Garmin Overlander Review?

'How annoying it that fellow on the video review'. A very expensive unit with low screen resolution. Consider an ipad or a galaxy tab running a selected app. Does the unit in the link from Harvey Norman include the Latest Garmin Aust Topo V6 that retails for $199 and the Hema map card that adds another $190 to the cost. I Personally , as a user of many Garmin's and having Aust maps like V5 and Oztopo V9 find the map details do not match ExplorOz team's Eotopo maps and many other maps I use on Oziexplorer. Hema actually sell these unit for $999 with the Hema map that appears to be the same as the low detail Ozf4 Hema 150k tile used in Oziexplorer. Click link to see the Garmin map comparsion I create early this year.https://photos.app.goo.gl/yyRFMNzfAiYh3EdE7

Thanks for the pics mate. Definitely seems that Explore Oz maps on a tablet is the way to go. A lot more detail than the Garmin maps and comes in much cheaper. Appreciate the reply.

Get Maps.Me app ..street nav, works offline, world wide maps.

Cheer
Greg

"I subscribe to the theory that everything you pack should have more than one use."

Me too .............. usually.

However, in a cab where space is very limited mounting a tablet anywhere would add unwanted clutter' but the Hema HX1 is something I would be reluctant to go without. It has become integral to our travels. However there are things said in that review which might steer me in that direction. Primarily 'ease of use'. He describes the operating system as 'intuitive', something the Hema is not. We are on our second HX1 (screen delaminated on the first & was replaced by Hema). Both HX1's have suffered from poor charging connections - mini usb type - which if not careful will partially disconnect, leaving the charging light on, but insufficient power going in & the battery charge dropping. Having to tape the charge cable to the unit on anything rougher than a bitumen road to prevent this is inconvenient & unacceptable on a unit of this price. If the Garmin has a better connection that alone would steer me in Garmin's direction. Being intuitive would be a bonus, given that I have become familiar enough with the HX1 over time. The one comment putting me off the Garmin os the comment here about a low resolution screen . But when replacement time comes I will take a much closer look at the Garmin.

Hmmmm I just watched this reviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPWSVm6fXXk Perhaps not for me after all! Hard to understand what makes it so difficult for manufacturers to get something like this right!

Hi Cuppa,

I have had a HX1 now for almost 4 years now, never has a problem with the power cable not connecting fully, or coming out. Have traveled with it on the GCR, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape York, Oodnadatta, Simpson Desert. The only issue I have had is with the unit overheating sitting above the dashboard next to the windscreen and “freezing”. I have cured that issue by using a “CD Mount” and relocating the unit below and in front of the dashboard away from the windscreen.

As far as the HX1 as a navigator, I have found the unit to be good, maps are pretty well up to date, plus there are regular updates available. The screen is a reasonable size and fairly easy to read. A tablet with a larger screen would be easier to read, but a little more “bulky”.

Macca.

I use an 8" Samsung tablet (with 128Gb SD card) with EOtraveller and Memory Map as the main navigation apps. The tablet also holds all my music and connects via USB to the car stereo. It also connects by Bluetooth to my Garmin Inreach satellite gps and to my phone through wifi. It truly is multi tasking. No dedicated navigation device produced to date has those functions available.
The tablet also provides split screen or pop up screen functions, which are very handy when you want to switch between live apps.
Total cost including EO subscription is less than $400.
Of course I carry a hard copy HEMA maps book and handheld compass as backup.

Macca, you’re lucky. My first HX1 (about 4 years ago) had the ‘straight mount USB charger cable’, & the replacement HX1 (June ‘19) came with the newer right angled USB charger cable, introduced I believe to resolve the problem of the cable remaining in the unit properly. Unfortunately in my case, in spite of me taking great care to ensure there is sufficient slack cable, the USB cable has again become a slack fit. It is the HX1 socket which I think is the problem, not the cable side of things. Last time we were on a rough track we found the battery had dropped to about 80% charge, & the USB connection was hot. Holding the USB in with my finger saw it start to charge again. Hence the use of masking tape to now maintain charging security. We also have ExplorOz on iPad & phone, but these cannot be used without stopping the car first. Same for paper maps.