Best, current GPS???

[savagio]

G'day all, and happy new year.

I am in the market for a GPS unit, and unfortunately, I know bugger all about these things, short of the fact that there doesn't seem to be any one unit out there, that will do it all, including the new and long-awaited zumo.

I think my requirements would be similar to most dual purpose motorcycle riders out there. Basically, what am looking for is.

Screen with good resolution, sunlight legible
detailed mapping, [Australian] dirt tracks and forest trails etc [ important]

voice prompt via headset[ headphone jack, or Bluetooth]
waterproof, dustproof.
Backtrack or breadcrumb Trail feature
able to switch off auto recalculate
able to switch off auto zoom at intersections, etc
the ability to plan a detailed ride on laptop and install on the GPS
battery for remote use
new technology, not too dated as a couple below are.

I am currently looking at the
276C
Street pilot
quest, with 246MG
zumo
I'm inclined to say stuff it at the moment, and just keep using a map, or is there something out there that suits, any information would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[nedflanders]

For the price GPSW are kicking out the 2610 there definately worth considering, it hasn't an internal battery which is the only downfall

 

[chasr]

I know bugger all about these things

Actually, that's not true. Your question shows that you have considered quite carefully what you want out of your GPS.

Clearly you will need a Garmin. For the rest, best you start using the search facility, 'cos there's plenty of info on this forum. As there is on Garmin's website.

The Australian mapping may be an issue.

HMR will be along soon, and tell you to buy a 276.

 

[BurnieM]

The GPSmap 276C or Quest most closely match your requirements.
The 276C has the sharpest screen (all brands/all models)

City Navigator Australia v7 (2006 mapping) has all sealed rural roads, all 2WD dirt roads and about 50% coverage of 4WD tracks. It does not have single track.

You can add the freeware Tracks4Australia and switch between the 2 mapsets.
T4A has about 80% of 4WD tracks. Still no single track and T4A does not perform auto-routing.

 

[TED 1972]

hmm wolf creek scary!

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

whatever you decide to buy - look at the prices in UK and USA compared to here before choosing.

They try and rip you off here - a bit like the bike insurance

 

[Garfieldus]

276c all day long......

 

[Dale]

I think my requirements would be similar to most dual purpose motorcycle riders out there. Basically, what am looking for is.

Screen with good resolution, sunlight legible
detailed mapping, [Australian] dirt tracks and forest trails etc [ important]
voice prompt via headset[ headphone jack, or Bluetooth]
waterproof, dustproof.
Backtrack or breadcrumb Trail feature
able to switch off auto recalculate
able to switch off auto zoom at intersections, etc
the ability to plan a detailed ride on laptop and install on the GPS
battery for remote use
new technology, not too dated as a couple below are.

Savagio,

Round here (deepest darkest Africa ) the 276 is the weapon of choice for most dual purpose riders. I dont use one myself, but it looks the closest to your requirements.

If you know how to use a map and are willing to invest a little time in learning how it works, then a 276 would seem to be your best bet. Be warned however that it uses the "more complicated" user interface than the newer zumo, nuvi style units. That is not a bad thing, it may just take a little while longer to get the hang of it. If you want a plug in and go unit, look at the streetpilot series.

For off road use it will be much better than the streetpilot / nuvi/ zumo ranges of GPS (much better handling of tracks and track recording). Down sides are inability to save tracks to a SD card, no BT, no MP3, not latest Sirf antannae, mem cards expensive and it heavy (an issue if you plan hiking with it).

The 276 has been around for a while now and there is a replacement available .... check however if the update gives you more functionality that you actually need or Xm and sattellite that may not be supported down under.

Other thing to think about is that there are many very good aftermarket mounts available for the 276 that are suitable for hard core off road use.... best you check what is available for other models before buying.

Dale