usa gps units

Submitted: Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 09:34

ThreadID: 80985 Views:3148 Replies:6 FollowUps:1

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GPS Units, Navigators & SatNav

In this article we look at ready to go navigation devices and satnav units. You'll learn how different devices work, their limitations and advantages plus we include a section on the hybrid Hema

Mick'n'Jen

Hi All
I am looking to purchase a GPS unit for my patrol and i am looking on ebay but i wonder if the unit has to be purchased in Australia or can i get one from over seas and if so does it automatically capatible with Australia or do i have to load Australian Maps into it? Can anyone recommend a good GPS for travelling Australia and also which ones should i say away from? My budget is $300 and i would also like one that has bluetooth so i can also use as a hands free for mobile. Any website links would be handy.

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Reply By: Member - Matthew S (WA) - Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 10:42

Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 10:42

Hi Mick,
I purchased mine from the US as they are about $100 cheaper then in Australia. They come loaded up with a US map which will be no good here. You will need an Australian map. I'm not sure how and what as i had a mate set mine all up. I bought a Nuvi 5000 and it works well.

AnswerID: 428601

Reply By: Robin Miller - Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 11:02

Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 11:02

You need Aussie map as Matthews said , and it can cost more than the gps.

I got a 1/2 price USA one and a freebie Aussie map.

I would never buy a gps that cannot record your track .

I would not use Bluetooth on one either, it can and does work on many GPSes like garmin 760 765 series but you are far better to seperate the functions and buy a seperate hands free phone.

Provided you ensure that the unit you buy has two buttons , one for hang up and one for pickup (cheaper units have a multifunction button)

AnswerID: 428602

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 11:24

Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 11:24

With the specials on offer there ATM I wouldnt bother

Some have lifetime maps for free and others have a year or so of maps for next to nothing.
As said the maps cost more than the unit.

AnswerID: 428603

Follow Up By: cycadcenter - Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 12:05

Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 12:05

I agree with Graham.......they are just as cheap in Oz when you add the cost of the Aussie maps to a USA purchase.

I live in both places and purchased mine in Oz.

Just pricing a Garmin Sonar for a boat and it's actually $200.00 cheaper in Oz than if you add Australian Charts to a USA unit.

Bruce

FollowupID: 699315

Reply By: Chawbie - Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 18:24

Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 18:24

I have just purchased a Garmin 1490t, bluetooth, traffic, and free lifetime map updates for $320. has a 5inch screen and spoken street names etc. Big improvement over my old 250w.

Kevin

AnswerID: 428650