Which GPS would you recomend?

[Four Boar]

Hi Landy lovers,

I am after a recomenation for a good GPS for my Disco1 TDI 98', what would you say and why also a price.

Thanks again.

[hiline]

Hi Landy lovers,

I am after a recomenation for a good GPS for my Disco1 TDI 98', what would you say and why also a price.

Thanks again.

funny i was just going to ask the same thing myself:angel:

i dont have a clue which or what is best .......

so please help us both ;)

[WhiteD3]

Same here. I'm thinking about the new Magellan Triton range, maybe buy direct from the states to save some $$.

[HangOver]

I have TomTom software running via a PDA it's unbeatable around town but not worth the price of a mud map off road, absolute rubbish, if it's not gazetted forget it. TomTom also does spoken directions which is great so you can keep your eyes where they are supposed to be.

Also have OziExplorer running via a 12v PC that I will put in the RR eventually it's the ducks off road but VERY average on road. Ozi does not do spoken directions out of the box but I have read some where that it can be made to do it.

Cost ermm cant remember actually got the software ages ago and the PDA as a freeby. The 12v PC i built myself, (well got all the bits and tested but not finished) cost next to nothing but I still need a touchscreen. The GPS recevier for the PC was about $90 you can get cheaper but this is solar powered, magnetic, bluethooth and very good reception.

[HangOver]

I should have said that OziExplorer needs maps as well that doesn't come with the software but can be scanned yourself, bought off the shelf or download, or swapped :-)

[MarknDeb]

Not sure if this GPS is what you mean but we have a TomTom One XL, i have been very suprised with it :D, when in Canberra and a reli was taking us to MT Coorie we followed the TomTom's trip and it took us via forestry tracks ??? even the reli was impressed with how it got us there and he nearly lives in the bush camping and hiking.

[rumman43]

I bought a Magellan Explorist XL..

heres a link to the MAGELLAN website..it will tell you all about it..

http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp'segID=355&prodID=1248

I bought mine for $355 from the US..



they are approx $920 in Aus

I then bought the Discover Aust SD card that has all tracks in Australia with Topo info.
bought this in aussie shop for $380 (still way ahead).

this link will show it for $289..coooool

http://www.gpsaustralia.net/shop/product_info.php?products_id=499

#NOTE# this is not a city street nav gps ..does have streets and names but will not do the "turn right 100 meters thing"..

I like it..hear Garmin make some cool ones as well. hope above helped.

adam

[hiline]

thanks mate all help is good help :D

especially when walking in the dark ;)

[waynep]

Depnds what you mean by a "GPS". You can have the basic GPS that just gives you position and maybe a snail trail etc, to your city/main highway only Street Navigator type units, to a full moving map unit with bush tracks in it.

For off the shelf, in the bush, a lot of people think the Magellan Explorist series is best, mainly because of the good DiscoverAus mapping software. This software, by reports, has good coverage of bush tracks.
This is their expensive pack there are cheaper ones :
https://www.nextdestination.com.au/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?BrandId=13&ProductId=51

I went the other way with a PDA with internal GPS running both TomTom ( for the city ) and OziExplorer ( for the bush ).
OziExplorer is a bit more fiddly to set up than the off-the-shelf Magellan products, so you need a few PC skills, but it's lot more flexible IMHO.

[Mudnut]

I have been looking at this issue also. I have a Magellan Maridian gold gps. and think it is O.K. but I have trouble seeing the black and white screen. Saw the Magellan Crossover at the 4x4 show. Looks good, as it would suit what I want. I do like turn by turn directions when I'm traveling. Used my wifes Navman when I went up to Cape York, and it made traveling from town to town easy without looking at a directory. I would program a town where I wanted to head to, and let it guide me there. (Lots of roads in outback NSW, an Queensland that are poorly signposted). Like the contour maps available now. Would buy from the U.S., and then upgrade with the local topo maps. Works out much cheaper, and the exchange rate is very good now.:)

Cheers,
Ken

[Four Boar]

Can we get a gps which is good in the city and the counntry/ off road at the same time? Thanks for the help so far!

[CraigE]

I have just bought 4 x Magellan explorists for work and they are very user unfriendly, would not buy for myself. They did come highly reccommended.
I personally have my laptop under the back seat, a remote 8" screen, gps mouse, Trackranger mapping program with Natmap maps, UBD city maps (will get town maps soon). This is the better set up but takes a bit of setting up and a lot more room.
:D:D

[Xavie]

Would buy from the U.S., and then upgrade with the local topo maps. Works out much cheaper, and the exchange rate is very good now.:)

Cheers,
Ken

I just bought from US and even with postage it cost me half the price of buying in Oz. BUT I have to wait about two weeks given postage time :( but for a saving of 400 bucks that's no probs.

[Mudnut]

Xavie,

Let us all know how the software works, and how good it is on Australian mapping. Just trying to convince my finance director we need a new one.;)

Cheers,
Ken

[garryc]

Hi Landy lovers,

I am after a recomenation for a good GPS for my Disco1 TDI 98', what would you say and why also a price.

Thanks again.
I was in the same situation, with so many on the market, however when I went to the local 4wd electronic shop he handed me the Garmin Quest and said this is the one! You need one that has an Offroad mode and the Quest uses the Sensis maps which has all country roads and tracks. Also in the Offroad mode if you are lost and not on a road, you put in your destination and follow the on screen pointer. It also has "Trac back" mode and a 20 hour battery so if you get lost bushwalking you "Trac back" the way you came.

[HangOver]

I was in the same situation, with so many on the market, however when I went to the local 4wd electronic shop he handed me the Garmin Quest and said this is the one! You need one that has an Offroad mode and the Quest uses the Sensis maps which has all country roads and tracks. Also in the Offroad mode if you are lost and not on a road, you put in your destination and follow the on screen pointer. It also has "Trac back" mode and a 20 hour battery so if you get lost bushwalking you "Trac back" the way you came.

Sounds good does it do turn by turn ?
How much is it?

[Four Boar]

Yeah what hangover said (please)!

[tomtrish]

Hey there,

I have had a Magellan Meridian GPS with Discover Aus streets and tracks on it. The offroad mapping is incredible. A good example is when we went to Sundown National Park we were heading across what seemed like a grass paddock (the track was hardly noticeable) The GPS was showing we were on the marked track. This is great if you just want the tracking and knowing where you are, I've put the whole of Australia on the SD card. Recently I upgraded to the Magellan Crossover. It has the Navteq mapping, turn by turn directions and Fixed camera (Speed and Redlight) and school zones etc. It's great for Towns, Cities and country roads, then I put the Discover Aus Topo card in and it does all the offroad tracks aand back tracking for where there are no tracks. You can buy Marine Maps for it and it comes with car charger holder etc.

[QSDT]

I have the MAGELLAN crossover GPS very happy with it on road and off.

[sclarke]

Can of worms i can see....................


OK...

What i have

Magellan Meridian Colour with Discover Aus maps.
And a Cheapo Tom Tom style nav as a back up........

[Grizzly_Adams]

I have a TomTom for running around towns / gasetted roads, it's brilliant and I love it.

I've looked a few times for an 'offroad' GPS solution but so far I think the best in the market is the 2nd-hand laptop with OziExplorer. Haven't been down that path yet...

[Four Boar]

Hi Tomtrish,

I really like the sound of what you have hey. What price am I looking at? Where can I get one (buying direct from the US seems to be the way to go). When ordering do I need any special instructions? (I just want to get it right the first time ay!) Also is it one the you suck on to the windscreen or will it have to be installed.

Thanks again.

Cal

[garryc]

Sounds good does it do turn by turn ?
How much is it?

If you mean voice direction, yes it does and the screen shows the countdown distance to the destination or next turn. The voice does not say the street name like some do but it says eg; "3km and turn right" and the screen counts down the distance and shows the street name. I have used it in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and it usually takes you right to the door. I have also used it on the Simpson Desert and the Birdsville trips where I have put in the gps coordinates before hand. You don't need those city directories any more. Magic!

[chicko]

http://www.gpsaustralia.net/

Be sure to check out the above site. By far the best GPS site in OZ. Dont miss the huge bonus of free Shonky Maps.

[Xavie]

Xavie,

Let us all know how the software works, and how good it is on Australian mapping. Just trying to convince my finance director we need a new one.;)

Cheers,
Ken

Everything seems to work without any issues. I did a 10 hour bushwalk with every thing uploaded on to the gps and I would go so far as to say I had not one issue with doing it even know it was from the US. I have to admit I am/was surprised but in saying that there is no reason there should be a problem as it is the same hardware and to my knowledge the same software.

The biggest thing is, as you probably realise is the ability to source the best maps for where you are going. I was in the Blue mountains and right in the heart of the park there so I had 2 other gps with me just in case the over seas one had issues but it functioned easily and is it would of if bought here.

I have a noticed a few bargains going on ebay though so dependent on the model your interested in keep an eye out there.

I got the garmin 60csx.

[Blknight.aus]

Im running the Mio Digiwalker A701 phone, PDA and gps all in one.

but in reality having played with a few different ones

anything running the SirfIII antenna (the gps reciever bit itself) windows mobile or CE (so you can run other software like GPS dash, oziexplorerCE +anything else you want) with 64 MB of ram will do you nicely. Bluetooth and GPS out via the USP/bluetooth ports is a nice to have but not essential.


If you have a laptop thats fairly rugged or a 12v PC and a 7-9 inch LCD screen that can work up on the front dash grab a GPS mouse and go that way.

[leeds]

I can not comment about the quality of the maps on GPS systems in Australia.

I can make some comments on the reliability of Garmins and TomToms as I have/still do run both systems.

Garmins prove to be quite robust and reliable.

Tom Toms may have good maps on them BUT the hardware is completely unreliable!

It took me over 36 hours to reset a Tom Tom 910 once! Am on charger 3 and 4 now. Have had two TomTom chargers pack up on me. Hence bought two chargers to keep in one of the vehicles. When I went into shop to get charger number 2 the customer in front of me was having a brand new tom Tom sent back to the manufacturers! The customer behind me had a faulty Tom Tom! 3 customers in a row with faulty Tom Toms in the shop at the same time must say something about the reliability of Tom Toms

Regards


Brendan

[waynep]

I can not comment about the quality of the maps on GPS systems in Australia.

I can make some comments on the reliability of Garmins and TomToms as I have/still do run both systems.

Garmins prove to be quite robust and reliable.

Tom Toms may have good maps on them BUT the hardware is completely unreliable!

It took me over 36 hours to reset a Tom Tom 910 once! Am on charger 3 and 4 now. Have had two TomTom chargers pack up on me. Hence bought two chargers to keep in one of the vehicles. When I went into shop to get charger number 2 the customer in front of me was having a brand new tom Tom sent back to the manufacturers! The customer behind me had a faulty Tom Tom! 3 customers in a row with faulty Tom Toms in the shop at the same time must say something about the reliability of Tom Toms

Regards


Brendan

Other manufacturers ( eg HP ) bundle the Tom Tom software with their Ipaqs. So you can get reliable hardware, and also run Oziexplorer on the same machine.

[tomtrish]

Hey there Four Boar,
sorry for not getting back earlier. The Magellan Crossover, with the Discover Aus Toppo Streets and Tracks retails for $1299. Not cheap, but uses Navteq mapping, used by most In-Car Navigation systems. Some portables use Sensis mapping. The Crossover has a 8hr rechargeable battery in it and comes with the windscreen suction cup holder and car charger and 240v charger. At the moment I still need to have both cards with me (Off road and on) but they can be swapped without turning system off. They are working on having both lots of mapping on the one card. Go to Next Destination :: GPS & Lifestyle Distributors (http://www.magellan.com.au) and you see more. It is very easy to mark and find way points. A mate has the latest Magellan Explorist XL colour screen etc. He bought it just before the Crossover came out and paid the same money. After seeing mine he is now planning to sell his, to get one of these.
Be carefull getting one from US. I am not certain but from what I've heard you may not be able to get updates for it, look into it and find out for sure.

[Treads]

I just took delivery of an ASUS A636 pda/gps from evilbay ($360). I've installed oziexplorer CE and converted all my maps across to the 2gb SD card (quite a lenghty process). All I can say is....... WOW!!!! This thing is amazing. So much functionality in one device. I love it.

Bluetooth, wireless, Infared, usb, inbuilt GPS, SD storage, email, car kit, etc. brilliant!! I think I'm in love with an electronic device :wasntme:

[WhiteD3]

I just took delivery of an ASUS A636 pda/gps from evilbay ($360).

Treads, I've thought about something like this as I have an Asus PDA already.

Q: Like with a dedicated GPS, can you add waypoints, do track back, does it have a compass, etc?

Cheers.

[WhiteD3]

Question:

Santa's bringing a GPS but I'm having a bit of a debate with her about what sort. She wants to get me a Garmin etrax that has the maps on it. Is this feature of any use on these tiny screens?

Personally I think this is a waste as the screens are too small, etc so all I want is a basic unit that I can upload/download waypoints and tracks from. Say a GPS60 which comes with the cable and software.

Thoughts/comments?

Cheers.

[waynep]

I just took delivery of an ASUS A636 pda/gps from evilbay ($360). I've installed oziexplorer CE and converted all my maps across to the 2gb SD card (quite a lenghty process). All I can say is....... WOW!!!! This thing is amazing. So much functionality in one device. I love it.

Bluetooth, wireless, Infared, usb, inbuilt GPS, SD storage, email, car kit, etc. brilliant!! I think I'm in love with an electronic device :wasntme:

Nice bit of kit and nice price too. You'll find you might run out of space on the SD for all your maps. I tend to have one SD card for each state. 2GB SDs are only $30- $35 these days.

[Xavie]

Hi everyone. I just received a new garmin 60 csx for 400 bucks from ebay. Absolute bargain I felt bad because it actually undercut what the guy paid for it when he shipped it from U.S. I now have two as my partner wants oen as well. The machine and the operating system on it is brilliant.

Just a note on the PDA sort of system. I use one of these with a bluetooth aerial and am concerned about how robust the aerial is. Mainly for bush walking however is where I am concerned not so much in the vehicle. But one slip with the PDA and it could be history. Also the aerials are not waterproof or resistant in my experience (i got my pda aerial from jaycar). Good reception, cheap but just not robust.

[Treads]

Treads, I've thought about something like this as I have an Asus PDA already.

Q: Like with a dedicated GPS, can you add waypoints, do track back, does it have a compass, etc?

Cheers.

Not sure about the compass, but yes you can add waypoints, etc. I'm looking forward to using it in anger nearer to xmas when we head to the snowys. I just love the fact that I can run tom tom to get us there and then ozi for the detail stuff.

I have still got a lot to learn about ozi CE, might actually have to read the manual for something :eek:

[crl]

Have read all previous posts and am wondering about a GPS for use predominantly in built up areas, probably blaspheme on this site I know but I have to ask. :twisted:

I drive a cab one day a week and so need something that is quick and easy to use and possibly with the option of updateable maps. I have visited a couple of electronics shops and they have pointed me in the direction of Garmin saying they are the best but they can't give me a reason why.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

crl

[waynep]

Choice magazine just did a test of handheld GPS and the two Garmin models came out on top.
Not sure if this is the same chip as used in their street navigator models
Some places in the city esp. in narrow streets with tall buildings, any GPS will have problems getting a fix.

[HangOver]

Hi
I got a bluetooth GPS from Ebay that works with my PDA on TomTom software.

The only time it's lost it's signal was in a tunnel!
Works in the house even in the glove box, very happy with it.

Maps are pretty accurate as far as I can tell, (on road).

Off-road a waste of space in your 4x4

[Xavie]

Question:

Santa's bringing a GPS but I'm having a bit of a debate with her about what sort. She wants to get me a Garmin etrax that has the maps on it. Is this feature of any use on these tiny screens?

Personally I think this is a waste as the screens are too small, etc so all I want is a basic unit that I can upload/download waypoints and tracks from. Say a GPS60 which comes with the cable and software.

Thoughts/comments?

Cheers.

A lot of people seem to agree with you that the screens are to small on that sort of unit. What sort of maps do you mean? i.e. street maps, topos or?

The feature is useful (maps) but as you said it is a small screen and can be difficult at times to read. When driving it is often said that you need to pull over plan the trip a bit and start off again.

The issue you may find is that the cheaper you go the worse the tracking capabilities etc. So you want a sirf 3 chip set usually which is the latest tech I think.

When you say you want to upload /download waypoints and tracks do you mean on to your computer at home from the gps? I'm sure you do but just clarifying.

[bruiser69]

Hey guys,

A mate of mine who runs pilot shop & is expert on GPS, told me that Logic Gear XL-488 is the best featured GPS for the money (currently selling at OfficeWorks for $359.
For your money you get slimline pocket sized unit with 4.3" colour touchscreen,solid windscreen mount, Whereis Sensis Australia wide turn by turn voice nav maps with red light, speed cameras school zones and more POIs than you can poke a stick at!
One of the best features for offroad use is the WinCE operating system, that loads OZiExplorer and all the 1000,s of contour maps that can be downloaded for free from Govt wesites.
Unit has removable Li ion battery (Nokia) that runs unit when not in cradle for up to 4 hrs, great for those bushwalking trips.
Unit also plays all Audio files, Video files, and Still images.
Builtin socket in GPS as well as cradle for ext AV input. Optional reversing camera for $45 complete with wiring harness. I almost forgot unit also has Blutooth for handsfree mobile phone use.

Try to match these features & price with TomTom or Garmin - no chance!

[jonnydingo]

I've just had a look at the spec of the Logic Gear and it seems very similar to the MIO Digiwalker (4.3 inch screen, Sensis, bluetooth, mp3, etc.) but around $100 cheaper.

Anyone else got an opinion on this please ???

[Xavie]

Hey guys,

A mate of mine who runs pilot shop & is expert on GPS, told me that Logic Gear XL-488 is the best featured GPS for the money (currently selling at OfficeWorks for $359.
For your money you get slimline pocket sized unit with 4.3" colour touchscreen,solid windscreen mount, Whereis Sensis Australia wide turn by turn voice nav maps with red light, speed cameras school zones and more POIs than you can poke a stick at!
One of the best features for offroad use is the WinCE operating system, that loads OZiExplorer and all the 1000,s of contour maps that can be downloaded for free from Govt wesites.
Unit has removable Li ion battery (Nokia) that runs unit when not in cradle for up to 4 hrs, great for those bushwalking trips.
Unit also plays all Audio files, Video files, and Still images.
Builtin socket in GPS as well as cradle for ext AV input. Optional reversing camera for $45 complete with wiring harness. I almost forgot unit also has Blutooth for handsfree mobile phone use.

Try to match these features & price with TomTom or Garmin - no chance!

That sounds like an awesome unit. I might look into that one.

Xavier

[jik22]

Same here. I'm thinking about the new Magellan Triton range, maybe buy direct from the states to save some $$.

Be careful with Magellan - I haven't looked at that range, but the Maestro in-car range specifically limit you to using maps from the country in which the GPS was bought! :mad:

There were some that were US + Europe, but mainly US only.

TomTom are great for on-road (The day I spent playing with the Magellan made me realise how well designed the TomTom UI is by comparison) but don't have off-road maps. I'm now investigating some of the Garmin range while still here in the US, to see if the in-car ones can take the off-road topo and track maps as well.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

GPS seem to be a bit personal. Everyone likes something different.

Just be aware if buying from the US or Aussie sold re-manufactured ones if you have issues with it you won't get too much support from the aussie distributor.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

We had a Magellan explorist 500 and it was a good little gps - very easy to use. I had it setup to work with ozi explorer etc. Unfortunately it got 12v in a hole designed for 5. The aussie agents didn't want to help.

So, now I'm thinking about giving the crossover GPS a turn. I like the idea of 2 in one, and Olbis has a special on where you get the value packs with the maps as well. This would be good as sitting there with a computer running is a pain. We don't really have the space in our car.

[jonnydingo]

Check out this thread re the Logic Gear XL488 on the Aus 4wd site,

Australia4WD The Four Wheel Drive and Camper Trailer Resource (http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php'showtopic=9670&st=0)

I'm off to buy one now.

[Furymax]

I've got a Navman s90, it is pretty good.

Voice directions with street names ie. "in 500m turn left onto the M3 motorway". Big screen, easy to use, bluetooth for phone, speed/red light camera warnings. Has a camera so you can take photos of a destination then progam it so you just select that photo from a list and it will navigate to it (I haven't used this feature). Lots (1000's) of "POI's" pre-programmed ie. restaurants, petrol stations, atms, shopping centres etc. More features too.

On the negative it takes a while to plot your course when you first select your destination (especially if you are moving at the time), and also if you miss a turn or something on a long trip it takes a while to correct your mistake (only on long trips though).
Have taken it out bush / beach with me and the best you get is "go to nearest road".

Pretty happy with my choice - it does the job and it's easy to use.

[bruiser69]

Hey Guys,

I have bought the best value on/offroad GPS available for the price in OZ. The best thing is this is actually an Australian designed GPS! http://www.logicgear.com.au
$359 for 4.3" GPS with latest Sensis maps with speed cams, red light cams, school zones & 500K +of POI. Add to this Bluetooth phone, all video & still formats, Mp3 audio and colour reversing camera for $54.
The best is that GPS is running WinCE & unlocked.
This means that you can run Oziexplorer CE (free download, $40 to register)
Just copy to 2GB SD card & then copy free Govt contour maps to card.
User manual actually tells you how to run another application from SD card.

Cheers..Bruiser:)

[scarry]

we use the streetfinders at work......found the garmin the best by miles.simple to use reliable etc.also used mios but found hopeless... slow unreliable,complicated

cheers
paul:)

[bruiser69]

we use the streetfinders at work......found the garmin the best by miles.simple to use reliable etc.also used mios but found hopeless... slow unreliable,complicated

cheers
paul:)

Hi Paul,
Garmin are good but overpriced. They can be unlocked to run Ozi though.
I am an electronic engineer so I tend to do a lot of research before buying & so went with Logicgear, mainly because running Win CE (unlocked) and local (Australian) support, not Mumbai based.
Garmin didn't have a cheap reversing camera option either or ability to use GPS as Media player & Bluetooth except in top models.


Cheers..B:)

[disco gazza]

At the moment my magellan explorist(with discover aus) is out of action.:angry:
Was coming back from gladstone last week when the cable gave up the ghost(2nd time in bout 18mnths).:angrylock:Was not impressed......

Heard about the logicgear stuff and now have a question for the blokes that know about gps's.

Will the discover aus sd card be compatable with the system on the logicgear.

The reason being is that I'd like a bigger screen than what the magellan has,but dont want to go to a notebook size screen.

Really would like a 7" screen,but not in reality a 3-4"screen is probably the better.

Thanks in advance

Gazza

92 disco tdi

[Captain_Rightfoot]

You could get a Magellan XL. Your maps would be compatible and you get a bigger screen...

[disco gazza]

Unfortunately I dont have 1000 bucks to spend on another magellan......;)

[WhiteD3]

I'm very happy with my Garmin Venture Cx from Ebay 6 months ago for $280 new and delivered.

From memory a bloke in Tassie imports them.

[snailbate]

hi
we have purchased a Garmen Nuvi 700 series with 2 GB SD with all the maps Topo lines Places of intreast and it talkes too, its great out in the bush its has a large 5 inch screen its great
snailbate

[2 rocks]

Bruiser69
Yeah I've got an xl-488 but though I've had it a couple of months, I haven't downloaded OziExplorer yet.

I agree it is excellent value! Though it does goof up now and again (in Perth anyway) -like insisting I turn right at a roundabout that doesn't exist, etc!

I will probably chuck it in the Jeep when I get OziEx, as I think I'm going to grab a Hema Navigator for the Disco. Comes with heaps of stuff preloaded.

I heard they've had a few issues with the Magellan Crossover's.
Cheers
Mike

[jik22]

Bruiser69
Yeah I've got an xl-488 but though I've had it a couple of months, I haven't downloaded OziExplorer yet.

I agree it is excellent value! Though it does goof up now and again (in Perth anyway) -like insisting I turn right at a roundabout that doesn't exist, etc!


In Perth, I've yet to find any SatNav whose maps are up to date. They can't keep up! :)

My major gripe with my XL cheapie is it's so slow in updating routes and tracking where I am, it often tells me to turn in 200m just as I got past the turning it's talking about! Still, for $200, I'm happy for something that can run off-road maps as well, but TomTom have nothing to fear for highway navigation. My 4 year old Go 500 is still heaps faster and better!

[2 rocks]

Jeff
Yeah I know what you mean - had to find a street in Tapping the other day, not on the XL but was on the Whereis website.

It's only caught me out a few times with a late call, my main frustration is when I know that I know better than it does...I think better filtering routes would help. Like "efficient" instead of "fastest". I detest waiting at busy intersections to make a right turn when I could have scouted out a better option close by.

Nothing's perfect!
Mike

[4bee]

Touch these at your peril as well.

Gone back for a full refund. It's name is actually Easy Road not Route.??????

Easy Route GPS Navigation with SD Card and Stand - Other - DealsDirect.com.au Australia (http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/easy-route-gps-navigation-sd-card-stand/)

Erratic operation, may or may not find Sats. & a whole host of grief. No backup service, accessories etc.
Manual is extremely difficult to read yada yada yada.

[4bee]

Deleted

[INter674]

Magellan Explorist - not happy, had 2 in 12 months, and sending the latest replacement back for more repairs, and have heard of others having issues with these units!!!

Have a Garmin for work, and never had a problemn 4 years use.

[INter674]

.....Explorist 500 that is:o

[DaveF]

Greetings,

I have just given my Mio520 back to HN and am now the (hopefully)proud owner of a Nuvi 760. What did it for me was that Garmin are offering $100 cash back and FREE 2009 Map upgrade on Nuvi's. I also like the idea of the FM transmitter, being able to play mp3's through the car stereo whilst being navigated to my destination. Now for some hopefully free offroad maps to use on it. :twobeers:
Cheers
DaveF

[4bee]

A good offer, but be aware the $100 does not apply to all Nuvis. Some are only $50 ie. N250W, N260 & N260W.

[mojo]

Came across this GPS (http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php't=18135) on a Patrol (:wasntme:) forum last night, and when I had a look on Ebay there was a sale finishing in an hour - ended up getting it for $160 inc shipping!:D Some of the specs:


* CPU: Samsung ARM 400MHz CPU
* GPS module: SiRF Star III
* Screen:4.3",TFT,Touching Screen,260K Colors 480x272 Pixels
* Operating System:Windows CE 5.0 Core Version
* RAM:64M
* Bluetooth Hands Free Kit: built in bluetooth module
* Games and calculator function
* GPS Accuracy: Position: <10 meters, 95% typical Velocity: 0.1 meter/sec steady state
* Antenna: Built-in high sensitivity antenna
* Map view: Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view
* Card slot: MMC/SD card (Product with 1GB free SD card)
* Video Formats: WMV, AVI, ASF(WMV9,MPEG2/4,Divx5.0/4.0/3.11,Xvid) Max QVGA
* Audio Formats: WMA9, MP3, WAV
* Picture Browse:JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
* E-book Read:txt
* USB connector: Fast Data Transfer USB 2.0 full-speed
* Charger:Input 110/240V Output 5V/1.5A
* Vehicle power cable: Input 12V Output 5V/1.5A
* Size (WxHxD): 122x76x18mm

But more importantly, the guy who posted on the other forum has included detailed instructions for getting OziExplorer working on it. He, and a few other people from the PAtrol forum, all seem pretty happy with the end product. Some of them had a few complaints about slow delivery and bad packaging, but once the gear actually arrived I think they were all fairly impressed. For 160 bucks I thought it was worth a shot.

I'll let you know more when mine arrives (anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks judging by the experience of the Patrol guys). If anyone else is interested in getting one, the Ebay store is here (http://stores.ebay.com.au/itstore07).

[disco gazza]

Have had a Magellan explorist 500 for the past 3 yrs.On a trip up to Qld in may,it powered down and wouldn't start up again.:dbcry:
Eventually,I sent it over to NextDestination(in Perth-the only place in Oz that is authorized) for them to see what the problem was.
They rang me last week to say that it would be $310 to fix.It needs a new board.:censored:
Considering that I only use it when I go offroad(every cupla months),or when I go on a trip(1 a year),I told the guy, send it back.
It is now used as a door stop.:twisted:
Have just gone back to a Garmin(mate has my old garmin-5yrs and still going strong).

Cheers

gazza
92 disco tdi

[mojo]

I received my Ebay el cheapo GPS today. Happy with it so far, street navigation seems to work OK, although I haven't ventured too far yet.

I've got OziExplorerCE working on it too, just needs some maps now. Anyone know which maps are good for OziExplorerCE?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Magellan Explorist - not happy, had 2 in 12 months, and sending the latest replacement back for more repairs, and have heard of others having issues with these units!!!

Have a Garmin for work, and never had a problemn 4 years use.

Which explorist is it? I haven't heard of problems with these before?

[INter674]

500 and it appears to be common...

[disco gazza]

To Captnrightfoot & Inter 674,
It was the 500....
So others have had problems as well as me.......
I certainly didnt want to go for a new Triton(am on there yahoo site),nothing but problems from the majority of people that bought them.....

Cheers

gazza
92 disco tdi

[Captain_Rightfoot]

To Captnrightfoot & Inter 674,
It was the 500....
So others have had problems as well as me.......
I certainly didnt want to go for a new Triton(am on there yahoo site),nothing but problems from the majority of people that bought them.....

Cheers

gazza
92 disco tdi
I blew my 500 up with 12v into the wrong orifice. I hope the XL is better :)

[Tantivy]

Just bought a HEMA GPS , not cheap but it beats getting lost in the bush , only complaint is that the hema maps get blurry when you zoom in and secondary tracks are quite hard to see ......maybe I need glasses . Otherwise seems to work well.:eek:

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Just bought a HEMA GPS , not cheap but it beats getting lost in the bush , only complaint is that the hema maps get blurry when you zoom in and secondary tracks are quite hard to see ......maybe I need glasses . Otherwise seems to work well.:eek:

Cool. I'd love to see one of those in the flesh. Welcome to AULRO :)

[bruiser69]

I received my Ebay el cheapo GPS today. Happy with it so far, street navigation seems to work OK, although I haven't ventured too far yet.

I've got OziExplorerCE working on it too, just needs some maps now. Anyone know which maps are good for OziExplorerCE?

Hi Mojo,

Specs on your unit are identical to Logicgear XL488 (Logic Gear - GPS (http://www.logicgear.com.au)).
I have one of these & they are excellent. I'm also running OZIExplorer on unit.
You can download free maps from Govt Web site (just Google search Free contour maps) & then convert using Ozi converters downloaded from Ozi site.

If you want to send me a blank DVD with self addressed envelope, I can give you a compilation copy of the maps that I have. You then copy DVD to a 2Gb SD card (Non HC). These maps are already converted & cover all Australia with detailed maps of Cape York & Frazer Island as well. My address
Bruce Hinton, 10-12 Cleary St, Cleveland, Qld 4163.:)

[chicko]

DayDream Photography (http://chicko.ehost-services110.com/ddp/blog/)

The above site is part of an artilce I wrote on GPS: Thinking Outside of the Square. It talks about the new 7-10" notebooks being used as a GPS. Just one of many alternatives. It contains a few links to various sites.
PS this is not spam but does use part of my photography site.

[stace70]

Like Bruce I can highly recommend the Logicgear XL 488 running oziexplorer....Officeworks has these going for $279 at the moment...cheap as chips when like PDA devices are close to a $1K

[rmp]

No PDA should be $1k these days. For that money you'd get a high-end all singing all dancing PDA-phone device.

[lokka]

I justpicked upa IPAQ 312 from dicksmiths $249 they are clearing them out and wont be selling them any more so there on special (office works $449) and they wont beat the price with there 10% guarantee as dickys has it as a clearance item ...

Im verry happy with the unit so far and have installed ozi CE tho its needing some more attention as its not working 100% yet and im yet to get a bigger SD card to copy all my topo maps to ....:D:D:D

[mojo]

Hi Mojo,

Specs on your unit are identical to Logicgear XL488 (Logic Gear - GPS (http://www.logicgear.com.au)).
I have one of these & they are excellent. I'm also running OZIExplorer on unit.
You can download free maps from Govt Web site (just Google search Free contour maps) & then convert using Ozi converters downloaded from Ozi site.

If you want to send me a blank DVD with self addressed envelope, I can give you a compilation copy of the maps that I have. You then copy DVD to a 2Gb SD card (Non HC). These maps are already converted & cover all Australia with detailed maps of Cape York & Frazer Island as well. :)

Thanks for the offer Bruce. I'll send you a PM.

I went looking for the LogicGear XL488 but as far as I can tell not alot of places sell them - Office Works do, but the one in the city didn't stock them. When I came across the Ebay cheapy and won it for $160 I stopped looking for the LogicGear!

Still happy with the one I got - I now have alot of SEQ maps on it that I downloaded using OziMapGrabber, and it all seems to work well. If anyone is thinking of getting one of these, I should mention that:

1) The packaging is pretty ordinary, so it could potentially get damaged in transit
2) The frame around the LCD screen on mine came loose - I decided to glue it back on rather that spend 3 or 4 weeks sending it back to China and getting a replacement
3) I haven't really tested it, but the battery life doesn't seem real good - not an issue for me as I'm pretty sure I'm only ever going to be using it in the car.

For the price, I can't complain!

[cucinadio]

I justpicked upa IPAQ 312 from dicksmiths $249 they are clearing them out and wont be selling them any more so there on special (office works $449) and they wont beat the price with there 10% guarantee as dickys has it as a clearance item ...

Im verry happy with the unit so far and have installed ozi CE tho its needing some more attention as its not working 100% yet and im yet to get a bigger SD card to copy all my topo maps to ....:D:D:D


hi lokka

mate at the risk of sounding really dumb, the IPAQ 312 can have maps for of road (explore, etc) added to it so the gps is useful for plotting way points off road, I'm only interested in the gps if its usable off road if that makes sense :( yhea I'm gunna cope flack for my ignorance but you learn something every day so I'm cool

cheers

[rmp]

hi lokka

mate at the risk of sounding really dumb, the IPAQ 312 can have maps for of road (explore, etc) added to it so the gps is useful for plotting way points off road, I'm only interested in the gps if its usable off road if that makes sense :( yhea I'm gunna cope flack for my ignorance but you learn something every day so I'm cool

cheers

Nobody's going to cop anything for their ignorance here except a useful answer.

I have a 312, it will run OziCE for offroad maps but you need to do some extra work to install it.

[isuzutoo-eh]

G'day all,
Heads up: Burg Design in Melbourne are selling the Logic Gear XL 488 as recommended earlier in this thread for $299+postage. Must be stock run-out.
Burg Design - Unique Auto Accessories (http://www.burgdesign.com.au/catalogue/product_info.php?cPath=214&products_id=1784)
I received mine yesterday but haven't played with it much.
Not connected with Logic Gear or Burg Design, just a customer etc.
Cheers,
Mark

[talltales]

I bought a generic GPS on ebay for $299. 7" screen with AV input for reversing camera and running Route 66 software through a SD card. I have since bought Ozexplorer CE for the GpS and have Natmaps Australia and HEMA maps on SD card.
This unit does both jobs well as the Routte 66 is great for town navigation with voice over for dirsctions and the Ozexplorer has all the topigraphic maps for touring and bush tracks. All this on a big 7" screen and also all for around $600. Very happy with the setup.

[PhilipA]

I have been trying to find a unit for a long time which can easily be programmed with topo maps .
Today I had a look and found the GPsOz topo mapping will install seamlessly on a Garmin 250W or above by SD card, according to the website.

So wouldn't this be a half price substitute for a Hema navigator?

It looks to be easy to install and the cost is $229 +30 for the SD card plus the Nuvi . I saw a Nuvi 250W which is now superseded for $259 but usually you would pay a bit more.
If you want on a laptop as well you have to buy extra software.
It seems to me that this should be a pretty popular thing with name brands etc rather than using no name ebay units.
Any comments?
Regard sPhilip A

[Disco_owner]

PhillipA ,I've got a Garmin 60Csx loaded with city navigator and Oztopo V2 ,the oztopo V2 mapping software doesn't offer the Turn -Turn instructions out in the bush where as the Hema Navigator does.

[PhilipA]

Khos, I just checked this site again
Garmin Topo Australia - Topographical mapping for all of Australia (http://www.ja-gps.com.au/garmin-topo-australia-sd.html)
about Garmin Topo which includes turn by turn and is only $199 including the SD card and suits Nuvi 265
Regards Philip A.

[dickyjoe]

Gday

I was lucky and unlucky enough to purchase a logicgear GPS from officeworks. It was the last model on the shelf and I got it for $260 bucks.

Questions is, how do I load oziexplorer onto it and keep the other whereis based street navigator running?

Cheers

Rich

[bruiser69]

Hi Rich,

One of the good features of Logicgear XL488 is that the Whereis software is stored in internal flash memory. This allows you to have Ozi Explorer or other applications on SD card (not HC) & select which you want Logicgear to start with. You can switch back and forward with a few screen touches.
If you read User manual it tells you how to do this.
I have also bought the reversing camera that plugs into XL488 and automatically turns on when reverse selected. Let me know if you intend to buy one as a simple mod is reqd to eliminate lines on screen with Disco2 due to fuel pump interference- may also occur with other vehicles with electric fuel pumps.

Enjoy your new toy:) Bruiser

[Disco_owner]

Khos, I just checked this site again
Garmin Topo Australia - Topographical mapping for all of Australia (http://www.ja-gps.com.au/garmin-topo-australia-sd.html)
about Garmin Topo which includes turn by turn and is only $199 including the SD card and suits Nuvi 265
Regards Philip A.

PhillipA , I assumed that you referring to gpsoz "oztopo V2" mapping software ,but you're right that "Garmin Topographical Australia" Mapping Software will allow Turn-Turn Instruction out in the Bush.