For those who uses GPS

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atom0101

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Hey guys, i am thinking of buying a GPS, my budget is about R2-3000. Since i will be driving long distances a lot, so the main function i want is the safety camera warnings with the camera locations presetted in the GPS.

So does anyone have any good recommendations for me? :D

I saw a JNC Navig8 GPS 580 which basically has everything, anyone kow if it is a good gps?

And how does the fees work, do u pay monthly subscriptions or u pay everytime u update ur maps?

THANKS ALL!!!!!
 
Well, I have a Garmin Nuvi 360. common trapping locations are preset and so are a lot of fixed cameras. Not sure how the JNC works but with Garmin the first major map update is free and after that you pay (normally release a major map update once a year or so).
 
Warning : This will probably result in a lot of anger from "hardcore" GPS lovers! ;)

Another option, if you are in the market for a new cellphone, is to get a contract, thereby avoiding the initial outlay and having a monthly expense only, and get yourself a phone which can load Garmin XT Mobile onto it.

This does exactly what a Garmin Nuvi can do as far as I am aware and you can load POIs which includes speed warnings, hazards etc etc
 
I have a tomtom 520 which works pretty darn well.
the AA have teamed up with tomtom south africa, cant be a bad thing.
also keep in mind the features that they have. some have bluetooth for handsfree calling etc.
you also get a free update to the lastest map for your region when you buy the device.
obviously internet access is required, you have to download the maps.
also found this great app for tomtom that lets you plan routes etc using google earth and export them to your tomtom.recently did that for a trip up country from cape town, had my friend send me the google earth placemark and loaded onto my gps and off i went.it literally got me into their drive way. really works well!

you can get free camera updates etc from sites like http://www.gps-data-team.com/poi/south_africa/

I do agree with the above comments, JNC are fine nothing wrong with em, but with a garmin or tomtom you really will notice the difference,quality feel and ease of use.

http://www.tomtom.com/news/category.php?ID=4&NID=581&Lid=28
http://www.aashop.co.za/?Task=Category&CategoryID=43995&HeadingText=Navigation
 
Thx for info guys! Just wanted to find out, around how much does it cost to have the map updated once a year, and do u urself connect the gps to the internet to update?
 
LancelotSA said:
Warning : This will probably result in a lot of anger from "hardcore" GPS lovers! ;)

Another option, if you are in the market for a new cellphone, is to get a contract, thereby avoiding the initial outlay and having a monthly expense only, and get yourself a phone which can load Garmin XT Mobile onto it.

This does exactly what a Garmin Nuvi can do as far as I am aware and you can load POIs which includes speed warnings, hazards etc etc
Click to expand...
I have the HTC P3600i with the TomTom 6 loaded - it works well, but I will be getting a stand-alone GPS with the 4.3" screen.
It's a pain in the but to access your phone or notes on the pocket PC when it's stuck on the windscreen.
I'm also thinking of going back to a basic compact cell phone.

I'm yet to decided between the TomTom and Garmin Nuvi.
 
Frankie, surely when your GPS is guiding you while you are driving you should not be accessing notes?

My N82 keeps Garmin running in the background when I take a call and then reverts back to it when the call is finished. Throw in a hands free (which you should of course be using!) and there is no need to get the phone off the windscreen.
 
LancelotSA said:
Frankie, surely when your GPS is guiding you while you are driving you should not be accessing notes?

My N82 keeps Garmin running in the background when I take a call and then reverts back to it when the call is finished. Throw in a hands free (which you should of course be using!) and there is no need to get the phone off the windscreen.
Click to expand...
Most of my driving is done with my wife as passenger, and she needs to pluck it from the windscreen to deal with a call, or I need to stop and do the same - far easier to just pick-up the call on a phone.
I don't always have my BlueTooth or wired hands free with me.

An example was arriving in Cape Town and then checking the email on my pocket pc for the hotel detail - that's what I meant by accessing notes.

Most phones and pocket pc's don't have screens bigger than 2.8" - the 4.3" GPS is a plus here as well.
 
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atom0101 said:
Thx for info guys! Just wanted to find out, around how much does it cost to have the map updated once a year, and do u urself connect the gps to the internet to update?
Click to expand...

map updates can be every 6-12 months, dont stress too much about updating too often, they can be expensive up to R1000 neither garmin/tomtom are cheap.
tomtom offers something called "mapshare" which updates commonly reported changes ( new roads/blocked roads etc) it's not fool proof, but it does update your map a little throughout it's life cycle.
in tomtom's case you connect it to your PC via the supplied docking station and use TomTom Home (their management software..also included) to download/purchase maps/gps fix/mapshare/voices/themes etc.
internet is a must have, dial up will do, but adsl is prefered and allow for 100mb download for your first update.
 
I was wondering what the effect of the sun / heat is on the phone in the long run. Typically the gps units tend to get quite hot - though being designed with this in mind it should not be a problem. A phone is surely not designed for these temps?
 
I got a JNC GPS for free with a phone... It's giving me endless nightmares....
It will randomly:
i)Upon choosing a street, it crashes (similar to a BSOD)
ii)Sometimes it will say "arrived at destination" when I still have some ways to go

It also lacks some features and is not that much cheaper than the Garmin or TomTom...
 
Eish. Stay away from JNC anything.
Bought my GF a JNC mp3 player, what a waste of plastic!
 
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