GPS advice required

Dave,

There is a myriad of handheld GPS units out there on the market these days. As is the case with most things, each have their weaknesses and strengths. Some people prefer the Magellan units, others the Garmins or even some of the other brands. I have a Garmin eMap and am very happy with it. The built in Australian Map is fantastic. Best thing to do would be to go to a camping store (somewhere like Paddy Pallins) and test drive different brands to see what you like (ie ease of use, screen clarity, data storage ability etc etc). You don't have to purchase from a place like this, but they at least allow easy access to test drive the units.

cheers,
Sam.

Dave, be careful about "under-buying". I fell for that trap by buying "old" technology second-hand, to "get a feel for it" but got the "feel" for it so quickly (did nothing else but fiddle with GPS for about 2 weeks) that I ended up upgrading within weeks. Then I purchased software, digital maps etc.

Its a bit like anything else computer/technology based - if you are inclined, even a little, to be an early adopter of technology, or someone who fiddles a lot with whatever new piece of technology they acquire, you'll quickly want more than the basic equipment you purchased can provide.

On the other hand, you can spend many unnecessary $$$ on GPS, getting functionality and gadgets/gimmics, you'll never want or use (just like VCRs, DVDs, PCs, home theatre, etc). There are still features on my 4 yr old VCR, I don't use and never will.

Like all such purchases, the critical step is to be honest about what you need from the equipment, as distinct from to what you want. To get an idea of this, visit the Garmin and Magellan web-sites and check out all the features available on different models. Make a list of the features you must have and the ones you'd like to have. List the units that provide all the functions you must have and then compare those units on the "nice to have" features and price.

My guess is that you'll end up with a mid-priced unit ($500-$700) that does most things most people need/want. These units also have a better re-sale value (important if you give it all up) as they are more popular/sought after as second-hand units than the units at either end of the price scale. If you are interested in a second hand unit (and you can get some pretty good/recent ones), have a look here under "trader" or have a look at www.gpsoz.com.au

Good luck.Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)

If in the future you intend to set up a laptop in the 4wd dont over buy with map features as programs like Oziexplorer have all the moving maps features you will ever want ,I have a very simple GPS Garmin12 it will up and down load waypionts and routes to my laptop with ease ( now that I have finally figured it all out )it cost approx $400 and will store 500 waypoints plus heaps more features ,this is just my personal point of view . As a friend of mine found out talk to people with a GPS and use it in real life not just the sales people.Born to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4

Dave,

Also have a look at the GPS feature under the On the Road/Navigation in the above menus. ExplorOz have written on what they suggest as being minimul requirements when purchasing a GPS.Just Do It!

gday dave
i asked the same question alittle while ago and got heaps of info
post 3504
i ended up bying a magellin 310(basic) from ebay for $200
it dosnt do all the fandangle things the new ones do.but it does the basics which is all i needed it for (camping spots ect).
i used it quite a lot at easter(we got lost) and it at least showed us on maps where we were and where we should be.
also if you do decide to buy a good one there is a place where you can get them from the states about half price compared to here.
have a look at post 3794.
hope this helpseaster fun at jamison

Dave, my advice would be to go for the best you can afford, as mentioned in an earlier thread, you will in most cases get a better re-sale on the better units if you ever want to sell or trade up.
We are agents for Magellan & we have some pretty good specials at the moment, also if you do happen to find a better price anywhere in Oz, we will try and beat it, you can check us out at www.atrekcamping.com.au most items are delivered within 48 to 72 hours, regards, David.

The issue about buying from USA and warranty is not really an issue, if you buy a Garmin. Not sure about Magellan though. If you purchase a Garmin from the USA (and have proof of purchase of brand new unit) and it fails here in Australia you can take it to GME Electrophone for warranty repacement. If it has passed 12 months then you can get an exchange unit for about half the price of a new one. The unit that you receive is a refurbished unit from Garmin in Asia (where the factory is) basically looks brand new!! If you buy from an auction site like ebay or sold.com a second hand unit then you will most unlikely be able to exchange for a new one as you won't have the original date of purchase from the original owner. From my experience working for GME they check the serial number with the date that it was shipped from Garasia (Garmin Asia) and guestimate the warranty. Basically you will be looking at an exchange unit instead even if you have only had it in your hot little hands for a day. Magellan I suspect would work on the same principle. If not let Thales know your dilema (They own Magellan). The Magellan in Perth is a private company just like GME, so, good luck.