Which GPS has offroad maps

why not use your laptop ?

Great till you hit one too many bumps and you have no hard disk, or maps.

Hello
Laptop has its advantages but also some serious disadvantages if it’s your only option, especially if you are inclined to travel on foot away from the car. Novelty of having a laptop set up in view of the driver/passenger also wears off for some as it can be a pain considering space/setup required.

Difficulties also arise if you need to change vehicles and have specialised brackets. Most handheld gps options would be far less than the 2K you quote and are in fact less than 1K (including maps..which you would also need for laptop).

Horses for courses – laptop is without doubt best option in some circumstances (because of large screen) but for the average punter suspect it (by itself) would be second best option due to lack of versatility and space /setup issues. Ideally get both and just use the laptop for planning (if required) when camped.
Cheers
Greg

hi , been using my laptop for 2 years -- i have hit many bumps INC ones that have sent the laptop to the floor -- guess what -- laptop still working -- still have maps - still have hard disk ...

as for maps -- shonkey maps are FREE - and they have served me great in NSW- my price quoted(2K) was based on the specific 4x4 GPS available from GPSOZ INC maps (complete setup ready to go )

if i need maps with greater detail - google earth is used -- screen shots taken ( as i have the pro version ) then i can just calibrate the images and use as a map ...


i have seen people having there Gps on there dash boards -- turned on to go to work( same place they go every day ) ...... LMAO always giggle at these people .. i usually only need to get out the laptop when i come to somewhere new or explore new maps .... in the vast majority of the time the gps isnt needed so having it sit with the partner is not a prob - as we normally also work out our route before heading off somewhere new and thankfully she has the ability to remember without needing to watch a GPS for every meter of tracking so for us - its no problem at all - and the screen is big enough that the kids can also view the screen easily from the back seat and also learn about navigation.....

One last point - from memory anything on the front dash or windscreen that can interfere with vision is illegal this would include such silly things such as fluffy dice from mirrors and GPS , im sure someone will correct me if i am wrong - but the last thing needed is another thing on a dash board impairing your vision



Boc

No worries - as mentioned horses for courses - if its suits your requiremnts then obviously great, but wouldnt be proclaiming its the best for all scenarios. Shonkymaps work on Garmin GPS units so if total cost is an issue it is an option for those choosing a handheld/in car nav unit as well, not just a laptop. Shonkymaps do have some serious shortcomings (lack of most streets, roads and tracks) compared to some commercial products (eg OzoTopoV2 and DAST) so forking out some cash is required if you are chasing best setup (laptop or other option) for your specific needs. Some (you) obviously get by without the detail these products have - others need/like it.

With respect to safety issues not sure a window mounted gps unit is worse than a laptop between the passenger and the airbag. Would not like to be on the recieving end of that.

So back to original question (GPS with offroad maps). I would suggest either Garmin unit with OzTopoV2 or possibly Magellan with DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks (or whatever they call it now). A handheld unit is obviously the only option if you plan on doing some exploring on foot.

If you want to use a laptop then running Garmins nRoute with OzTopo maybe an option. OziExplorer/Trackranger are also worth a look at. 250K maps (raster version of Shonky) are availble free (or for nominal $99 on disc) and will work with both these products. More detailed maps are available for select areas (some free, some not) and there are also some free programs available that "grab" google earth images and calibrate ready for OziExplorer.

Another option is running OziExplorerCe (or similar) either on a PDA or purposes built Hema Navigator or unlocked Mio. With these you can run OziExplorerCE and street nav software - best of both worlds.

Some people also use in car computers with 7" remote screen - here you get the advanatge of PC/larger screen but dont have issues that make using a laptop cumbersome at times.

Cheers
Greg