GPS set up for $1K ?

**Phoenix** · 24th August 2006, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by RR5L

As a matter of interest on yours and slunnies units are these moving maps or how do the show on the unit? Also I am assuming that via the serial interface you can then couple them to a PDA or a laptop later if so desired?

I don't know what slunnies setup is, but mine is pretty basic. I have the gps in a RAM mount attached to the windscreen. The map displays on the screen. This is a picture of mine

info here (and prices http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_60.htm#60map )

given the choice I would have gotten the colour version as it is easier to read, but I didn't have the cash.

you can see the colour versions here, which now have a micro SD card.
http://www.gpsoz.com.au/garmin_60_x.htm#60cx

the top of the line GPSmap60CSx is only $839. It actually uses a USB cable to connect to a PDA or laptop (which comes with the GPS) and you can also connect them to an external antenna.

oh, and sclarke, have a look at the RAM mounts laptop car mount, very nice!!!

**Slunnie** · 24th August 2006, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by RR5L

As a matter of interest on yours and slunnies units are these moving maps or how do the show on the unit? Also I am assuming that via the serial interface you can then couple them to a PDA or a laptop later if so desired?

I run the Garmin GPSMAP276C. The unit has a screen on it which has a moving map. You can zoom in or out as far as you want with whatever detail you feel is appropriate. The unit does have a computer cord that comes with it so that it can be connected into a computer, though I'm pretty sure it doesn't have bluetooth for PDA's. It can be connected for real time display on the computer or later for up/down loading information.

**matbor** · 24th August 2006, 10:04 PM

I have two GPS units that i use, one up on the dash (don't really use this one anymore) and the other a old PDA that runs, TomTom or Destinator and OziExplorer

lokka · 24th August 2006, 11:06 PM

lap top with good map soft ware like aissie explorer and a external gps reciver pod which mag attaches to your truck cheep laptop $500 gps unit $100 software can be sourced 4 next to nuthing craps on my mates $500 garmin and has so many other features not available to gps units will source more info off my brother he has this setup and i will be back cheers n beers 4 now

**matbor** · 25th August 2006, 08:19 AM

There is a few problems using laptops in the car :
* Dust
* Bulk/Size
* can be stolen easily
* has moving parts, i.e HDD and Fan

I'm sure there is more...

I do agree that Laptop screen is easier to read then a PDA screen though, but i guess it depends how often u need to look at the screen. Actually I think u can get a adapter for some PDA's that let u plug in a bigger screen, might be a idea.

Matt.

**dobbo** · 25th August 2006, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by matbor

There is a few problems using laptops in the car :
* Dust
* Bulk/Size
* can be stolen easily
* has moving parts, i.e HDD and Fan

I'm sure there is more...

I do agree that Laptop screen is easier to read then a PDA screen though, but i guess it depends how often u need to look at the screen. Actually I think u can get a adapter for some PDA's that let u plug in a bigger screen, might be a idea.

Matt.

Surely nowadays you could hook a PDA into a DIN sized fold out LCD screen

RR5L · 30th August 2006, 05:51 AM

Well, after all the great input from various people I have now a magellan explorist XL. The thing that drove me to it was the nice large clear screen and the key pad is large enough for my clumsy fingers. Its not as small as other units which means it may be a bit too big to just throw into your pocket and the weight when you add the four AA batteries adds up. But I always have a back pack with me anyway.

I found it easy to navigate the system and the detail in the DiscoverAus streets and tracks topo maps. I must say however I would of thought the documentation is a little on the thin side. But then again who reads all the documentation first anyway.

All I have to do is get out there now and learn how to use it!

**loanrangie** · 2nd September 2006, 03:24 PM

Hey Matbor, got enough gizmo's in your disco

i wouldnt know which to grab first if one rings !

**one_iota** · 2nd September 2006, 08:35 PM

Good choice Rob.

dude · 12th September 2006, 02:05 PM

Depends on what you realy want to do, but most maps/books these days come with GPS co-ordinates, and trying to find that camping spot among the dunes etc is a real brease with a GPS..

After looking at all the fancy ( read costly maping GPS's and the lack of maps for where I wanted to go unless you wanted to pay $500+), I opted for a realy simple and cheep Geko Garmin GPS, fits anywhere.. Runs for ever on a couple of batteries, combine with a cable ( which has a cigerette plug power ) for ~$49 and some free GPS software I dont get inbuilt maps, but get to do most things, and can upload/download all the stuff I need for a trip..

Hope this does not confuse the issues...

Thread: GPS set up for $1K ?

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After a lot of "justifying" went with the Gecko at 1/3 of the price.

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