Sat Nav Recommendations

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum -- please move if necessary.

Can anyone recommend a Sat Nav they're happy with?  Thanks!

We use the Tom Tom and it works just fine.  Never had any problems.

We have a Garmin & we're happy with it.

We also have a Garmin, and it's fine.  Garmin & Tom Tom seem to be the main two brands, and each of them has a fairly wide range to choose from, going from basic ones that just tell you where to go to more expensive models that take into account current local traffic conditions when giving you directions.  The main difference seems to be in the way you pay for map updates.

With the Garmins, you can pay to update your map to the most current map for £49.99, or you can pay for unlimited map updates (for that one Garmin device) for £99.99.

With Tom Tom, on the other hand, you can pay to update your map to the most current map for £49.95, or you can get a subscription for up to 4 map updates per year for £32/year (Tom Tom people, feel free to correct me if I got that wrong; I don't have one, so I'm just reading it off the website).

We haven't updated our Garmin since we bought it in 2008, and while we occasionally run into map discrepancies (mostly on bigger A roads where a roundabout has been replaced by an interchange with exits), having 2 year old maps hasn't caused us any trouble (aside from my geek nature wanting to have the latest maps - haha).  We'll probably update the maps for £49 eventually.

I've got a Garmin Nuvi that I bought a couple of years back.  I chose the Garmin because, after reading a lot of online reviews, it seemed to have the most accurate, comprehensive maps.  I did get one that had text-to-speech, meaning that, instead of just saying 'Turn left' or 'Turn right,' it actually says 'Turn left/right on Main Street' or 'Take exit 245B'.  This can make a huge difference when you're in a busy area with a lot of exits and frontage roads and whatnot.

I've found the device very user-friendly, and it's got a really good range of 'Points of Interest' that you can look up.  I've been able to find nearly every business I've ever searched for with it (all kinds, too- not just restaurants, etc.) just by typing in the name.

With mine, I got one free map update, which I did a little over a year after I bought it.  It wasn't the smoothest process; they could work on making their website more navigable and on better explaining how to connect your device.  But once I got the gps hooked up to my laptop, it was pretty easy.  I don't anticipate any problems when the time comes to swap my US map for the UK one.

I have experience of both the tomtom one and the garmin nuvi 205 and in my opinion,the tomtom one is the best.

The mapping software is better,quicker and more accurate.

I have a Garmin Nuvi and love it....I would never be able to get around without it (sad but true!)

I have an older tom tom and love it. I think it is one of those things that whatever sat nav you first own and get used to you will love and then if you try a different brand you won't like it as much. You simply learn to rely on a certain layout and it is hard to change, I have borrowed other people's sat navs and hated them.

I am sure you will be happy with whatever you choose, the are wonderful creatures

Another vote for TomTom! We tell people he is like part of the family and we never leave home without him. 

We couldn't live without Lady Tom Tom. She makes for marital bliss in the car - no map related arguing at all......

I love my Garmin Nuvi... all the model numbers with a 7 in the middle (275, 775, 1370) are preloaded with both American and Europe maps, and are usually just a bit more then the ones with just one set.  Definitely cheaper then buying one with only one continent and then buying the maps separately.  I recommend the 275(t) or 1370, they have both maps, text to speech, traffic, all the bells and whistles for around $200!

We couldn't live without Lady Tom Tom. She makes for marital bliss in the car - no map related arguing at all......

We have the opposite experience with Tom Tom. First the voice. Irritating no matter which voice we choose. Maps. Make sure you check other maps before using Tom Tom so you can double check what TT tells. There are some horror stories out there.
There have been times when I would have had great satisfaction from through my TT as far as I could through it because I was so disgusted with it..
Now I think most of the manufactures recommend you double check the directions using other maps. I mean whats the point of buying it in the first place if its unreliable?