The GPS/Maps Discussion Thread (Dedicated Satnav, Smartphones, Tablets, etc)

kousik · 27th October 2010, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockyb

Here are my requirements.

Should be large display, 5 inch
I don’t want to hang it in the windshield. I want to fit it in the dashboard area (not in-dash but say near the AC vents). I want to clamp it so it’s easily removable
Since it will be slightly inside will it need an extra receiver?
Buy it here (Bangalore) from MapmyIndia / Satguide or get from US (Garmin) and load maps here. Am asking this because I went to one of the authorised MapmyIndia dealer to check out but they refused to give me demo of any large screen version. They said I need to pay advance – only then they will order and get it for me. In other words buy it – even if it may to may not suit my requirements. Am not comfortable with that.
Extra features like multimedia, Bluetooth, reverse parking is optional for me.

I have a small display (3.5") and slim Nuvi ... it works pretty well. I am sure wider ones will do better. A little less portable, that's all.
I have mounted well below the dash (see attachment) on AC vent. I get satellite lock in less than 10 seconds, and never lose signal.
In fact it worked flawlessly when left in passenger seat, so no external antenna required if mounted on AC vents.
Get a Garmin from US and put Satguide/MMI/City Navigator map.
Correct, your car audio does the rest.

ajay sarin · 27th October 2010, 15:02

MapsmyIndia maps are the best. I have roamed all over North India and they have never failed me.Their top end devices are a good buy.

sgiitk · 27th October 2010, 15:05

@kousik: good. You had me confused by the image, till I realised that it is the full dash!

I have a 4.3" 265WT (W- Wide, T- tele..., for on line data, only works in the US). As mentioned I have bought a 'friction mount' and put in on the dash (below the speedo, and above the tacho) in my Civic.

One slightly OT issue: I need a 1 to 2 adapter to plug in the GPS as well as my car fridge at the same time. Bought one from 20North for Rs.720. Was fused to 2A. Replaced the fuse with 10A. Was getting hot and smoking in 10 minutes. Opened it up and found that the spring was skew and not making proper contact. My load will be about 6A, which is Ok since the Acc fuse is 15/20A.

Any ideas where to get a decent unit at a good price. I hear that Toyota and BMW sell it as an accessory. The price must be crazy!

vnabhi · 27th October 2010, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by kousik

Offtopic2: Speaking of VFM, a friend (@arindam.ray in Team-bhp) bought 255W for himself ($120) and 1100 for me ($99). TTS is something I don't miss too much, neither Bluetooth (if that could have been used for gpx file transfer then yes). Moreover it is so slim that slips into shirt pocket so easy to use during walk/bike.
.

Can you please elaborate features of 1100? Is it a Garmin device? What does it lack compared to 255 W? Or to the 205W?

NetfreakBombay · 27th October 2010, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk

Any ideas where to get a decent unit at a good price. I hear that Toyota and BMW sell it as an accessory. The price must be crazy!

Have seen that in automobile sections of large stores like Hypercity. Would be good to check sites of futurebazaar etc.

kousik · 27th October 2010, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnabhi

Can you please elaborate features of 1100? Is it a Garmin device? What does it lack compared to 255 W? Or to the 205W?

Nuvi 1100 is a stripped down Nuvi 1200, just spoken street names are not available. Like it tells "Turn left in 100 meters" where 1200 speaks "Turn left to M.G.Road in 100 meters". "W" means "Widescreen". Here is a Nuvi comparison chart: Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more (scroll to the middle of the page for a table)

vnabhi · 27th October 2010, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by kousik

Nuvi 1100 is a stripped down Nuvi 1200, just spoken street names are not available. Like it tells "Turn left in 100 meters" where 1200 speaks "Turn left to M.G.Road in 100 meters". "W" means "Widescreen". Here is a Nuvi comparison chart: Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 1200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more (scroll to the middle of the page for a table)

Thanks. But do the extra features of the 1200 work with Satnav? Or is it only US-centric?

NetfreakBombay · 27th October 2010, 16:48

Only feature that would not work in India is Live Traffic updates. text to speech works fine with 225 W that I have.

cool_dube · 27th October 2010, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockyb

Here are my requirements.

Buy a Garmin Nuvi (any of the 'W' series) from 20North.com (unless you can get someone from US to bring it for you) and plonk in SatGuide maps (@ INR 999). Best VFM combo IMO. I have this combo (Garmin Nuvi 205W to be precise) and has worked well for me till now.

ManuB · 27th October 2010, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

This is the VFM combination. Price of Garmin is bit higher in UK (like anything else).

Forgot to mention that the pack also included a nice leather carry bag. So I guess it is VFM.

kousik · 27th October 2010, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by vnabhi

Thanks. But do the extra features of the 1200 work with Satnav? Or is it only US-centric?

The Traffic information is not available in India anyway. Other than that, I couldn't get the photo navigation feature to work. It is not the problem with device but a bug in garmin website. Everything else works fine. Even I am building a speedgun database for Bangalore so that it'll beep to alert you when you're approaching "usual" hunting grounds of the interceptors. Even Ecoroute generates reports and scores my driving, but I don't know how to effectively use the chart to save fuel.

decode · 27th October 2010, 19:04

Hi Kousik,
I see that you have mounted the GPS device in your innova. Could you be able to load a day light photo (I wanted to know how you have mounted it under/near the AC vent)

womanonwheels · 28th October 2010, 18:09

Hi All,

Has anyone bought a GPS unit recently? What are some of the things I need to keep in my mind? My budget is 10000. Can I buy a decent one in this cost in Mumbai?

Newpunter · 28th October 2010, 20:28

Try the Satguide.in site. They are offering basic GPS for 5000/- during Diwali. The higher versions cost 6000 and 8000 respectively with more features. I think this should do for your needs.

If you want to get a Garmin GPS , then it is better to buy it in the US and get the maps separately for india.

Recently, i made my first GPS purchase from DealExtreme: Cool Gadgets at the Right Price - Worldwide Free Shipping . The Device was a 4.3" Win Ce 6.0 device and bought the maps from Satguide for 475 Rs. The total deal came to me for 3500/-

. Have received the maps but am waiting for the device and it should be here probably by next week.

JMaruru · 28th October 2010, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newpunter

If you want to get a Garmin GPS , then it is better to buy it in the US and get the maps separately for india.

Is there any particular Garmin models which work in India? Also, how much does it cost for maps of India?

Please advise.

27th October 2010, 15:02	#1442
ajay sarin Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 23 Thanked: 0 Times	MapsmyIndia maps are the best. I have roamed all over North India and they have never failed me.Their top end devices are a good buy.
	() Thanks

27th October 2010, 15:05	#1443
sgiitk Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurugram Posts: 7,971 Thanked: 4,809 Times	@kousik: good. You had me confused by the image, till I realised that it is the full dash! I have a 4.3" 265WT (W- Wide, T- tele..., for on line data, only works in the US). As mentioned I have bought a 'friction mount' and put in on the dash (below the speedo, and above the tacho) in my Civic. *One slightly OT issue:* I need a 1 to 2 adapter to plug in the GPS as well as my car fridge at the same time. Bought one from 20North for Rs.720. Was fused to 2A. Replaced the fuse with 10A. Was getting hot and smoking in 10 minutes. Opened it up and found that the spring was skew and not making proper contact. My load will be about 6A, which is Ok since the Acc fuse is 15/20A. Any ideas where to get a decent unit at a good price. I hear that Toyota and BMW sell it as an accessory. The price must be crazy!
	() Thanks

27th October 2010, 16:48	#1448
NetfreakBombay Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,481 Thanked: 1,130 Times	Only feature that would not work in India is Live Traffic updates. text to speech works fine with 225 W that I have.
	() Thanks

27th October 2010, 19:04	#1452
decode BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 87 Thanked: 93 Times	Hi Kousik, I see that you have mounted the GPS device in your innova. Could you be able to load a day light photo (I wanted to know how you have mounted it under/near the AC vent)
	() Thanks

28th October 2010, 18:09	#1453
womanonwheels BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 99 Thanked: 107 Times	GPS in a budget of 10000 Hi All, Has anyone bought a GPS unit recently? What are some of the things I need to keep in my mind? My budget is 10000. Can I buy a decent one in this cost in Mumbai?
	() Thanks

28th October 2010, 20:28	#1454
Newpunter BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 749 Thanked: 337 Times	Try the Satguide.in site. They are offering basic GPS for 5000/- during Diwali. The higher versions cost 6000 and 8000 respectively with more features. I think this should do for your needs. If you want to get a Garmin GPS , then it is better to buy it in the US and get the maps separately for india. Recently, i made my first GPS purchase from DealExtreme: Cool Gadgets at the Right Price - Worldwide Free Shipping . The Device was a 4.3" Win Ce 6.0 device and bought the maps from Satguide for 475 Rs. The total deal came to me for 3500/- . Have received the maps but am waiting for the device and it should be here probably by next week.
	() Thanks