GPS unit question...

[Roger Rettig]

This is not a 'computer' question but I thought that someone here would know about these things....

I've never used a GPS unit before but my father-in-law has just loaned me his (he now has a top-of-the-line unit in his new car) to see how I'd get along with it.

This one is a TomTom XL - it worked just fine on our way home yesterday (even if I knew the way already!) and it was quite good fun.

My question::::::

I'm going to England on Thursday - will it work there as well? Or does it only work in the 'country of purchase'?

I'll be visiting places that I haven't been before (old friends have moved house) so I can actually see it being a real boon when I'm over in Britain...

IF, that is, it will work over there.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Richard Sinkler]

I don't know about the Tom Tom, but I have a Garmin GPS and to use it out of the country, you have to buy a map for that area and download it to the unit or an SD card if yours had that ability.

[Jack Stoner]

I have a Tom Tom. It has North America maps, which includes US, Canada and Mexico.

Like Richard says, I would have to download another map for Europe to get Great Britain. Considering the cost of Maps it wouldn't be much more to buy another with Europe/GB in it, if you really need it.

TomTom is a European Company (I think Netherlands).

[Roger Rettig]

Thanks, guys - I expect I'll revert to the tried and tested Road Atlas of the United Kingdom. Not worth paying any money out, as infrequently as I visit Blighty these days.

Any way, this unit isn't actually mine but just on loan - wouldn't make sense to pay for an upgrade.

[Charlie Powell]

You have been told right, US unit will not work there without UK maps. I have been traveling to the UK on business some and GPS doesn't seem to be a common term. If you want one there, ask for a SatNav...