BRETT72
X-TRAIL HOLIC
Date Registered: 10-2005
Location: Orange. NSW.
TOTAL POSTS: 1999
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Re: Global Positioning System
I purchased my first (and only) GPS several years ago, before they included memory cards, colour screens, 3 dimensional views and the like. The good old Magellan GPS320 has served me well so far and wont be getting replace until it dies. I know some people like all the bling that the newer ones bring, but in the outback, all I want to know is that I am travelling in the right direction.
Personally, I think the 'street' orientated GPS units are just expensive street directories, that take all the fun out of getting somewhere new. You know the one, with the wife in the passenger seat trying to read the directory, turning the book at all differant angles and then telling you that you just missed the turn-off. I wonder how many marriages have ended in these circumstances. All adds to the fun of getting there...eventually.
"your next turn will be in 100 metres"...not quiet the same. (even with the sexy female voice that some offer)
In the outback, simple is often the best policy. Always have the trusty compass packed - JUST IN CASE.
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3/Nov/2006, 5:32 pm
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Z1000
X-TRAIL NEWBIE
Date Registered: 06-2006
Location: Sydney.
TOTAL POSTS: 83
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Re: Global Positioning System
quote: basshead wrote:
But if what you're saying is true - that they have 4WD tracks (as well as normal streets?) then perhaps this is the way I should go...
Rich,
I believe Harvey Norman or Domain are offering free 10 days trial period on the TomTom One navigation system, give it a go and venture into the bush, it will show you your exact position on a track with the track name. Given the off road limitation of our car, the system covers more area than you'd possibly and safely explore.
Or alternatively, you can browse the demo unit in the shop, browse to the places you have been before, see all fire trails in Kanagara Wall or Barrington Tops for instance.
Honestly I hardly use the navigation feature at all, I only use it to see if I am on the right track or where I am. A printed map is still the best, since the system is there to give me an extra reassurance (BTW it has a compass function as well).
If you like what TomTom One can do for you, you'd setup an equivalent system (Phone, PDA, GPS) for a much cheaper price <$600. Let me know if you are interested.
--- Cheers
William (X363)
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06 Platinum STS
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6/Nov/2006, 9:56 am
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basshead
X-TRAIL HOLIC
Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: Panania, Sydney
TOTAL POSTS: 2852
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Re: Global Positioning System
Old thread revived...
You wouldn't believe that only last week I threw out my GPS research notes, only for Clare to say this afternoon that I could buy myself one for Christmas...
Luckily I made reference to my preferences in this thread otherwise I'd have no idea what ones I was interested in, and have to start the whole research process again...
I am still looking on websites previously mentioned in this thread to get back up to speed on the latest...
Looks like Garmin have upgraded to the "H" model, and the comparable Magellan units are still considerably higher priced...
I doubt I'll have time to buy before Christmas - I wonder if any of the GPS web-stores will have post-Christmas sales?
EDIT: After doing some research (eBay ) I have found probably my best bet would be to buy a PDA with GPS built-in.
My preferences so far are a couple of the HP IPAQ's, and the ASUS MyPal PDA's or the ASUS R600. Some of them are pre-loaded with current street maps, and a 2GB card, for about the same price as the dedicated GPS like Garmin Legend HCx for example.
Another option is to buy a cheap laptop. Good Guys is advertising them for under $500 (after cash-back), and another $100-odd will get you a blue-tooth GPS, and I'd be paying about $200 more than a PDA, but with a much, much larger screen. Of course the main problems is mounting and durability of the laptop in bumpy conditions! I might only use the GPS once every couple of months or so anyway, so a laptop might be my best option, plus the wife can use it around the home for internet as they come standard with wireless - I'd also have to buy a new wireless modem...
EDIT2: Picked up a bargain on eBay - brand new (unwanted gift) ASUS R600 for just over half RRP! Even if it doesn't accept installing of 4WD mapping software (OziExplorer), I could re-sell it on eBay, and maybe even make a profit The R600 has a larger screen than the ASUS MyPal PDA's.
ASUS R600
Last edited by basshead, 3/Jan/2008, 8:59 pm
--- Rich. X-013(c)
'04 S2 ST Auto. Nudge_roofracks_tow_tints_Lightforce_GME_YokoGeoA/T-S_TBS_bashplate_50mm-spacer-lift
Click here to see >300MB of photos and videos All For His Glory.
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22/Dec/2007, 8:41 pm
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