Where The Bloody Hell Are We?

[replicant]

Decided that with the change in job that it would be very handy to have GPS in car navigation instead of spending time reading maps etc and work out alternatives on the move... I don't have the map reading skills of Jason Bourne of the Bourne Identity so I'm thinking a GPS navigation system would be really handy getting around on the East Coast.

Anyone have any recommendations apart from the fact a lot don't know that the M7 exists and that it costs about 300 bucks to get a new map... or to learn to read a map but you want to take orders, read a map, talk on the phone, drive and think...

[jasper361]

Decided that with the change in job that it would be very handy to have GPS in car navigation instead of spending time reading maps etc and work out alternatives on the move... I don't have the map reading skills of Jason Bourne of the Bourne Identity so I'm thinking a GPS navigation system would be really handy getting around on the East Coast.

Anyone have any recommendations apart from the fact a lot don't know that the M7 exists and that it costs about 300 bucks to get a new map... or to learn to read a map but you want to take orders, read a map, talk on the phone, drive and think...

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I'm On the road about 7 hours a day, and have been using the Navman ICN630 for about 2 years, it cost me about $1800 at the time but has paid for itself 10 fold. As you said when you are on the phone etc it is nice not to have to think about where you are going. There are cheaper models out there but as usual, you get what you pay for!

The big thing you need to look for is contruction, the cheaper model are plastic and will not last sitting in your front window.

http://www.navman.com/Navman/templates/BUH...e____11817.aspx

Hope that helps..

[Turbo6man]

I've used both VDO (built-in) and Navman (portable).

I'd recommend the Navman for it's ease of use and portability - you may not always be in the same car. In fact you can take it with you even while walking the city blocks and it works for up to an hour off it's own battery pack.

[xr6 typhoon]

regarding the M7 most should have it now and if not the manufacturer should provide an upgrade. Toyota quoted me $250 for the upgraded version in the Prado. I think I'll pass and just keep driving through paddocks and creeks where the new roads are now

[benmwhite]

some good reading for you replicant:

http://www.cnet.com.au/pdas/gps/0,39035593...3c-1r-2s,00.htm

[exahsix]

If you have a phone with Smybian operating system (Nokia N70 for example) there's another option. Get a large memory card for it (256mb or so should cost $30) and a bluetooth solar powered GPS antenna (approx $150).

You can purchase (or dare I say it download from somewhere) TomTom software and install it on your phone. This then blutooths with the GPS to provide you with satnav. The maps are plenty big enough and the voice directions excellent. Also means your system is totally portable. This is good for when you're in your wifes/GF's car and navigation issues arise.

I have used this system for about a month now and found it excellent. And cheap.

[Sleek]

I sell the navs so if anyone is interested, wether it be just more info or buying one by all means let me know by PM and ill look after you.

The Navman units are by far the easiest to use out of the "portable" units on the market. They have 3 models at the moment, the ICN635 (new version of the ICN630 mentioned above), which has 3D mapping, a very clear and loud speaker, and is quite robust, price is around $1200-ish from memory (can check if you like).

They have a PDA styled unit which IMO is crap.

They also have an ICN520, which uses the same mapping system as the ICN635 (3D), but its also touch screen, which makes it even easier to navigate through the menu. This is a cheaper unit, and build quality is not as good as the ICN635 however if price comes into play then its great value at around $650 street price.

[Buf-Phoon]

I am using a Mio 286 which is pretty adequate for my needs. Upgraded to model 269+ software free of charge.RRP $899, but can be purchased for $699 if you keep your eyes open.

Only hassle is that M7 maps won't be available until August/Sept due to contractual agreement

[Turbo6man]

I've heard reports from people using Tom Tom that it is cheap and nasty and basically pretty crap to put it succinctly ... but I admit I haven't used it myself.

[Falchoon]

One of the latest computer magazines raved about the latest TomTom reckoning it was the best thing since sliced bread.

I can tell you from first hand experience to stay the *beep* away from Acer brand, they are useless.