GPS set up for $1K ?

[RR5L]

Given a budget of around $1000. I want to try and put together a GPS set up. I dont want turn by turn city stuff although nice in cities I dont know, what I want is when im out in the bush in the RR , topo maps and gear like great desert tracks etc which can be loaded in. Being a complete novice I would appreciate some pointers on what I should look at, Im leaning towards a PDA with GPS is this a flexible option or are dedicate GPS units better?

[one_iota]

My personal preference is a dedicated GPS with native maps built in such as Magellan or Garmin.

The Magellan Destinations and Streets (DAST) addon is impressively detailed when it comes to 4wd Tracks.

Have a look here:

www.gpsoz.com.au

and here:

http://www.gpsaustralia.net

[dobbo]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

[RR5L]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

Ive always used maps too, the deal is im leaving work, and a little bird whispered in my ear asking what do you want when you leave? How could I pass an opportunity up like this?

[one_iota]

I prefer a nice old fashioned compass and Topo maps, thats just my personal preference. Compasses don't need batteries. If you can read a topo map properly do you really need a GPS?

Yes I've heard the map and compass argument.

The GPS is a great tool as I often travel alone and without a "nagivator".

I also travel with maps and a compass but they have their limitations too.

I haven't resorted to a sextant and a chronometer (my watch is battery powered)

[Slunnie]

Keep in mind when selecting, that maps that get uploaded to the GPS generally need to be proprietry maps, not the normal Hema, Auslig etc maps. The Hema etc maps require a laptop and some software (eg OziExplorer) to drive them.

This said, I have a garmin with the Tracks4Australia mapping on it, and that was sensational while up at Cape York recently. Actually a little too good at times when some mark tracks were in reality non existant.

[ladas]

I have been reading maps for over 30 years. I spent 20 years orientering.

I now have a GPS - makes life easy, and it plugs into the cig socket on the LR D2, and has a backup battery that last for 20 hours.

Agree with the comment that you may want toppo type maps rather than the city direction, but even in the 'weirdest' areas it always gets me home.

For a grand you should be able to get quite a nice set up.

Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and NavMan offer great deals - with PC software, maps etc., included, you just might want to add the type of map to suit your sort of travelling habits.

Might need to do a bit of homework though finding what's best for you.

[Phoenix]

I'm with slunnie, i've got a carmin GPSmap60 with tracks 4 australia loaded on it. Fantastic out of the city, every 4wd track that i've done since having it has been on it, as well as all roads. You can also get a countours overlay as well. Both are free. there is a commercial version available as well which is a little better, at about $150.

However my GPS was only about $500, and is not colour, if you stepped up to the colour version (which is a better choice if you can afford it) you will start to be getting close to that price point.

Yes, I'm a garmin fan

[RR5L]

I'm with slunnie, i've got a carmin GPSmap60 with tracks 4 australia loaded on it. Fantastic out of the city, every 4wd track that i've done since having it has been on it, as well as all roads. You can also get a countours overlay as well. Both are free. there is a commercial version available as well which is a little better, at about $150.

However my GPS was only about $500, and is not colour, if you stepped up to the colour version (which is a better choice if you can afford it) you will start to be getting close to that price point.

Yes, I'm a garmin fan

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?

[sclarke]

I have a Magellan Meridian Colour with discover aus Maps.
I Used to only use that plus paper maps.

But now i have a Laptop with Oziexplorer and topo and rooftops and cfa and DSE and more maps than i can handle

Ohh and Destinator with Map Monkey......

What more could i want..........

A laptop stand for the Dash.... or a CARPUTER