Brash Imports GPS

My issue with in dash GPS systems is that you have to take your eyes totally off the road to look at them. Updating maps can also be expensive.

Apart from the advantages/disadvantages mentioned above, an in dash unit isn't portable and soon becomes obsolete.
A portable one can be used in other vehicles and also when walking. Helps to find your way back to where you left the truck.
Because of the lower cost it can be replaced if it fails and you reload the same mapping onto the new one.
This way you are still well below the cost of the original ID unit.
I can't see why they are popular.

Hi Allan,

I have the Polaris unit, very similar to the Brash version and installed it in my 200, also one in a Patrol and another similair type in a CX7. They are very easy to fit, mostly plug and play, though we had to get a special adaptor for the Nissan aerial, it wasn't the standard round coax like most othe vehicles but a square plug (from memory).

The mapping is dependent on the program as they run WindowsCE. I have found Igo to be the best navigator package after trialling Tom Tom and Sygic (plus Garmin on my stand-alone GPS). The beauty of thes units is that you can easily change the navigation program if you don't like the one you have- most types are available if you search the net hard enough!

Also, I run OziExplorer as well (on screen button to switch between Ozi and Igo). This way you have not only your street navigation covered but also your off-road navigation.

Add to this the bluetooth for your phone, reverse camera, Ipod controller and DVD player (great when waiting to pick up the kids) and this has easily been one of the best mods I have done.

Using them does take a short time to familiarise yourself with all the functions, but once you have the hang of it you will wonder why you didn't do it before. I used to have a Garmin on my dash, no way would I go back to it. They only have a ~4" screen, less than half the screen area of a 7" dash mount and are much harder to see. The bigger screen area means less time for eyes off the road and IMHO are safer - have used both extensively so speaking from my experience.

Cheers

Captain

I bought the Brash Imports unit for my 100 series Cruiser about 4 weeks ago - $740 delivered including OziExplorer and 2 reversing cameras. It was very easy to fit, and everything was plug and play once I got the ISO connector for the Toota harness (another $14). Ozi is getting easier to use the more I get used to it, and I have added the Rasta Maps that I bought from Exploroz a year or so ago. I will soon add Hema offroad maps too. IGo is heaps better than my previous Tom Tom. I would recommend them to everyone!!
Drew

Does anyone even use paper maps now a days?

As an alternative you could look at the A-Sure units on eBay. A number of members on the Hilux forum have them and they have good backup support

Thanks everyone for your comments and help. I rang and spoke to David at Brash Imports this morning and after a lot of research on line reading reviews and looking at different brands I ordered one. I will let you all know how it goes.

Allan
I have one of these 2*DIN units oin our POOOtrol, but got mine from Dig_options
http://www.digoptions.com/

Not bad, but am not using Ozi Explorer, yet, Just use "I Go Ver 8", am happy with the mapping system so far. A mate will install Ozi in the next fer weeks, when I eventually catch up with him.

Wondering how it will handle corrugations, but so far, so good. But since last X-Mas I have not done any real hard work in it.

The Anne Beadell, Connie Sue, and the Gary will test it out next year. !

Cheers
Bucky