GPS Help

[dlc]

Hi guys,

I'm quite a noob regarding GPS's and would really appreciate you guys help on choosing one.

The gps will be used in a bakkie, for 4x4 trips. We are planning on going to botswana so a gps is a must. I'm looking at spending R2k - R3k max, is there anything you can maybe recommend or maybe advise on what to look out for?

Not sure under which category to post this, so i tried here first. Please direct me to the correct one if this is not the place.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rosaudio]

Tomtom GO 630 or XL

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Firstly: As much as what I hate them the best place to buy is HiFi corp for both TomTom and Garmin.

Its R2k for a TomTom XL (widescreen) or a Garmin widescreen. Just bought the TomTom XL 2 weeks back from them. Very happy with it. Has Southern African maps loaded.

If you are doing 4x4 then go Garmin as you can load Tracks for Africa on it. TomTom is great for roads but not offroad.

 

[Mars]

The tomtom is rated as a better unit by stuff magazine BUT garmin has better coverage of roads in south africa..

Also be carefull.. not all garmin units can upload routes.. My Nuvi 300 can't. It just uploads waypoints and calculates the route itself. My wife's Streetpilot 7200 can however. Also if I want to detour, the nuvi kinda guesses what I want to skip whereas the streetpilot can detour by a certain distance or cut a certain road out. The Streetpilot can record tracks, the Nuva can't.

Don't get me wrong.. The nuvi does me well and is an awesome little machine. Literally takes the stress out of driving to a new place. I was just expecting more than what I got.

My suggestion: Go Garmin, purely because their map system is more comprehensive than anyone elses. Also they have an update on the website for new Speed Camera info, toll gate prices, and other hazards every two weeks or so.

Just remember, higher price = more features..

 

[dlc]

Thanks for the replies guys..Think I'll go with the Garmin range then.Was not aware of the uploading of maps difference between the nuvi and streetpilot.Thanks. Just another thing that popped to mind - what's your take on the normal screen vs widescreen?? Coz if im correct the widescreen ones seem to be a bit more than the same model with the normal size.

 

[lexor]

If you plan on traveling to "off the beaten tracks" then Garmin is a must.
You should load the maps from Tracks 4 Africa (http://www.tracks4africa.com/).
These maps CANNOT be loaded on a Tom Tom.

 

[Rosaudio]

Is it possible to load T4A on a 5800XM?

 

[geezer]

Is it possible to load T4A on a 5800XM?

Yes, provided you have Garmin Mobile XT installed.