programmable satnav?

[badyaker]

Hello, a satnav virgin here. My other half is very good with an atlas and a google map for the last mile or so, so no real need.

What would be useful though is a unit that I can program a predetermined route into, and follow without having to stop to check the map if I'm driving solo. All the ones I've used from time to time, borrowed etc, only seem to be good for traffic avoidance or general, get me from A to B and I don't care how you do it.

For example, if I want to program a city cruise or a 200 mile weekend hoon with 30 or so waypoints in specific sequence, what unit does this the best? Or are they all the same?

Like I say, satnav virgin. I know, I know. It's 2011. I'm only 33 FFS.

Help please?!

[Orillion]

badyaker said:

What would be useful though is a unit that I can program a predetermined route into, and follow without having to stop to check the map if I'm driving solo.
Help please?!

I've never tried to program a unit, but I use a basic TomTom and this free software:

http://www.tyre.tk/

[snowmuncher]

Good find that bit of software

[waremark]

Yes, TYRE is excellent; but most (maybe all) newer Tomtom units do not have the Itinerary feature which the OP is looking for, and which TYRE creates routes for.

Can anyone name a current Tomtom unit which has this feature?

Tomtom are selling refurbed Go 550 and Go 750 units on their website Outlet section; I use a Go 950 which has the feature, and it is excellent.

[snowmuncher]

My brother has a new cheapy TomTom, I'll have a play at loading routes

I had noticed it has some other features removed compared to mine. It has also had been visited by "big brother" - you can no longer lookup addresses while the unit detects motion

My 2yr old XXL supports .ITN

[Eugene7]

If you have an Android phone I am really happy with Sygic...

I used to use TomTom, and now prefer this.

[snowmuncher]

New TomTom's best avoided

Lots of software features removed or dumbed down

My XXL connected to a PC as a USB drive (ie no drivers, no need to install TOmTom Home etc), new ones no longer do this and require an invasive and memory hogging driver and tray utility to manage connection.

Combine that with the pathetic CPU speed which equals really slow map redraws etc. Very poor effort mr TomTom.