To buy or not to buy, this is the question.

[daffyduck]

Having heard about GPS and how damned expensive it is. can anyone explain to me the following:
1 - Why does it cost so much? Is it because they know we need it for a bike so think lets rip them off. they always pay.
2 - How much data can you actually store on one, and do you need to pay out for other programmes or eqpt after you have the unit on the bike?
3 - What happened to reading maps?
As I am going to Europe next year (see events) I was thinking this might be a good idea, but I don't know how you operate them so have no idea of pro's and cons.
A detailed explanation in simple english would be much appreciated.
Always keep your wheels beneath you

 

[Lord Snooty]

Daffy, I will try and answer some of your questions and I am sure there are others on this board, in particular Paneuropean, who are much more knowledgeable than me who will offer advice.

1. Cost, this is relative, you can spend less than £200 or over a £1000, it all depends on what facilities and functionality you want. But when you consider the billions of dollars that it cost to develop and launch the satellites then having a share of that technology for a couple of hundered quid is not that expensive.

2. The amount of data you can store again depends on the model of GPS that you buy, e.g A Garmin III+, which I have owned, can store 1.44Mb, my Streetpilot III has a 128Mb card.

3. We still use maps because they give you the big picture and are helpful when plotting routes, plus of course a GPS is an electronic device and it is not wise to trust your navigation totally to a device that could fail. Also a GPS cannot tell you which are the scenic roads to take unlike a good Michelin map. But for me one of the biggest benefits is the increased safety as I no longer have to take my eyes off the road to glance down at a map or written instructions on a tankbag.

4. Operation is very straightforward - an hour spent with the manual and the unit and you will have pretty much familiarised yourself with setting up and using most units. After that it's just a question of trusting and believing the GPS when it tells you you're off route!

I would recommend you get one because of the convenience it brings, the model you purchase and how much you spend is down to your speciific needs.

Mike

 

[jimbo]

What happened to reading maps?

I use my Garmin V for a lot of business trips. The night before I lookup the address of where I am going using the PC based software, and download it all to the GPS unit.

The next morning the little beauty will guide me all the way right into the town centre and the specific road to within about 50 yards of the right address. When on my own in a car or on the bike I can't read a map whilst dealing with rush hour traffic.

The V is a bit tedious to plan long routes on the GPS unit, slow and with a minimal screen, but then it only cost me 200 notes 2nd hand. The more expensive ones are better for this.

When on holiday in France I used the paper map to decide where I was going. The GPS was still great, when in a town centre, I could look at the map, choose the road a wanted and then plonk it into the GPS, to be guided through the city centre onto the right main road.

From what I have seen GPS is a bit like Air conditioning in a car. Those who have never had it aren't sure its worthwhile, but once experienced all seem converted and few go back.
Anybody here who has had a GPS, been disappointed and got rid of it?

J

 

[Commuter]

GPS - Hmm

I had a Streetpilot for a while and although it was impressive I found it a little distracting and slow and therefore sold it.

I was not a fan until recently I saw the 2610 and Motorad Nav II which just screamed for my VISA to pay for it. They are alot quicker than previous which was one of my main problems with it.

I am holding out for the BMF weekend, where I will chat with the gang and view the new one on a bike then make a decision.

I all honest though I like maps, it feels "right" and a GPS takes the fun of getting lost on a bike.

Nick

 

[boxer]

But for me one of the biggest benefits is the increased safety as I no longer have to take my eyes off the road to glance down at a map or written instructions on a tankbag.

Agreed.

A mapping GPS will show you exactly where you are and which way you're facing instantly. This will decrease your stress levels and allow you to concentrate on driving. You won't be riding and worrying about your position in relation to the turn you want to make.

 

[Greg Masters]

1 - Why does it cost so much?

If you can make one for less, you should!

2 - How much data can you actually store on one?

On a 2610, you can get every road in Europe, plus hotels, filling stations, hospitals, theme parks, etc etc into the unit without ever having to upload any further data.

... and do you need to pay out for other programmes or eqpt after you have the unit on the bike?

No, except you might want to upgrade you mapping data from time to time so that you have all the latest roads etc (just as you would buy a new map from time to time)

3 - What happened to reading maps?

Nothing, except the last map I tried to read on a moving bike blew off my GS and is not in a hedgerow in Belgium. Four of us spent half and hour looking for it to no avail!

Maps are also difficult to read at night.

My 2610 is about the best bit of biking kit I've ever bought!

Greg

 

[Gecko]

Re: Re: To buy or not to buy, this is the question.

Nothing, except the last map I tried to read on a moving bike blew off my GS and is not in a hedgerow in Belgium. Four of us spent half and hour looking for it to no avail!


Greg

Cheers Greg ....I wondered whose map it was .....I have that map

 

[phil adams]

gps price etc

Daffy as Mr Snotty says it all depends how much you want to spend. I have a garmin etrex. I do'nt use it a the bike but once you input the grig ref it takes me there with great accuracy.

Cost £70!!!

 

[Roland Butter]

Daffy,

Having priced up street-level mapping data with navigable attributes for a work project, I'd say that the 2610, with its no subscription, one-off (save for map upgrades if you choose), purchase price, is the sale of the century.

These things are amazing, but how you use them is up to you. My personal view is that the 2610 is so quick at calculating routes, that there's absolutely no need to ever pre-plan a route.

Bang in a few, must see, way-points, mountain-passes or whatever, along with your final destination & you'll kill any argument about maps showing the most scenic routes stone dead. Just take the roads that look interesting, turn around and ride good bits again and, when you get bored, ask the unit for directions to the next way-point. You now have freedom to go wherever your mood takes you, knowing you can always find your way again

 

[daffyduck]

2610 GPS unit

How much is the 2610 to buy? Is it possible to meet up to have a look at it and then you could show me how it works.

 

[richie]

Have a look at the GPS60 a good alrounder which also calculates routes very quickly, as quick as the 2610 which I have also used. OK its not as good but can be used handheld, boats, mountaineering, etc etc