Total n00b to GPS - please advise what to buy

keymoo

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy my first GPS after I borrowed my Dad's a few weeks ago - it never crossed my mind to buy a GPS, after all what's wrong with a map?

Anyway, the GPS made the journey a pleasure and kept my relationship with my wife very smooth as she didn't have to read the map. So, I'm looking to buy my own and there seems to be lots of choice which I find bewildering. I live in Switzerland so will be purchasing there, and I'd like the device to be in English if possible. I'm looking for the following features:

Can you advise me on a good starter model? Are there any other features that I may not be aware of that you could recommend?

Thanks for any help in advance!
keymoo

mikealder · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 7:16 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum, I would have a look at the TomTom or Garmin ranges, from the TomTom stable you have a number of devices to consider:
Any of the products with the Live services equipped with a European map will suffice BUT you have a monthly subscription to pay in order to receive the trafic data.
The 730T is another TomTom device that has an RDS-TMC Traffic receiver in the box which is free to use negating the subscription charge BUT the Traffic data isn't as good as the HD Live service - Just a few ideas to start with - Mike

keymoo · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I'm considering the Garmin nüvi® 265T after having a look round the internet. Looks like it will do what I need.

253 · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:35 am Post subject:

i don't know about the Altimeter bit of things.
Garmin Hand helds have an altimeter option, i don't know how accurate they are.
But to any of the car GPS systems have altimeter readings?
_________________
Triumph Tbird 1700. And now a Bonnie T100.

mikealder · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:11 am Post subject:

There are some third party applications that can be added to the TomTom such as "height" that can be used although GPS altitude isn't very accurate and isn't relative to sea level at any specific point on the planet - Mike

BigPerk · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject:

At least some of the Navigon range can display altitude.
_________________
David
(Navigon 70 Live, Nuvi 360)

keymoo · Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:56 am Post subject:

I went shopping yesterday and ended up buying the Garmin 1390T which was on special offer - comes with 2010 Europe maps and has an altimeter. Looks like a very nice unit, just need to work out how to use the thing. :-) Thanks for your help - nice site.

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