Sat NAv

I'd recommend them but then I admittedly have very little to compare to having never used the TomTom database. For me, I needed the TomTom almost instantly after buying it (A cheap week away, before going back to Uni) and had no time to test the TomTom cameras first... With the distance I was going to be covering (Compared to my day to day 20 mile commute) I thought I'd go for the most recommended option of the PocketGPSWorld database.

One word of warning, though; Of course the satnav doesn't know if a mobile camera will actually be there at that time only that mobiles are known to operate at that spot. For this reason you tend to get a lot of false warnings (Just incase it does happen to be there). This is no bother for me, indeed I find it reassuring, but I can imagine some people getting a bit annoyed with it! You can opt to install only fixed cameras though.

The set up guides on the PocketGPSWorld website are very comprehensive, and I'd got everything sorted in about 5 - 10 minutes but if you have any problems either post over there (A good community with a few regulars that tend to reply very quickly) or whenever possible I'll help where I can. I don't think you'll need any of it though... Dead easy stuff!

One final thing worth considering... The membership for a year allows you to download the files in any filetype, meaning that you can download the database for other supported satnav units in your household at no extra charge (I say household as that's the wording they use; Whether there would be any way of them knowing, or restricting, you letting a friend chip in for the database, I would't know...).
 
For those still following the Navigon debate, here is a summary of the 21x0 Max vs the new 22x0:

21x0 Max
  • Display: 4.3" touch-screen display in 16:9 format
  • GPS: Nemerix
  • Processor: Samsung 2443 (400MHz)
  • Memory: 64 MB ROM/64 MB RAM
  • Software v7 running on Windows CE 5
  • Features: Reality View Pro, Lane Assistant Pro, Radar Info, Speed
  • Assistant, Autoswitch Day & Night Mode, Picture Viewer
  • TMC Traffic info - £40
  • Full text to speech - £15
  • Unit cost - £99.99 for UK and ROI

22x0
  • Display: 3.5" touchscreen in 4:3 format
  • GPS: SiRF Atlas III + Instant Fix II
  • Processor: Atlas III (375 MHz)
  • Memory: 512 MB ROM / 2 GB ROM / 64 MB RAM
  • Software v7 running on Windows CE 5
  • Features: Reality View Pro, Lane Assistant Pro, Radar Info, Speed Assistant
  • TMC Traffic info - included
  • Full text to speech - included
  • Unit cost - £135.99 for Europe

Navigon seem to regard the 21x0 Max as being higher up the product range, though I think it is tight. The Max has a widescreen, a slightly faster processor (but I don't know if they are directy comparable) and a couple of extra features.

The 22x0 has traffic and TTS included in the purchase price... I haven't found the 2200 UK and ROI for sale, hence I've detailed the 2210 Europe model.

One other notable difference is that they use different GPS chipsets... I do not know which is better.
 
For anyone still undecided, I found the Traffic alerting and re-routing to be pretty useful on my trip to London on Thursday - it actually routed me through A and B roads to the M3 when I set off from home instead of going the A3 route I normally do as there was delays that way! if the delay is short it seems to give you the option of choosing to avoid it or not (default).

Screens:

"Traffic on route" screen:
garmin_screen_1.bmp


Click the top bar and you get a bit more detail on the nature of the delay:
garmin_screen_2.bmp


And the map view with everything enabled:
garmin_screen_3.bmp

(the blue line behind the car is the trip logger, it logs the route you took so you can follow yourself and so on, can't find a way to export this though?)

The Safety Camera alerting is also much improved over the Nuvi 200W I had before, the alert icon appears on the map as grey if there is a camera on route and you're at or below the limit and red if you're above the limit followed by 2 dings.

Also now none of the alert messages block the route directions text like they used to on the 200W.

The traffic receiver is embedded into the car charger cable but you don't have to have the charger end plugged into the 12v socket for it to work which is handy if you are charging your phone on the socket etc.

Defo a keeper.
 
Last edited:
Yup sure:

320.jpg


213.jpg


211.jpg


181.jpg


179.jpg


http://robbiekhan.co.uk/root/photos/cars-mine/garmin_screens/
/173.jpg

169.jpg


150.jpg


128.jpg
 
mrk, I'm thinking of getting that unit but there's one thing I'm not too sure about. I had one of the very first PDA based Tom Toms about 4 or 5 years ago and the feature I loved was that on the map display whilst driving along, it gave a continuous update of distance to go, ETA, actual speed etc.

From your screenshots above, it looks like the Garmin only shows an ETA. Can you choose to display distance to go or anything else on the map screen?
 
The garmin has a diff screen to show distance eta if you press the speed icon you get the odometer display such as
 
I believe mrk will be referring to this screen:

nuvi660triplogtm9.jpg


If this is the case, then it's something I'd not be able to live with; I'd want (some) of this information to be available on the main mapping screen... For me, seeing this information or mapping information isn't particularly desirable. I, like you, find the TomTom great in terms of this.
 
Oh yes, forgot to even attach the screenshot before leaving tonight :p

188.jpg


The top counter counts down ETA distance when a destination is set, the one below counts up running distance all the time until user reset.

It's simply a case of tapping one button to see the odometer screen. I guess their intention was to keep odometer readings and distance/time readings on one screen whilst mapping and journey key info on the main screen. not really an issue as the single button press is easy and none fiddly like some units.

Edit*
Heh as posted above ¬_¬
 
Last edited:
J1nxy said:
Bet they told you that the Navigon is rubbish as well?? Its almost as funny as when the purple shirt brigade try to talk technical.

I've had my Navigon 2100max now for just over a week and am really impressed, it got good maps, is pretty quick, the TMC and Text to Speech work well and for £99 + the updates it great. Probably gonna sell the TomTom 530T now...
Click to expand...

Hey J1nxy... I noticed that you've got your Navigon 2100 Max up for sale now... have you changed your opinion on it? If yes, how and why.

Mine is still sitting in it's box waiting for the 4Q map update (and it's not been needed yet)... I assume the 30 days map guarantee is from the date you first activate it.
 
Nope still think its a great device, just now have a need for the Bluetooth car kit so I might as well keep the tom tom.
 
Fair enough! Can you confirm that I'm right in thinking that the 30 days map guarantee is from the date you first activate it rather than the purchase date (how can Navigon confirm the purchase date anyway)?
 
Looks like the 2100max or the 2110max are what i'm heading towards... Anyone wanna sell me theirs? (J1nxy?) ;)
 
Sorted my contact info out! Heaven knows how long that email address has been wrong - i'd not used it since i was on dialup! :o :p
 
Alright guys,

Decided the time is right to buy a Sat-Nav. I've got a few requirements:

  1. Bluetooth
  2. FM Transmitter
  3. Street Name Speak
  4. MP3 Player
  5. Widescreen

I was looking at the Garmin Nuvi 760t - for around £180. I've used Garmin's before and like them, but would go for a Tom-Tom equivalent if it beats it on price or features. Anybody got any other suggestions and can you get any with Lane Assist for under £200?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom