Satnav with USA Maps

Zascar

I'm going on holiday to Californa in a few weeks. Hiring a car for the time we are there. As far as I can work out the rental companies charge a fortune to rent a satnav. I could buy one out there for probably similar money, but I'm wondering if I can buy one here, and get the US Maps put on it also so I could use it here and also out there.

Anyone know if this is possible, how its done, and where I should be looking?
Thanks

dragon_lordMTB

I have a Garmin 250W and ordered USA maps from their website and got it delivered on a flash card to the house. It came within 3~4 days and was fantastic over there.

bigfeller

Have you an iPhone? I recently started using mine as my GPS, much better than the Garmin 250 it replaced. I'm using the Navigon maps and they are available for €45.

Ferris

Its three years ago but I got an sd card with US maps off ebay. Worked a treat on a garmin. The directions are a lot more detailed over there, they even tell you what lane to be in for turnoffs.

Declan1

I got Co Pilot USA for the iPhone. £2.99 from the app store. Just back from 2500 miles of driving around the west coast and it worked a treat.

Zascar

Thanks Guys. I have an Android phone, the HTC Desire, but how would it work with data etc over there? I don't want a $$$$ bill when I come home. Or could I get a local sim out there? How does it work exactly?

My dad has a Mio Spirit 500 - can I get US maps for that?

unkel

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks Guys. I have an Android phone, the HTC Desire, but how would it work with data etc over there? I don't want a $$$$ bill when I come home. Or could I get a local sim out there? How does it work exactly?

Buy a second hand Nokia smartphone for under €100 (i.e. a 5800 - better than an iPhone 3) and install OVI maps. This is excellent, it is completely free and you can download any map for anywhere in the world (for free) onto the phones memory card. This service does not cost a cent in data as it reads off the card

When you come back from your holidays, sell the phone again for about the same as you paid for it. Bangerphonomics

R.O.R

unkel wrote: »

Buy a second hand Nokia smartphone for under €100 (i.e. a 5800 - better than an iPhone 3) and install OVI maps. This is excellent, it is completely free and you can download any map for anywhere in the world (for free) onto the phones memory card. This service does not cost a cent in data as it reads off the card

When you come back from your holidays, sell the phone again for about the same as you paid for it. Bangerphonomics

Just don't be tempted to pick up an early N97, as the built in GPS receiver is as stable as a 1 legged female donkey, on a tightrope, at THAT time of the month.

Bonito

R.O.R wrote: »

Just don't be tempted to pick up an early N97, as the built in GPS receiver is as stable as a 1 legged female donkey, on a tightrope, at THAT time of the month.

Best. Description. Ever.

My friends mam bought one for €60. It's called Route 66 but I haven't a clue where she bought it. Has USA maps on it.

TwoShedsJackson

I was in the same situation a few months ago and got a satnav from handtec.co.uk they were about €100 less on a Garmin 775 which had both Europe and USA maps.

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/1981/garmin-nuvi-1370t there's the 1370 which looks good and has both.

gofaster_s13

Wait until you get over there and go to a Circuit City shop and buy one, far cheaper.

Bogger77

gofaster_s13 wrote: »

Wait until you get over there and go to a Circuit City shop and buy one, far cheaper.

Circuit City are gone bust, only an online store exists.
Best Buy would be next option

dingding

I got a tomtom 910 a few years ago and it had US and Europe maps instaled.

I think there is a newer version of the tomtom that has both us and europe maps.

Doubles up as a car kit (bluetooth) for your phone so very handy.

Declan1

Co pilot for iPhone doesn't use data. All the maps are downloaded and stored on the phone. Same should be the case on your phone if you can get co pilot for it.