GPS Query

Hi Jack
I use a Garmin 11+ which is getting old but still works and link it to the Laptop. My son uses a USB gps (cheap, no screen) and uses a PDA. Both of us have Oziexplorer on the units. I don't now of any GPS's which will allow you to load Ozi on to them. The more expensive GPS's come with maps loaded. Depending on whether you want the offroad tracks will depend on which maps you need. I am sure the Guru's of the site will enlighten you with which one has the best maps
Ray

Hi Jack
In a nut shell, no. All major GPS units have their own type of running systems, that do not use a Windows based system to run the software. I have asked this same question to our local Garmin rep. There are however, some PDA units that are able to be used, running OziExplorer, giving you real time mapping as you go.

In situations where I travel, I have used and and very highly recommend OziExplorer, as a real time mapping system. If you want the talking type units, as you know they are designed for the capital cities and large towns.

When we get away, towns and cities are the last place that we want to be, after all that is why we go out and buy our 4X4's, so we can get out and about in the great Aussie outback.

Cheers

Stephen

I recently went through this search, and yes you can get PDA/GPS units that run off Wondows OS. They can run both street navigation (including voice prompted turn-by-turn nav) and Oziexplorer. The traditional brands Garmin etc won't run ozi due to their proprietary software. Basically Ozi must run off Windows so a PDA is your only option (other then a laptop).

I used to have the ASUS A636 but am now looking at the ETEN range due to upgraded GPS firmwire (ie faster acquisition), mobile phone, PDA and the other nice-to-haves. The only issue with a PDA unit is the small screen, but this can only be solved with a laptop or maybe a screen mounted in the car. I used to run both OziExplorer and Copilot (turn by turn nav) but not at the same time (not needed but only 2 button presses away).

Dad uses an external GPS receiver connected to his laptop but he wants it for the bigger screen size (plus he has ample space in his Troopie). However I want a more portable unit, ie can take it from car to car.

Talk to stores like Johnny Appleseed www.ja-gps.com.au/ and GPS OZ www.gpsoz.com.au/index.htm as they have extensive experience in traditional GPS units plus PDA/GPA units.

The only problem with PDA units from my experience is they are not very good for foot navigation (bushwalking etc) because it wouldn't update with such small changes in position (unlike in a car) but this may have been a user fault setting.

IMO don't talk to people from Dickie Smith etc because they don't have a clue about Ozi and the requirements for off roading etc.

Ben

Hi Jack
I use a Garmin Quest www.ja-gps.com.au/garmin_quest_1.html and It is a wonderful little unit, I love it,they now come with new City Navigator Australia version 7
If you want to get one that has Blue Tooth so you can run a mobile phone with it then try this one www.ja-gps.com.au/garmin_nuvi310.aspx

Doug

Jack
and or someone who has one Garmin iQue 3600 PDA or similar

As this unit has a Pentium Processor
Microsoft® Windows® 98/2000/ME/XP
8 MB RAM minimum (64 MB recommended, required for Windows 2000/XP)
Palm Desktop requires 50 MB available hard disk space
Map Install requires an additional 500 MB to 1.5 GB available hard disk space
Could OziExplorer maps be incorperated on the unit as well as the Garmin maps

Doug

Hi Jack,
I have seen this Navigation system on 4x4 show in Melbourne. Check this site
www.navnet.org.au/

Patan

Hi Jack,
yap, so many different GPS on market. I have seen on 4x4 Show in Melbourne NavNet.It could be solution for you. Check this: www.navnet.org.au
Good luck
Patan