At the moment there is plenty of choice in regards to in-car GPS units. What is your favourite model currently available on the market?

I tried using one, but I travel through lots of tunnels on my way to work. The systems always end up putting me in a completely wrong place! Are there any GPS units that can work in tunnels?

Enhanced Positioning Technology

Premium GPS devices like the Tom Tom 930 (http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/review/gps_car_entertainment/tomtom/go_930/256524) have a feature called EPT which guides through tunnels. Realistically though, it just realises you're in a tunnel and tells you that you're going to come out the other end. Bit of a no brainer I guess, but it helps for some.

Realistically, even if your GPS unit loses its signal in the tunnel, it should regain it just a few seconds after you exit the tunnel. So in the end, it really shouldn't have too much of an affect on the overall navigational experience.

More of a concern for me is the fact that alot of the mapping directs you to turn right at streets that have a "no right turn" sign. Very annoying.

Just got a Uniden Trax430. Simple to use, clear interface and responsive touchscreen. Haven't had a chance to see how good it navigates yet. The only head-scratching moment i've had so far is when i plugged it into my PC and nothing happened! (The USB port was undocumented in the manual.)

Anyway, turns out you need some software called Trax Central, which Uniden does not provide in the box. Once you get it you can browse the unit and see what's installed (maps for different, places of interest etc...).

The Uniden is good value for money. Lacks the polish and style of Navman and TomTom units but performance is quite good.

Interestingly, TomTom just released two new low end models with lane guidance and IQ Routes. Navman and Mio are set to launch new models soon as well, so interesting to see what they come up with.

Favourite car GPS Device

I have had a Garmin for a few years. It is just a GPS system which is really all I want. It's major weak points are street pronunciation, the price of new maps and the difficulty of getting new maps of Australia or for other countries.

I note that the Navig8r claims better pronunciation including of Aboriginal names. Can anyone comment on this claim?

Navig8r does pronounce Australian names better than most other units, but the build quality isn't as good as the bigger brands like Garmin, TomTom and Navman.

It's well priced though.

Tomtom models - particularly the new Tomtom 130 and 340, which feature advanced mapping, are quite reliable, and their software is much easier to use, however I find them considerably higher priced.

I have practiced and tried all the new 'MY' series of Navmans, and although they are going to retail fairly expensive (the most expensive being at $600, least expensive at $300), their softwaring is very reliable, user-friendly, and their features for the $400-$600 range are fantastic.

If you're going to spend $400+ , get the new navman.

if less, get a tomtom.

I work in GPS marketing so I speak from experience.

TomTom's software is definitely the best from a user perspective, though Navman has done alot of work in this area and the new MY series models (from what I've seen) have a very user-friendly interface.