lreynold1

I am planning a driving trip in Sicily and need some information on GPS devices. I have seen several discussions in the forum on the differences between TomTom and Garmin, but can't find the answer to my specific question.

I would like a GPS that can respond to place names -- for instance, I would like to be able to type in "Tenute Plaia Agriturismo", much as I do on Google maps. I have read on some Amazon reviews of the Garmin Nuvi that you need a street address. Is TomTom any better?

Any advice?

ParisAmsterdam

Most GPSs will need a little more info than that. But.. you can add locations, places you plan to stay for example, as POIs (places of interest) in advance and they will show up when typed in later. My experience is with Tom-toms, no idea about Garmins.

bilboburgler

just use your phone and APP "here", download before you go. Preload POI etc, dead easy.

lreynold1

I'm a little confused about the phone app possibility. Will we have to get a data plan in Italy to use it? (Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am not the brightest technology bulb in the bunch).

traveller1959

I live in Europe and here the age of GPS systems is over. I do not use my Garmin systems any more.

Instead, we use our cellphones with navigation systems like "Google Maps" or "Here". You can download country maps and use them in offline mode, although they work better with internet connection.

Before you travel, buy a windscreen holder for your cellphone and a USB adapter for the cigarette lighter. And install "Google Maps" and "Here" (both are free for Apple and Android) and the Italian maps.

But also make yourself familiar with geography to avoid unpleasant surprises (like places with the same name).

bilboburgler

You don't need any data to use the here APP once the map is downloaded (which you can do in the US if you want), then, thanks to the US military you can get your position to a 10m x 10 m grid everywhere, no data.

What you find is the thing sucks battery so you will need a USB charger cable (as most new cars have a usb plug in point for just this purpose)

ribeirasacra

The trouble with using a phone GPS is that it is illegal to use to a phone whilst driving. So that means the driver cannot touch it.
Guests here have arrived using all sorts of devices. The worst are those which rely on Google maps. cell phones do tend to drop the GPS signal easier than dedicated units.
Do not use any voice distributions for place names on any GPS as they do not do it well, even when you use a "native" speaker.
I use a TomTom which has regular map updates. Commands limited to take the which lane and junctions in x metres. Please with it. The screen is large enough too read whilst driving.

traveller1959

>> The trouble with using a phone GPS is that it is illegal to use to a phone whilst driving. So that means the driver cannot touch it. <<

Wrong. It is forbidden to hold a smartphone in your hand. If it is in a holder you can touch it like a GPS or any button on your car's dashboard.

greg

While it is not essential to have a data connection once you downloaded Google offline maps, there are downsides not mentioned.

- It take much longer to lock in your location without data connection. If you need GPS immediately when starting your trip, you need to wait in your car longer before they can tell you which way to go.

- You do not get traffic information.

- Some tiny streets seems to be shown only in online mode.

- Google downloaded maps expire in 30 days. The gotcha is that if they expire, google does not let you access the map. It is as if you have never downloaded the map. Be sure you have access to fast internet connection to download map shortly before you use them. These maps can be huge and Italian WiFi connections can be painfully slow - a double hit.

Try downloading a map in your area at home and drive around without data connection to simulate what it is like using a cellphone navigation without data.