Tuesday, Oct 07, 2003 at 20:01
Here are some quick points about buying a Magellan Meridian from OS:
1: You will save alot of money (I saved $419 AUD!)
2: You won't have an Australian Basemap built in
3: You can install detailed maps, or your own custom basemap onto an optional SD card by buying either DiscoverAus, Mapsend Streets or Great Desert Tracks for the detailed maps, and World Wide basemap CD for the basemap. These CD products can be bought quite cheaply online from legitimate retailers if you hunt for a bargain.
4: You won't find the Australian 2MB basemap for the Merigreen available for download anywhere, but you can get Magellan to install it for around $300. Might as
well use WW basemap CD instead - much better basemaps anyway.
5: Magellan may not warrant a US import here, as it has not been purchased through authorised Magellan distributors here. Be aware of this important point.
6: Personally, I don't miss the Aussie basemap, as I have Mapsend Streets and have created a detailed map of Victoria which works extremely
well. When I have some spare cash, I may buy WW basemap CD though - just for the "birds eye view", but it's a luxury rather than a necessity. The detailed map is much more useful IMHO.
7: When buying SD cards, be aware that although you can use large cards, the current flash upgrade may be necessary to use a 128MB or 256MB card. This update is available for free at Magellan's website. Also, be aware that Magellan have admitted problems with some Sandisk SD cards in 128MB and 256MB sizes. The smaller ones seem to work OK, but keep this problem in mind.
Anyway, I'm rapt that I bought a US import. I've saved heaps of money, and I'm not concerned about the warranty issue because if this one dies, I can go and buy a brand new import to replace it, and still be ahead!
I agree with the buy Australian sentiments wholeheartedly, but whilst I'm happy to pay a llittle more to support Aussies in business, I can't afford to pay that much more.
Cheers,
Luke.
AnswerID:
33034