Sat Nav For Galaxy ?

[Davetheref]

I'm sure this has been covered before but I am just after some advice.

I have a 2003 130bhp TDI Galaxy with factory fitted DVD. How easy is it to have a sat nav fitted. Is it something I could do myself, as I've seen lots of these Tom Tom kits on ebay but am not sure I want something just stuck to the dash or windscreen. Any of you guys or gals know of good websites or can anyone supply personal experience of fitting these.

 

Thanks

[Davetheref]

Whoops. Just been through all of the sat nav stuff in the topic area. Looks like it pretty much covers it. But still one question. What is the best and easiest installed unit out there or is it really down to personal choice.

[iainkirk]

You've probably seen mine on another thread, but here's what it looks like:

 

(click the link!)

 

Iain's SatNav

[Davetheref]

Thanks Iain. What made you go for the PDA option as opposed to the other TomTom I've seen which looks a bit like a small Aplle computer.

[iainkirk]

The TomTom Go didn't exist when I got mine!

 

Besides, I also use mine as a PocketPC anyway. You can't do that with a TomTom Go.

 

I also use a programme called TrafCam, which uses a speed camera database to warn me about accident blackspots (that's why they say the cameras are there after all!). You can't do that with TomTom Go either!

 

TomTom Go looks expensive for

[MrT]

The PDA option also gives you the flexibility to use mapping off roads using bitmap based Ordnance Survey Maps and A-Zs such as Memory Map. This is good for cycling, hiking or boats.

 

The PDA option also gives you the flexibility to change map/navigation provider if you find a better data provider.

 

The PDA version of TomTom3 has integrated Traffic Information (not sure about the GO) and you can buy another Traffic Program which in my opinion has better data but is not integrated called Traffic-I. The XDA version works on WinCE2003 PDAs and they are also developing a PDA specific version.

[jkspoff]

TomTom Go, a superb faultless Sat Nav system, that has the advantage over a installed system that it can be taken from car to car and be removed for security.....from a user - highly recommended.......

[Davetheref]

Sounds like the PDA option with TomTom is the one to go for.

[Davetheref]

One last question for Iain (I hope). I noticed on the Mio 168 website link you supplied that the Mio has 2 opptions with sat nav software, the Mio in car satelite navigation software and/or TomTom nav3 software. Much the sameness? or is one better than the other? Its only a slightly different price. They also charge extra for setting up GPS and for an extra memory card. Do I need to have this or is it something I can do myself.

Thanks

[MrT]

I suggest you take a look at Pocket GPS World where there are many reviews and good forums on various GPS systems and issues.

[iainkirk]

Davetheref: I'd set it up yourself. It should only take a few minutes.

 

Also, I'd get the memory card from www.ebuyer.com, as they sell SD cards for a good bit less. You need a 128MB SD card, as the UK maps take up about 100MB.

 

I would personally go for the TomTom Navigator 3 version, although I haven't used other navigation software.

 

If you have any problems with setting up a Mio 168, just ask, as I set up the other half's. The instructions don't tell you how to make the software talk to the built-in GPS receiver! Ho Hum. Got hers working in a jiffy though.

 

My own setup is a Viewsonic V35 (no longer available), but all standard Pocket PCs work virtually the same.

 

Unless you need your PocketPC to do really clever stuff, don't bother paying for ones with Bluetooth, unless you want to use a mobile phone for live traffic news in conjunction with your satnav software.

 

Try also www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk - they do some good bundles (my V35 came from there).

 

Note that the NavMan PiN (and I think also the Garmin iQue 3600) is a re-badged Mitac Mio 168, if you come across one in your search.

[Davetheref]

Thanks Iain.

Should be buying the Mitac or equivalent this week and will more than likely be pestering you for a bit of advice in setting it up, if thats ok.

 

Dave