[ampere]

The best combination with VFM as established by many folks (including me)
is Garmin (Nuvi) + Satguide maps.

Work very well and is OK for the purse.
Nuvi series wil cost about 100-120 $ in Amazonn. Satguide maps for Garmin cost about 2K. Over all a killer package under 10K. But this works if you get your Garmin device from US.

I agree Satguide/MMI may not be as accurate as Google, but most NH/SH are getting covered. At least I have had good experience with it. At least you dont the GPRS running all the time.

High level summary: Get the Garmin Nuvi (2X) series + Satguide maps.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by cool_dube

As far as I know, maps on mobiles are not cached beyond and extent and are downloaded real-time for which you WOULD need GPRS coverage throughout.

Not true for a number of systems, of which Nokia comes into my experience.

My phone currently permanently carries maps of India, UK and Singapore. No network connection of any kind required, just GPS.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Not true for a number of systems, of which Nokia comes into my experience.

My phone currently permanently carries maps of India, UK and Singapore. No network connection of any kind required, just GPS.

Which maps do you have? Nokia maps or you purchased MMI?

[Thad E Ginathom]

Just Nokia Maps --- on an N82.

[fatboyslim]

hey Guys:

Understood the conclusion that Garmin (2X) + Satguide seems to be most affordable options. But in terms of functionality, is it better than Garmin +mapmyindia combo.

The reason I ask this question is that maymyindia is substantially costlier than satguide so there has be some value with map my India which is not letting the market self correct.

One more query to Satguide users: Are these maps good for in-city driving or highway driving or both than maymyindia's product.

I am looking to buy a Garmin+satguide combo and would greatly appreciate your responses. Thanks!

[ampere]

Originally Posted by fatboyslim

hey Guys:

Understood the conclusion that Garmin (2X) + Satguide seems to be most affordable options. But in terms of functionality, is it better than Garmin +mapmyindia combo.

The reason I ask this question is that maymyindia is substantially costlier than satguide so there has be some value with map my India which is not letting the market self correct.

One more query to Satguide users: Are these maps good for in-city driving or highway driving or both than maymyindia's product.

I am looking to buy a Garmin+satguide combo and would greatly appreciate your responses. Thanks!

I have used it many times inside Bangalore for places that I dont know. Its very useful. I also used it in other towns and cities as well. Like Mysore, Chennai down south etc. Work very well for me.

Meanwhile you may also find folks very satisfied with MMI as well. But I cannot say which one is better. But 2K Satguide is real VFM and has served me with my Garmin 205W.

Also make sure you buy the 2XW series. W stands for wide.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by cool_dube

maps on mobiles are not cached beyond and extent and are downloaded real-time for which you WOULD need GPRS coverage throughout.

That is one way of using maps (downloading via GPRS).

Othre way is you can download all tiles for a particular area and store those on cell. I downloaded Google maps for India and size was around 300 MB. You can transfer downloded maps to cell so that no GPRS charges would apply.

Tool that makes it easy is called "mgmaps".

Mobile GMaps - View maps from various sources on your mobile phone!

It has facility of viewing Google maps that were downloaded on PC and transferred to cell.

Or you can buy Satguide maps for 2000 and store on cell. Tht would not require any GPRS for downloading data.

If you purchase any recent Nokia phone (that has GPS) it comes with India maps in memory card so that maps would not be downloaded over GPRS.

[cool_dube]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

I downloaded Google maps for India and size was around 300 MB. You can transfer downloded maps to cell so that no GPRS charges would apply.

Can you please guide me on how to download (entire) Google Maps for India on my BlackBerry?

[NetfreakBombay]

These steps should setup maps on blackberry:

Mobile GMaps - Stored Maps Tutorial


UPDATE : Satguide has reduced prices for Garmin maps to 1k (Regular price is 2k).

http://www.satguide.in/product/satgu...nd_garmin.aspx

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by ampere

... the 2XW series. W stands for wide.

I thought the W was for 'World' (as opposed to US-centric only, like for traffic updates)?

[nkapoor777]

Satguide maps for India now available for Rs. 990/- only. Super offer I say!

SatGuide for Windows phones, Symbian phones, Laptops and Garmin

[ampere]

Wow! what made Satguide do this?

@DerAlte
I just checked once again. For W versus non-W, there is a size difference of 3.5 Versus 4.3 inch display.

[mailmishra]

Hey,

I am planning to order Garmin Nuvi device from US. As per my budget I have selected two 285wt & 265t ($100-$130) . Below is the link from Amazon.

285wt
Link:
Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic: Electronics
Pros :
Its wide screen
Its exactly same as 265wt + MSN Traffic update (No use of it in India)
Its $40 cheap as compare to 265wt

Cons :
Discontinued by Garmin (Do you see any issues with this?)

265t (Its not wide screen, as the wide screen model is out of my budget)
Link:
Amazon.com: Garmin nüvi 265/265T 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic: Electronics

Pros:
Not a discontinued model
Cons:
Its not a wide screen model.

I am inclined towards 285wt as its wide screen and relatively cheaper as compared to 265wt just because its discontinued now. Also with the fact that I am buying from US, I guess there is hardly any worth of talking about any warranty/support as it will be wiser to buy a new device rather than shipping it to & fro to US for repairs.

I have following queries.

1. Any ownership reviews on above mentioned model?
2. What all standard accesories is part of the box?
3. Can I buy windshield mount and travel charger in India?
4. Any other item that I may need to buy which is not available part of the box?

Bhpians, Please Help

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by nkapoor777

Satguide maps for India now available for Rs. 990/- only. Super offer I say!

SatGuide for Windows phones, Symbian phones, Laptops and Garmin

Nope... not for me. It stops coverage just where I need to start!

I had a saying, in my work days, about software: It doesn't matter how cheap it is, if it doesn't do what you want, it is too expensive!

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by ampere

... For W versus non-W, there is a size difference of 3.5 Versus 4.3 inch display.

Maybe. But still doesn't explain why 7xx, 13xx, 14xx and 16xx don't have the W even though they have a wide (16:9) display.