Although I still think a street directory does the job for 99% of route finding, I've got the opportunity to pick up a GPS navigation thingie for next to nothing and am trying to decide which one from the selection available (forget it - this is not a 'group buy' situation).

I just KNOW that some of you will have researched this until you know the mother's maiden name of the janitor at the factory where they are made, so feedback please on the following products:

TomTom XL GPS System

Navman S80 GPS System

TomTom GO 720 GPS

Don't bother telling me about other systems - these are what I have to choose from, so am happy to get the best one of those.

Well come on! I thought the electronic gadget trainspotters would be having an orgy over this by now...

:)

I'm no technophobe but if it helps I believe the TomTom systems get excellent write ups in Africa...............:)

Cheers

Alan

I got a Tom Tom One as a birthday present today. Seems easy to use and it has spoken street names.

Will find out how user friendly it is once I use it.

skc

720 GO is very big. Right? But I like TomTom very much when I was getting one for my wife. Now gathering dust.... (one car has standard nav and I use Nokia). TomTom has the best antenna and it won't miss a beat even in the thickest storm!

The problem is that you have to update the map every now and then. I am sure someone will torrent those but you just have to find it.

In Toyota forum, the newbie are kind enough to burn a copy of the new map and pass it on. That is what we do to keep map updated.

Cripes Dave...talk about limiting our options..! I've had a Garmin for over 12 months and swear by it...NASA technology and very family user friendly.

The Tom Tom XL was my No. 2 choice and you won't go wrong...don't pay more than this... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/TOMTOM-XL-2ND-GEN-GPS-JULY-2008-RELEASED-AUSLUCK_W0QQitemZ160283425827QQihZ006QQcategoryZ34 288QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Garmin nuvi 4" diag (shirt pocket thin). Many models. Pick only the features you actually need.

Good prices at http://www.tigergps.com/automotivegps.html#top

Thanks guys but when you're getting it for basically nothing, I think I can live with it not being a Garmin (great stuff - I've used their products when ocean racing).

Andrew kindly posted the following link for those interested:

http://www.cnet.com.au/cartech/gps/0,20 ... 115,00.htm
http://www.cnet.com.au/cartech/gps/0,20 ... 128,00.htm
http://www.cnet.com.au/cartech/gps/0,20 ... 974,00.htm

Think I'll go the XL... :)

one day, mazda will fit sat nav as standard in their cars.

one day.... :D

Dave, I'm a happy Tom Tom user, even taking it overseas. Basically hasn't missed a beat and you can choose an Aussie accent.

I suspect they're all much of a muchness, but I'm happy with the Tom Tom.

Thanks Timbo.

TomTom is the way I'll go. Think the XL will do me. Will order it today - might even have it before I go to the Nats next week...