unsuitable for a long country walk.
_________________
Satnav:
Garmin 2599 LMT-D (Indoor test rig)
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3
Car Average MPG :

1up2down · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 05, 2008 Posts: 13

Andy_P · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

Another little point... if you get one specifically for walking, get one that can take ordinary AA batteries.
The best satnav in the world becomes a useless brick if the battery runs down, and you can't charge it up on a mountainside!

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