GPS again

[Reido]

I did search and read a fair bit, but still want to hear some more opinions.

Im after a cheapish GPS unit, Sub $400 would be nice.
Directions,
Speed,
MP3 would be nice.

Are car GPS usable on a bike? just need to make sure it doesnt get wet?

I look at different GPS units online etc and im just completely lost... err.. umm.. etc


any help

ya Kb
=]

[slofox]

I did search and read a fair bit, but still want to hear some more opinions.

Im after a cheapish GPS unit, Sub $400 would be nice.
Directions,
Speed,
MP3 would be nice.

Are car GPS usable on a bike? just need to make sure it doesnt get wet?

I look at different GPS units online etc and im just completely lost... err.. umm.. etc


any help

ya Kb
=]

JB HiFi in the Tron have one last Garmin Nuvi 265 that they offered to me this morning for $310. It works. But it don't do my bluetooth headset so is ferkin useless to me. Go see 'em...if you're close.

I want to get one that will give voice directions to me through the Blueant Interphone. Seems not many do that.

I figure its better to be told where to go than to be peering down at a wee screen as I scream down the highway at ...km/hr...

[Reido]

Are there none with headphone jacks?

although one with FM transmiter would be alright, my MP4 has FM reciever.

[2wheeled Gasman]

I got a TomTom, and its the best. A go720.A bit pricey but worth the extra dosh.It plays mp3 and operates on bluetooth.I have tried quite a few devices through the bluetooth and all operate very well. I can recommend the TomTom operation over the Navman as you have buttons to tap rather than continuous scrolling which the Navman does.Being able to operate the mobile phone through the TomTom can be beneficial if your bluetooth headset only operates one device at a time.I should add that a 4.3 screen is best as it is easier to see where one is going. I have just purchased a tank bag that has a flip up cover to put the TomTom in good view with it being protected from the weather.These are available from Forbes and Davies suppliers. The waterproof boxes can be hard to fit to some bikes so the tank bag is a good compromise.
I hope this has given you some food for thought

[whowhatwhere]

May I direct you here .. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...1&postcount=29

Has a headphone port (which seems to be hard to fine on sat nav's).

And yes I can listen to MP3's and the voice navigation at the same time - separate volume controls for each. One point though, if you are going to wear earplugs as I do, you'll need a small headphone amp to bump up the volume to hear it over the earplugs. If you don't wear them then it'll be fine as is.

Given the ridiculous exchange rate at the monent it is a good time to buy.

[Gremlin]

good lord man, do a search...

in short... yes, for motorbike, it needs to be waterproof, not all are. It should be ruggedised, as its more exposed on the bike.

ie... get a zumo, they're motorbike specific, have 3.5mm audio out, 2.5mm audio in. Plays MP3 (chuck an SD card in for more capacity). No, they don't cost $400 or less. THE GPS for motorbikes.

If you don't like that, get a Garmin at the least and take advantage of the NZ Open GPS Project.

[slofox]

get a Garmin at the least and take advantage of the NZ Open GPS Project.

Wot 'e said...The NZ Open GPS Project works only on Garmin hardware. Saves a bundle on maps...

Having said that, I compared a Garmin with a TomTom yesterday and would have to say the TomTom was soooo much quicker and easier to use than the Garmin. Depends on whether you are prepared to shell out $$ for map upgrades. Can get expensive...

[steve_t]

How were they? Did u look at the Tom Tom Rider?

[Romeo]

If you're tech savy, get yourself a Smart Phone with GPS. I picked up a mint Glofiish mobile with all the kit for under $250 second hand, got it running Garmin Mobile XT with Australia and NZ maps. It's got the SiRFstar III chip thing as well, so it's just as accurate as your average GPS unit. The other bonus is that there's heaps of other GPS software available. I've got one program that sends a txt to the missus every 10 minutes telling her my location, heading and speed. Another one that logs all my travels, speed, direction etc then plots them onto Google Maps. Oh, and it's also a phone as well :].

[steve_t]

I've got one program that sends a txt to the missus every 10 minutes telling her my location, heading and speed.

Kwapisshh?? JK

[Romeo]

Kwapisshh?? JK

You're telling me, it's one of my many "riding conditions"!

[MarkH]

I did search and read a fair bit, but still want to hear some more opinions.

Im after a cheapish GPS unit, Sub $400 would be nice.
Directions,
Speed,
MP3 would be nice.

Are car GPS usable on a bike? just need to make sure it doesnt get wet?

I have a Uniden car GPS (Trax 436) which sells for around $400.
It has NZ & Aussie maps and speed camera locations.
It gives directions.
It gives speed.
No MP3 though.
It has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

For the wet weather - a plastic bag over top of it and secured by a twist tie (with the power lead and headphone lead coming out of the bag by the twist tie) and it works fine. If the bag is clear then you can still see the display fine. You can still hear the instructions. If the bag is a good fit you can still use the touch screen - even with gloves on.

[phill-k]

You're telling me, it's one of my many "riding conditions"!

Gidday

An chance you might go into a bit more detail on setting up your maps and the "tracking" software you use to keep the misses informed, I would really appreciate it

cheers phill