GPS recommendations please

[Alpha Solo]

I'm looking for a GPS unit, preferably a waterproof one that I can operate with my gloves on, bluetooth with verbal instructions would be handy too!

Any recommendations?

[ArcherWC]

Garmin Zumo is the one for you

[Finn]

Do you really need GPS in NZ? My rule of thumb is; if you hit water and it's salty, then you can't proceed any further.

[Disco Dan]

They are so flipping expensive.. my solution.. grabbed a pocket pc and buy a GPS SD card.. the software is free off the net... so bobs your uncle, fannys your aunt.. one touch screen gps system... plus a mobile computer oh and it makes calls :niceone:

[Fatjim]

Make sure you get one that runs of more than just batteries!

[Alpha Solo]

Thanks all,

Disco Dan, I have tried to get my Nokia N95 to work with various types of GPS software but so far no joy - what is this GPS SD? Where would I get one?

Cheers,

P.

[Disco Dan]

Thanks all,

Disco Dan, I have tried to get my Nokia N95 to work with various types of GPS software but so far no joy - what is this GPS SD? Where would I get one?

Cheers,

P.

Well I can get various diferent software to work all I need is the GPS reciever...

I have an SD card slot on the top of my pocket pc - http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=9912

[discotex]

Thanks all,

Disco Dan, I have tried to get my Nokia N95 to work with various types of GPS software but so far no joy - what is this GPS SD? Where would I get one?

Cheers,

P.

The other option is a bluetooth GPS receiver but you'll still need software that works with it on the N95.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6460_7-5135545-1.html

I haven't used one personally but my dad used one in Europe with his HP PDA and swears by it.

He found it way better as you can position the GPS receiver independently to the PDA which gets you the best signal while still being able to see the screen etc. Probably more of an issue in a hire cage than on the bike tho...

[pritch]

My rule of thumb is; if you hit water and it's salty, then you can't proceed any further.

My usual rule is keep the salty stuff on the same side, that stops you going round in circles you see.

Driving round Auckland though there's water one side, then the other, then on both sides... Very difficult. That's possibly why they all park on the motorway twice a day, they have stopped to check whether they have started going round in circles.

A GPS unit might be handy in that situation. In the rare event that you can't actually come up with a good excuse not to go there of course.:devil2:

[johnnyflash]

Ive been using GPS for a few years now (Navman) and have also operated a few odd ball units around the world, To my mind the most important features are,
1. forget about waypoints and that garbage, you need to be able to tell it just where you want to go, city, street, address, or Point of Interest, if nessesary. m
2. make sure it has street level maps with voice prompting.
3. Make sure you can program multiple destinations... ie from Mobil Constellation Drive to mobil Hamilton, to Lake Taupo, to The whatever Restaraunt Rotorua..
4. blue tooth interface would be nice, but I have a earpeice plugs into the front of my seat.
Make sure you know its capabilities before you purchase, I have many mates who bought and then found it didnt do what they wanted.. Most units have demo modes that will simulate operations also.

[Idubbs]

Hey, I brought a Zumo 550 from outta town. It was loaded with Freeware NZ mapping which is ok, .... but it won't do auto-routing which is the main reason I got the unit. Anyway, I took the plunge to buy the Garmin Mapsource map for NZ, but am having trouble to load it onto the GPS. There must be some trick to this................. which is the point of this post - does anyone know an Auckland retailer or suchlike who has the nouse to help me out? I'd appreciate anyones help.

Otherwise..... the Zumo looks to be just the ideal GPS for motacikkles, and you also get a similar cradle for mounting the the cage, also.

[xgnr]

I'm looking for a GPS unit, preferably a waterproof one that I can operate with my gloves on, bluetooth with verbal instructions would be handy too!

Any recommendations?

Garmin Zumo is the one. Has lots of extra features such MP3 player, uses an SD card , voice, average speed, max etc and the tracking and route features are very good. Expensive tho' but the joy of ownerships lasts much longer than the pain of paying for it... right? :banana:

Designed well and very high quality mounts (RAM) for car and bike.

If you want a PDF of the user manual let me know (3MB)

Cheers

Stu

[xgnr]

Hey, I brought a Zumo 550 from outta town. It was loaded with Freeware NZ mapping which is ok, .... but it won't do auto-routing which is the main reason I got the unit. Anyway, I took the plunge to buy the Garmin Mapsource map for NZ, but am having trouble to load it onto the GPS. There must be some trick to this................. which is the point of this post - does anyone know an Auckland retailer or suchlike who has the nouse to help me out? I'd appreciate anyones help.

Otherwise..... the Zumo looks to be just the ideal GPS for motacikkles, and you also get a similar cradle for mounting the the cage, also.

Hi there

Send me a PM if you would like some help. I am in Meadowbank.

cheers

Stu

[Ocean1]

Was playing with the daughter's new Blackberry the other night. Screens a tad small but the GPS works well and google maps make for a good set of tools. Bloody sight cheaper than a dedicated unit. What do we think, how would that work velcroed (?) to the tank?

[Alpha Solo]

Thanks again all, the Zumo looks like the one although the price is extreme, but then again we only live once (?)

I've tried the google maps thing with the phone in my tank bag but it's almost impossible to see when the sun is out and the battery fades quickly...

Stu I will PM you my email address as the PDF would be good before I have to sell my house to buy the unit!

[Bayrider]

The Zumo 550 is the one to get, and yes, it does seem as though you are putting a deposit down on the bike again, but as someone has already quoted, once you have one,the costs are soon forgotten.
The Zumo is operable with your gloves on with a touch screen and large buttons to the left of the unit.
It is bluetooth compatable so it can answer your phone with it still being in your pocket.
You can download all your phone directory into the Zumo, and make out going calls from it.
It has a MP3 player.
It can give you both voice and on screen directives to either your address required or points of interest.
It will plot out the fastest route from a start point to your destination.
You can also plot a nominatd course from your PC and download this set course into the Zumo, so that you can recall it at a later date.
And tons more features.
Comes complete with a RAM Mount motorcycle which awesome, along with another for the car.
It is a GPS unit designed by motorcyclist for motorcycles, and fully waterproof, this unit is the best that is in the market place today.. Good luck

[Transalper]

Thanks again all, the Zumo looks like the one although the price is extreme...
If you get one can I come over and play with it too :woohoo:

[xgnr]

The latest price I have had is $1,320 incl GST includes NZ Map.
SD cards are extra and cheap but needed for music (cheap as chips really).

Seen the zumo on Tardme but these guys are charging you for the NZ Map as an "extra" for some "special" price.

Cheers

Stu

[Idubbs]

Thanks for the offer, Stu. Got it sorted now. It seems I was running redundant Mapsource software.... If anyone's interested there's a great forum site dedicated to Zumos (www.zumoforums.com). Cheers

[xgnr]

Screenshot from the Zumo. Can you go this fast?

[pritch]

That's impressive on a K75 :niceone:

Were you slipstreaming a 737?

[ManDownUnder]

Well I can get various diferent software to work all I need is the GPS reciever...

I have an SD card slot on the top of my pocket pc - http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=9912

Hey - if a GPS is DD proof then it gets my vote!

[Alpha Solo]

Thanks all, the Zumo it is then... just hope the taxman understands it's needed for work (cough cough)

Where was it for $1320 Stu?

Transalper - by all means, that might stop us getting lost eh?

[NighthawkNZ]

We use the Garmin Quest.
Maps and auto routing... water proof like the zumo (3 metres for up 30 minutes), just doesn't have the extras, like mp3 player, jpg...

It is more designed for the car but Garmin say it is also motorcycle freindly. and you can use the buttons with you gloves on etc... easiy to use.

got them from Dick Smith for $250 (VIP member price) I think they are around $300... when they first came into NZ they were round $1000.00
http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/472fe56a0103a8d8273fc0a87f3306b3/Product/View/D4117

You will need to buy a ram mount though to mount onto the bike.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=213

[xgnr]

Thanks all, the Zumo it is then... just hope the taxman understands it's needed for work (cough cough)

Where was it for $1320 Stu?

Transalper - by all means, that might stop us getting lost eh?

Hi there

Send me a PM and we can discuss.

Cheers

Stu

[xgnr]

That's impressive on a K75 :niceone:

Were you slipstreaming a 737?

Strong backwind going downhill :innocent:

[Disco Dan]

Well if anyone is interested - im selling my pocket PC

Just buy a GPS SD card and download the free mapping software... you got yourself a GPS system and a portable pc all in one! ...oh and it makes calls and txts etc too! ;)

I only want $200 for it - so heaps cheaper than a standard GPS system!

[Ulaa]

TomTom Rider when it comes out in NZ.
1000$ and is specifically designed to work on Bikes. Ive been using one in aussie for a few months.
Does everything described in this thread and then some.

[JimBob]

Thanks all, the Zumo it is then... just hope the taxman understands it's needed for work (cough cough)

Where was it for $1320 Stu?

Transalper - by all means, that might stop us getting lost eh?

Theres a new one on Trademe for $1300 buy now

[NordieBoy]

Anyone fed up with their Garmin Quest yet?
I'm willing to trade my ATC2K camera in on one.

[NordieBoy]

Is anyone willing to pop in to one of - Manukau DSE PowerHouse, Papakura DSE, Gisborne DSE, Kapiti DSE, Queenstown DSE, Invercargill DSE and snag me a Garmin Quest at the cheapest possible price?
List price is $268 at the moment.

I can D/C the money through including freight and beer.