[nfsfreak]

Thanks for the info NetfreakBombay.
My Nokia N86 uses OVI maps but never used to get the satellite lock, even after getting required licenses.
Hope with NavTeq, my concerns are addressed.

[Gandhi]

My wife has Nokia 5230 (the cheapest phone with free maps and navigation) and I use it for navigation. Have used it in India with ease and works like a charm. I have been using it in US for last month and a half. Never disappointed me. Gets lock with satellites within 3-4 minutes. It has already recovered its cost by me not having to take navigation with rental cars.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

My Nokia N86 uses OVI maps but never used to get the satellite lock, even after getting required licenses.

Can you try that at tarrace or some place that would have clear view of sky. Turn on OVI maps and leave it for 10 - 15 minutes. Should work fine once it gets a lock for the first time.

[benzinblut]

Originally Posted by benzinblut

I am new to GPS. I do not travel very extensively but do some trips 2-3 times a year. I have not used GPS so far but want to buy one. I will be making a trip of about 3000 km or more in about 3 weeks from now.

Please advice me how should I proceed, keeping in mind the following:
1) My requirement is to have maps for whole of India. Atleast for the highways.
2) I will also require detailed map for Mumbai (other members in the house would need it).
3) I am not looking at very expensive stuff, but the screen has to be readable without much effort. I would prefer a product that gives more features at lower cost.
4) My brother is returning from Germany in 2 weeks. If there are better hardwares availabe there (that are compatible with indian softwares), please suggest the model no. I can ask him to bring it along.

Which software and hardware is suitable for me. Please give an idea of the cost. Also, what will be the recurring costs i should expect.

EDIT: Will there be any cost during useage? Will the software have a validity for useage?

I had posted my query two days ago as given above. I have in the mean time searced online. I would prefer to get a garmin device from Germany and the software from India, but the economics should work out. This is what I found:

1) for MMI: If I have my own garmin device, the maps cost me Rs 7000 (without updates). Instead, if I buy the Vx140s, I get the device and the maps. (http://www.mapmyindia.com/gps/products/car/vx140s/box.html). Here would it makes more sense to buy the device loaded with the maps?

2) Satguide: The map costs 990rs for Garmin devices. This is much lower than the MMI cost. Is the price correct? Will I get maps with lesser details for this?

Please advice. I am not looking at chinese products. I also dont want the cost to be very high.

Please advise

EDIT: Vx140s with map costs Rs 10000

[aks_karthik]

Go for MMI Vx140s.It's really cool to use and map is very precise and VFM too.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by benzinblut

2) Satguide: The map costs 990rs for Garmin devices. This is much lower than the MMI cost. Is the price correct? Will I get maps with lesser details for this?

Please advice. I am not looking at chinese products. I also dont want the cost to be very high.

Most VFM option is Garmin (brought from US/EU) + Satguide maps. As you mentioned, these maps cost 1k. Downside is, these maps would not have as much details for smaller towns.

But for Matros and cities like Pune/Hyderabad (tier 2) these maps are excellent.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by benzinblut

Please advice. I am not looking at chinese products. I also dont want the cost to be very high.

Both MMI and Satguide use Chinese products. I doubt you will find anything in Indian market which is not "made in china".
You can try some military grade GPS hardware from USA, but its slightly expensive, with prices starting at 5000$

[NetfreakBombay]

You can buy Garmin which is Made in Taiwan

[vnabhi]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Got updated Satguide maps. Coverage has improved a lot in Mumbai/Pune. A snasphot of Pune:

Attachment 515156

Most of housing societies are listed in maps.

Would get newer Navteq maps in few days (Ovi maps are going to be updated).

With current Navteq and Satguide maps, you should be able to enter nearest POI and navigate in Metros.

How did you take that screenshot from your GPS device? Or do you have a Satnav device for a computer rather than for a Garmin device?

[JVH]

Just got myself Garmin 1340 pre-loaded with EU and some other maps. I can see India maps as an option but am not sure how updated they would be. This was bought primarily for EU assistance.

And yes it is made in Taiwan (bought in Swiss)

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Called Satguide, Garmin update is finally out. Ordered the update. Will post the review later.

Is this the Dec 2010 release?

[NetfreakBombay]

Its Feb 2011 (Garmin Maps). Its possible that maps are from Dec and were released for Garmin on Feb.

Originally Posted by vnabhi

How did you take that screenshot from your GPS device? Or do you have a Satnav device for a computer rather than for a Garmin device?

You can install MapSource (Free download from Garmin) and then same Satguide maps would work on PC.

I plan the route on PC and then transfer it to my Garmin PND.

[nfsfreak]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Can you try that at tarrace or some place that would have clear view of sky. Turn on OVI maps and leave it for 10 - 15 minutes. Should work fine once it gets a lock for the first time.

I tried that already but not working :(

Its actually a global problem. Had loads of threads about it in net and no firmware upgrades seem to fix the issue correctly


I've downloaded satguide demo maps now and will be testing it (to check if there is any problem with receiver). If it works well, then i will go for SatGuide full maps (Rs 990) or MMI.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Its Feb 2011 (Garmin Maps). Its possible that maps are from Dec and were released for Garmin on Feb.

Are Garmin maps same as MMI? I just spoke to MMI and they said ver6 maps were released in Feb.

[NetfreakBombay]

No, Garmin sells its own maps that are sourced from Navteq (Cost is 4.5k).

MMI and Satguide too sell maps that are in Garmin format and work on Garmin devices.