3 hours ago, cooked said:

Sygic uses Tomtom maps and is generally thought to be the best navigation app out there.

 

I won't argue about Sygic. I will ask the question whether or not you have actually used that map. I have tried it and wasn't at all impressed. I'll stick with a Thai bought Garmin and the Thai map that comes with it plus the free updates.

Google maps on a smartphone without a doubt !!

Open a google account and sign in and your history will be saved automatically, just type in the first couple of letters and it brings up suggestions kinda like google itself.

Buy a holder for it, slap it on the screen and away you go !

I bought one of those magnetic holders that clip on the air vent, fits virtually every car, best 150 baht I ever spent, just slap my iphone on it and away we go !

Seriously, I've used gps's a lot when traveling for work and I find typing addresses in them really time consuming , much quicker and easier on a smartphone .

 

7 hours ago, Gary A said:

 

I won't argue about Sygic. I will ask the question whether or not you have actually used that map. I have tried it and wasn't at all impressed. I'll stick with a Thai bought Garmin and the Thai map that comes with it plus the free updates.

I haven't been using it long enough to be able to criticise it. It worked OK yesterday when I tried it. However the fact that the paid version gives you a heads up display, lane guidance as well as a dashcam function is interesting. Not having to have an internet connection to use it must be a big plus.

As long as I don't have to listen to 'take the ramp' when there isn't a ramp in sight anywhere, told to go slight right when a U-turn is coming up, or told to turn left into someone's backyard as in Google Maps I will be happy.

I will be trying both on an upcoming complicated trip and am keeping an open mind.

By the way, is the fact that Tomtom stopped supplying maps for Thailand anything to do with Sygic using their maps?

Google maps on a smartphone without a doubt !!
Open a google account and sign in and your history will be saved automatically, just type in the first couple of letters and it brings up suggestions kinda like google itself.
Buy a holder for it, slap it on the screen and away you go !
I bought one of those magnetic holders that clip on the air vent, fits virtually every car, best 150 baht I ever spent, just slap my iphone on it and away we go !
Seriously, I've used gps's a lot when traveling for work and I find typing addresses in them really time consuming , much quicker and easier on a smartphone .
 

Use the Voice ,don't look at any screen , Here WeGo has more road names in English than GMaps , a Phone is the way to go now,haven't used in Car for years.


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On 4/13/2017 at 2:54 PM, Rotweiler said:

All Garmin brand maps of Thailand are made and distributed by Garmin.  ESRI is no longer in the picture.

 

Garmin International and their Thailand subsidiary initially refused to update Thailand maps for all units purchased before October 2015, including all "Lifetime Maps" units sold in Thailand whether by Garmin or by ESI.   I have now been informed that Garmin cancelled that new policy late last night and Garmin will now honour all Lifetime Maps units that meet their "lifetime maps disclaimer".   That is a document well worth reading.

I just updated my Nuvi 55 map and firmware.

 

I then hooked up my US bought Nuvi 855. I had to download a program called Garmin Express and install it. It said my software is up to date and there was an updated map available. It then opened to a window to choose my location. It would appear that Garmin had a falling out with Thailand or they came to the conclusion that their US Thailand map left a lot to be desired. Thailand is NOT on their list. ???

12 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Google maps on a smartphone without a doubt !!

Open a google account and sign in and your history will be saved automatically, just type in the first couple of letters and it brings up suggestions kinda like google itself.

Buy a holder for it, slap it on the screen and away you go !

I bought one of those magnetic holders that clip on the air vent, fits virtually every car, best 150 baht I ever spent, just slap my iphone on it and away we go !

Seriously, I've used gps's a lot when traveling for work and I find typing addresses in them really time consuming , much quicker and easier on a smartphone .

 

 

I find that if I am planning a trip on my motorbike or in the car that before I go I can plan my route using Garmin on my pc and then upload it to my GPS. Just before I leave I can then open the route and follow it. The GPS also tells me when and how far ahead to turn, informs me of traffic lights etc. I can also check for the gas stations ahead, to the side or behind, I can search for shopping malls, eateries, ATM's, coffee shops etc.

 

As Gary A says I also get lifetime map updates.

On 4/12/2017 at 4:08 PM, Rotweiler said:

I would strongly advise anyone wishing a map of Thailand NOT to purchase any Garmin Product.  They have just cancelled ALL of their "LIfe-Time-FreeMaps-Updates" on all of their4 units sold in Thailand.  They have just decided they WILL NOT honour any ESRI sales of Garmin GPS units made since 2015.

Any links to where you got the information? I have a Nuvi and have not seen anything about LM being cancelled.

 

David

 

It's possible you missed message 27 above...

 

Posted April 13 · Report post

All Garmin brand maps of Thailand are made and distributed by Garmin.  ESRI is no longer in the picture.

 

Garmin International and their Thailand subsidiary initially refused to update Thailand maps for all units purchased before October 2015, including all "Lifetime Maps" units sold in Thailand whether by Garmin or by ESI.   I have now been informed that Garmin cancelled that new policy late last night and Garmin will now honour all Lifetime Maps units that meet their "lifetime maps disclaimer".   That is a document well worth reading.

4 minutes ago, Rotweiler said:

It's possible you missed message 27 above...

 

Posted April 13 · Report post

All Garmin brand maps of Thailand are made and distributed by Garmin.  ESRI is no longer in the picture.

 

Garmin International and their Thailand subsidiary initially refused to update Thailand maps for all units purchased before October 2015, including all "Lifetime Maps" units sold in Thailand whether by Garmin or by ESI.   I have now been informed that Garmin cancelled that new policy late last night and Garmin will now honour all Lifetime Maps units that meet their "lifetime maps disclaimer".   That is a document well worth reading.

I had missed it. Thanks.

 

By the way, I just updated my 57LM and did so with no issues.

 

David

 

On 15/04/2017 at 10:56 PM, Gary A said:

 

I won't argue about Sygic. I will ask the question whether or not you have actually used that map. I have tried it and wasn't at all impressed. I'll stick with a Thai bought Garmin and the Thai map that comes with it plus the free updates.

You were right, a waste of money. The routes suggested have invariably been counter to all logic, (adding two hours to what should have been a 10 hour trip for instance) and refusing to reroute ("do a U-turn") when only 30 minutes from home. It also seems to have a major preference to sending you through towns like Saraburi and Korat that I would normally avoid whenever possible.

I may still use it when the internet signal has gone and I still have a GPS signal but apart from the nice visuals aspect and lane guidance (which is dangerous to use in heavy traffic anyway) I can't see any point in Sygic.

On ‎02‎/‎05‎/‎2017 at 4:28 PM, Rotweiler said:

It's possible you missed message 27 above...

 

Posted April 13 · Report post

All Garmin brand maps of Thailand are made and distributed by Garmin.  ESRI is no longer in the picture.

 

Garmin International and their Thailand subsidiary initially refused to update Thailand maps for all units purchased before October 2015, including all "Lifetime Maps" units sold in Thailand whether by Garmin or by ESI.   I have now been informed that Garmin cancelled that new policy late last night and Garmin will now honour all Lifetime Maps units that meet their "lifetime maps disclaimer".   That is a document well worth reading.

Yes but do you have a link to the "document" you mention - and apologies if you have embedded it but does not show for me?

On 4/6/2017 at 3:34 PM, CharlieH said:

I think it depends on use and frequency.

 

For the amount of times I travel and need "guidance" I am happy with the phone app. It also doubles as a dashcam, so you have all you need in one device. Works for me and my circumstances.

 

That's a good point. For people who are going from one city to another, a paper map is fine. A phone is great if you do happen to get lost. It will easily get you back to your chosen route. As for myself, I live in the boonies upcountry but have a condo in the farang ghetto. After MANY trips back and forth, I need no map or GPS. The thing is that I get bored to death driving the same "best" route every time. I enjoy taking different routes and seeing different things. I DO need a decent GPS for that kind of use. I can set the preferences to avoid highways and also to avoid dirt roads. Since I am retired, I have not got a busy schedule. I can take a longer route and not worry about time. Some of the curvy mountain roads are very scenic. Taking small highways can be an adventure rather than a long boring drive. And yes, I also have a stand alone dash cam. My Garmins have never let me down but I always have my phone if that would happen. I do get to some out of the way places. I used to live in Bangkok before GPS units or smartphone maps were commonly available. I have been lost for hours in the huge city.