GPS Mapping

Thanks Jim, my problem is I belong to the dark side using Android.

Thanks Frank probably just looking for something that is just ready to go.

Frank's suggestion is spot on. It's extremely hard to beat an Android or Apple tablet or phone as a true multi purpose navigation device. For $100 you can have it on everything with the latest maps. I can't believe anyone still buys single purpose navigation units. I regard the in dash GPS unit in my wife's Audi as quite terrible by comparison with my Android phone, and it's quite new.

Thanks all. I will do some more homework and look into what's been suggested.

As suggested buy a tablet of you choice and add the mapping. So much better and more versatile than the dedicated systems
You can run multiple mapping product and apps like WikiCamps etc plus search the net from the one device
Plus most of these programs will also work on your phone

I would add that for Android, a Samsung tablet should be your first choice because some other brand Android tablets have a terrible GPS chip, I learned from experience on that. All the Apple ones are good but you basically have to buy one with a SIM card slot to get the in unit GPS functionality.

"You can run multiple mapping product and apps like WikiCamps etc"

This is an important point. No mapping app is perfect, not even EOT, and it's useful to have more than one. You should be able to run two apps side-by-side in split screen mode.

The main all-in-one 4WD mapping device is HEMA. I've never owned one. They used to be very popular, but all the recent reviews I've read of the latest device and software are very negative. I think the tablet is a more flexible solution.

In terms of attaching one to the screen, Stephan Fischer did a review not that long ago of the Seasucker vacuum mount which you can use with RAM mouting hardware. I have just taken the plunge and bought this system. It is not cheap, but by golly it's effective.

Briste

Don’t believe what you read as hearsay on the Hema, some people will just say anything.

They are the only company that spends mega dollars doing regular field trips, so their maps are the most accurate out on the market today….that’s a fact.

The biggest thing that many did not like, including me was when they went away from the OziExplorer base to their own on the HX1.

Some people had issues with the unit overheating, which was a software issue and a software upgrade fixed that issue.

The new HX2 is different again, a lot thinner and still the same great features that have been available in all the previous units.

Value for money, you can not go past the new HX2, as what other brand on the market has all those map sheets from around Australia, with all the latest up to date maps, more POI with full details and turn by turn navigation.

In the street mode, you can zoom right in, to see individual address numbers on the streets…what other navigation unit will do that?

I have contacted EO a number of times in the past, re very outdated road details. There are still many roads shown on the EO TOPO as dirt, where in fact they have been fully bitumen for over the past 20 years.

Then you mention WikiCamps, well the HX2 has all these places and more, from fuel outlets, hospitals, police stations, caravan parks, free camping,etc, etc all in one easy to use unit.

For those that buy a tablet, you then have to buy a mapping system and then seperate maps, which will cost you more in the long run.

Credit where credit is due, some don’t like the Hema, just because of its name or what they have heard third hand in conversation.

You don't have to pay for most mapping programs and the maps you buy are the same Hema maps that are on the device you mentioned. If you want street mapping and navigation with detail then Google Maps or Waze provide that in minute detail including street view of the actual property you are interested in. They also show live traffic data including mobile speed camera location, breakdowns and live slow traffic points. All for free.

Thanks for those clarifications Stephen L, it's helpful to get the counter view. Everything has it's strengths and weaknesses. If I was in the OP's position I'd still be wary. $800 RRP and perhaps close to $700 on discount is a lot of coin to drop for a single-use device with such a collection of negative reviews. I'd want to be able to see one in operation and play with it for an extended period if I was to make that kind of investment.

I agree about HEMA's investment in field research and their maps. I've just bought their 4WD maps for use in Memory Map. But as I said, nothing's perfect, and a tablet gives you options. It also allows you to try out different mapping programs at relatively low cost.

The HX2 has a RR of around $749, but here in South Australia you can get them for just over $600

I am a big fan of the Hema maps and highly recommend them, I just think you are limiting your options too much using a specific navigation device when you can run the same maps plus everything or anything else you want if you go with a tablet

Thanks for all your responses, the Hama HX2 is the type of gear I have been looking at but the reviews have put me off it. Stephen have you had better luck with this model? Have heard that they don't like being exposed to sun/heat of the vehicle dash.

Please see me reply above.

Please don’t believe what you read, as many have a beef, and it is not true.

No issues with overheating, and with the HX1, it was only a software issue that fixed the overheating on some units, and not all.

I don’t work for Hema, or get free units, but a very satisfied customer.

One thing though, don’t buy direct from Hema, you will get them well over $100 cheaper from many good retailers.

Thank you Stephen will definitely look at the Hema unit. I have many of their paper maps and along with West Print find them to be excellent products. Cheers Harry.