GPS opinions

[pritch]

My Zumo arrived on Friday. I fitted it to the bike and used as a speedo on Saturday and then yesterday spent hours downloading the required software and maps (dial-up) and installing them.

There were stages where I was tempted to start banging my head on the desk but I got there in the end. The results look encouraging.

Guess I had better get it wired to the bike because the quoted four hour battery life would likely see me running out of battery just as I would be starting to look for the address I was heading for...

[pritch]

I'd also like to say thanks to those who offered useful information when I asked my similar question recently.

Oh! and the OP is going to get his arse infracted for posting in the wrong forum. As irrational as it may seem to some, GPS units apparently are not considered bike gear. There speaks the voice of sad experience...

[ynot slow]

For easy use I recall givi doing a gps clear cover tank type bag overseas though.

[LBD]

My Zumo arrived on Friday. I fitted it to the bike and used as a speedo on Saturday and then yesterday spent hours downloading the required software and maps (dial-up) and installing them.

...

Can I ask where from and $?

[pritch]

Can I ask where from and $?

You may ask but I can't answer because I honestly don't know the name of the supplier. The price was $963.63 plus freight.

My brother does purchasing for his Company and they buy a lot of electronic gear and he got it from one of his suppliers, there was a slight discount. I mainly used him because I was happier firing him off that amount of money rather than someone I didn't know.

That wasn't much cheaper than some of the best options on my thread:

http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/produc...uetooth-nz-new

There was a price of just under $1000 on Pricespy but there is also
http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/ at about $1100 where you might stand a chance of getting some after sales service if needed.

[johannvr]

Burnsco Marine sells the Garmin GPSMap60Cx (same as the CSx, but without the altimeter) for $ 549.

Works well for me, in the car / bike and boat. Roadmaps downloadable as mentioned above, but unforunately there's a cost to the Marine Bluechart maps and I'm also not aware of any freeware Topo maps for it.

[Swoop]

it's only about 1/2k from the Groningen Railway station. Shouldn't be too hard to find

You have to be careful of that northern hemisphere sun, though. It dosen't play ball like in the southern hemisphere...

[YellowDog]

So long as you msake sure you get the most up-to-date map scheme, it doesn't really matter which one you get.

Velcro stickons are important and being waterproof is an advantage.

I stick mine in my tank bag and just rely on the bluetooth instructions.

Initaially my biggest mistake was to rely on the graphics as being an accurate indication of the corner depths and angle.

Don't do this, it's dangerous!

[NOD]

I USE A GARMIN 310/360 ON MY GS 1200 FOR 20,000 KM WITH NO PROBLEMS AND ONLY WHEN IT RAINS HEAVY DO I PUT IT IN MY RAIN JACKET AS THE WINDSCREEN PROTECTS NICELY. NO PROBLEM ON GRAVEL EXCEPT TILTS SLIGHTLY FROM VIBRATION AND AT $600.00 I think it's good value

[Jizah]

So long as you msake sure you get the most up-to-date map scheme, it doesn't really matter which one you get.

The installed maps will only last so long though. And with some companies charging $199 for updated maps, finding a brand such as Garmin that lets you use open source maps is a very good idea.

[Moki]

Apparently the Garmin 60csx is good and the Zumo 550 is the bee's knees...

[Padmei]

Another one happy with the 60csx Has got me home many times and thats just from the dairy...

[MarkH]

Just what I thought.
Another thought, does anyone know of waterproof/splashproof cases for in car units? I'm on the net looking atm but someone might know something.

I have a car GPS (but no car) and I use a plastic bag and a twist tie if I need to use it in the wet. I can click on it pretty well with gloves on and I run a lead from its headphone socket to my helmet.

Mine is something like this one: http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/product/D7953

I didn't actually choose the unit - it was a 4th place prize in a poker tournament. But it works quite well on the scoot.

[whowhatwhere]

If you're willing to buy from the UK I can highly reccommend the Navigo from eBuyer: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159765 A good compact sturdy unit.

Mine is great I'll be bringing it back with me when I return to NZ. My bike is naked so I have put a GPS bicycle handlebar mount below the speedo, and attached the back plate from the sat nav to this. Slots straight on. If you go the thepctailor and register you'll have access to loads of info on how to load Tom Tom software onto the Navigo (an easy process, mine was done in 20 mins). Also has a headphone port which a lot of sat navs don't seem to have.

About £50 for the sat nav, so say $125 to $150 NZ? I'm not sure how much Tom Tom / Garmin are in NZ at the mo ..

Have a squiz here: http://www.gbbikers.co.uk/gbb/index....9887#msg499887