Which GPS

I find that none of the mapping is as good as I need ED.

Most agree that rooftop are best maps for HC but they are now becoming dated.

Theres been anumber of posts on this subject so will just give the broad brush.
The Xl probably has the best maps internaly but the GPS 276c is the best car GPS.

I rely heavily on a well maintained list of points and self generated tracks , backed up by carrying paper maps for any specific area and a laptop which holds all the maps which backs me up when going somewhere unplanned.

If you wish specific answers to any of above just ask.


Robin Miller

Best value GPS is a laptop, you can buy new laptops for about $700 at the moment, add Ozi Explorer for $130.00 a GPS mouse for $170.00 and allow $200.00 for sme basic maps of Australia.

You can also add City navigator 7 for $265.00 and a 8.4 inch toch screen monitor for $495.00.

So for $2000.00 this set up will do more then any vehicle mounted GPS will do.

To get a Garmin 276c with a car kit and City Navigator 7 will set you back about $1800.00

Regards Richard

Hi Ed

Its really a mixed situation with the maps I find.

I haven't seen a review of new CFA release , but I fear that it uses the same out of date government base that is used by some of the maps in GPs'es such as T4A , Shonky and Magellan and also unfortunately by things like Vic roads directory.

I still have my 1998 CFA release however even when new I soon found it to be not that useful.

As you noticed the commercial navigators have much more accurate data but only cover so far.
To get an update of those maps for my garmin costs a ridiculous $250 and as you have done its now cheaper to buy a whole new device than to update the city based maps.

Robin Miller

I use an eXplorist 600 with Discover Aus Streets & Tracks V1 and it has served me very well for travelling in all sorts of terrain including the Vic High Country. Surprisingly very few tracks have been incorrect on the map. You can go as low as an eXplorist 400 for mapping, but it won't be in colour. The DAST V1 has been updated with DAST topo which is more upto date and of coarse has the topographical info. Having a handheld GPS is more versatile as far as I am concerned than an in-car navigational GPS as you can take it with you on walks etc - also more robust. I am sure that Garmin is just the same and you can get maps for Garmin from certain user groups.

When I want to use other maps which run on Ozie, then I connect the GPSr to the laptop and use the moving map function with a remote touch screen. Works very well and gives you the bigger picture of where the heck you actually are in tricky situations.

hope this helps
Peter

Thanks for all reply's but being a bit dump and not that upto date with techo, tell me if I have say magellan/Garmin can you down load Maps to and from PC ie just been up the high country last weekend can this info be stored on pc when i get home???
Ed