Which GPS Unit

Need to work out a bit more first mate:

- do you want turn by turn directions (ie TomTom, CoPilot etc)
- do you want to be able to load and calibrate maps or
- will you be happy with inbuilt maps

If 1 and 2, then probably looking at a PDA - if not 1 and 2, but yes to 3, something like a Magellan.

I personally do the PDA thing - love the Tom Tom turn by turn directions to get me to the dirt, and then switch to OziExplorer when I get there.

Have a good look at www.gpsoz.com

Richard,
Magellan vs Garmin it is a bit like Toyota vs Nissan, both are good but it depends what you like and what you Need.

I have a Nissan and a Magellan GPS with all of Australia including topo map and every little 4x4 track loaded onto one SD card in the GPS. I have been 'most' of the way around Aus and 'almost never' found a track that is not on the Discover Aus Topo maps. I'm still trying though.

Garmin GPS are great but I personally think the Magellan maps are better (and I have and used both). I also have a laptop with wonderful maps and OxiEeplorer interface program but I just can't get the navigator to sit there with it on her lap (OK, so I can deal with that). I use it a lot for trip planning but not while driving.

I use a Magellan swivel base attachment that is stuck with Velcro to the dash mat.

It is also great for night driving on the highway, I can zoom in and accurately see if there is a long straight to pass that road train or a corner coming up so I should just sit back safely and wait.

If you have the $$ then a Magellan Explorist XL with the full Australia tracks and topo map is the go.

Geordie

Hi Richard

The Magellan Explorist range sounds like it might be along the lines of what you are looking for. The top of the line comes with Topo map coverage of the whole of Australia which you can zoom in and out if depending on the level of detail you require. This includes the same level of detail you would expect from Topo maps.

Previously I have used a GPS/Laptop interface, but found this too cumbersome in the vehicle if using for real time navigation. Having said that the interface with Oziexplore is very good.

Whilst I haven't yet purchased something along these lines, it looks like the way to go.

I've included a link to the Explorist XL Traveller Pack.

https:// Site Link

I am also looking for a GPS unit that can load those oziexplorer atc.

Saw this on ebay,
Site Link

Is that a good one? or am I on the wrong track :) here

kangas

Well folks, asked this question some months ago, but no replies unfortunately.

Anyway, recently bought a Navman Pin 570 PDA. For a 'technically hopeless' person as far as computers etc are concerned, & with a little bit of perseverance, cursing & 'hair pulling', have worked the basics out & will do everything I want.

1stly, has roadmaps, (SmartST) already loaded in memory card, so just insert & works fine once you get to know how to use the menu screen.

2ndly, screen is a good size & I dont have any real problem seeing details
(My eyes are crap)

Main reason for purchase is for 4wding. Have bought OziExplorer & a few digital maps along with a seperate memory card soley for 4wd maps. Have had a bit of a play & have downloaded some routes without too much trouble. Can also scan paper maps & download onto memory card.

In closing, a great unit & well worth a look.

Hi Richard

While some can do a bit of both, there are differences between the
semi-intelligent street direction and the 4wd navigation type units
so I'd be checking which basic functionality to go with first.

For me its 4wd navigation, and despite all the recent advances
I still use an obsolete garmin 3 which just has a basic background map
and I use paper directories / maps to support.

I have not yet found a system which provides real "in the bush"
benefits over the above.

In really trying to navigate, sometimes where their are no tracks
I have issues with most of the current crop.

First just being able to see the units in sunlight is still
difficult particularly with colour units like the new magellans.
While not good this issue can be worked around with units
with black/white screens only - so please check that you can see
screen easily in whatever you buy.

Hence positioning them in the car can be very important.
The Garmin 3 I use and some later models have low profile and can be placed
directly on the dash in front of steering wheel such that they
can be used without really moving your eyes off the road/track.

Another annoying issue with many is that the tracks from background maps
often only appear on the screen and certain resolution settings, and when you try
to get an overview are just not displayed.
This is mostly not changeable , and I have seen people lose there way as a result.

I rather not, but if I had to jump today for a 4wding unit I'd go garmin 276c (not cheap)

Robin Miller

Hello Richard.
I thought I'd wait and see what replies you got before I did a reply.
I'm not particularly computer literate so what I have is the following:

1. NAVMAN PiN Compact pocket PC - with SmartST 3D mapping software
for door to door voice guided navigation within cities and most towns
(UBD mapping). Screen is 3.5" colour. Power either own battery, 12V or 240V.
Simply switch on, wait to gets a satellite fix, type in on the screen where you
want to go, wait a moment for it to work out the quickest route and away you
go. Fantastic around suburbs and most country towns.
Comes with accessories for battery charging and cradle bracket for windscreen
connection to the vehicle. Units plugs into cig. lighter.

2. Out of the town , and with software (DizcoverAus), I use a MAGELLAN Meridian
Platinum GPS which whilst unasisted by voice guidance, shows every road,
track etc. that Navman shows but every other track throughout the country.

I try to keep it as simple as possible and have found this suitable for my needs.

Richard, there is another reason why I'm passing on my thoughts regarding your posting and that is the both of the above items are for sale because unfortunately
my wife is to have major surgery and both our Patrol and 4WD gear is being sold.

The units have had very very little use and are in excellent working order apart from the Navman which is currently at Navman Sydney having a battery replaced.
If you interested I am selling both units for $1100 which includes DiscoverAus for the Magellan and all the chargers for both units. The Magellan also has the standard swivel base holder for the dash board. We have a GU111.

I can be contacted on 0407 531444 (Wayne) if required.

Hope you work out what you want and all the best.

Cheers GU.

G'Day All
After much research reckon Im going to go for the Navman Pin 570 PDA with oziexplorer. Will do both quite OK. Thanks for everybodies advice
cheers
Richard