"Best" Garmin

topgazza · Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:15 pm Post subject: "Best" Garmin

I'm frustrated that Google Maps no longer downloads to my TomTom 720 because Google threw a wobbly over TT supplying Apple.....

So my question is what is a reasonable Garmin device that I really just use for navigation only, not music or anything else, that I can buy. I am looking at the Nuvi 50 at £69.99 from Halfords but willing to stretch the budget a bit higher.

Not really used Garmin for about 8 years now and maybe an obvious question but in general are they as good as TT devices ? Also that required copy Google Map into Garmin is a big plus for me as I like to tell the map which route I wish to go.....
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Kremmen · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:39 am Post subject:

I've got a Garmin 50 and it's perfectly OK as a basic device. The only drawback is that you can't easily remove/reset your 'tracks'. If that isn't an issue (you can turn them off) then your choice.
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sussamb · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:57 am Post subject:

Here's the info on Google and nuvis. Note you can only transfer locations, not routes Wink

http://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7Bf868fd20-12df-11dd-dc9c-000000000000%7D

topgazza · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys. Not a lot further forward than my TT really. It was handy to create a map in Google Maps ..... drag all my chosen riute points (itineries I suppose) and drop them onto my TT until Google threw their toys out oif the pram. Shame they diudn't create the same level of service for Garmins.

Does teh Garmin desktop software have map creation where you can select your own route likle Google Maps ? TT doesn't which makes it fairly pointless in my humble opinion. Shame as I fancied a new Sat Nav device and may have gone for one of the more feature rich Garmins.....
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

sussamb · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 3:45 pm Post subject:

Garmin's free Basecamp program allows you to create routes on your PC and send them to trip/route capable nuvis. Some videos here that will give you an idea, although they need updating as don't quite match the current version http://www8.garmin.com/learningcenter/training/basecamp/

topgazza · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 4:09 pm Post subject:

Much appreciated..... I'll check it out tonight.

The Nuvi 50 gets good write ups and as a device for UK and EU it seems to do pretty much what I need. Basically a dedicated sat nav device as I don't need much else but can anyone advise on the any other models that are worth considering in the Garmin range please ?
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

sussamb · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 4:39 pm Post subject:

Well it really depends on what features you want and how much you want to spend, but if I understand correctly that you want a relatively cheap, basic navigator the 50 is a good choice IMO.

topgazza · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:59 pm Post subject:

Thats what i thought and I guess the more expensive ones still run the same software and with the widescreen as well. So the 50 makes sense for me
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

sussamb · Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 6:53 am Post subject:

Different software/hardware on the more expensive ones which is why they cost more and work differently with additional features Wink

topgazza · Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:03 am Post subject:

But in terms of navigation function they are the same ?
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

sussamb · Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 10:16 am Post subject:

I don't think anyone but Garmin could answer that.

If you mean given the same points will they calculate exactly the same route when using the same map and with the same routing and avoidance settings then yes, they should, but there may be some subtle differences in the routing algorithms that are only evident to Garmin.

topgazza · Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:31 pm Post subject:

Does anyone use Bascamp ? I have downloaded it but it shows a very strange basic map that doesn't even include the A33 or places like Milton Keynes and is lacking an almost all relevant detail. Do I have to own a Garmin with its maps to see them on the PC ? I only ask because the Garmin site explains nothing
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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

sussamb · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 7:20 am Post subject:

I do. You're right about the maps, the one it comes with is VERY basic. Once you have a Garmin GPS it will read the detailed maps off that or there are ways to get them installed on your PC.

You could also load some detailed openstreet maps now if you wish. Go to www.talkytoaster.co.uk and you should find the info you need. I use them as well as Garmin mapping, both on my GPS and on my PC for Basecamp to use.

topgazza · Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 8:30 am Post subject:

Great stuff ... Thanks very much I'll check it out Very Happy

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TomTom 720

Nokia Lumia 800 with Nokia Maps, iPhone 4S with Apple Maps (sigh)

Dabri · Lifetime Member Joined: Aug 30, 2006 Posts: 149

I have previously downloaded maps from talkytoaster, which work well on my nuvi. After reading this discussion I down loaded BaseCamp v4.2.1, but I can't figure out how to load the talkytoaster image into it. Help, please.
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Dabri.
Navman iCN530T; Garmin 760T v4.80; Garmin 765T v4.00; Garmin 2460LMT v3.60; Samsung S3;
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