Wot first GPS?

[Flying banana]

I would dearly love to get mesel a GPS system at some point, and indeed was saving me pennies to get a Quest at some point. However, due to one or two issues that have meant my disposable income isn't, I have had to re-think things a little, and look at other options.
Bearing in mind I am new to GPS, is there any mileage in perhaps buying a used older GPS system to see how it goes? I am completely convinced that I want one, and will put it to good use, its just that I cannot justify spending shedloads. Is it possible to get something that will do the job, and will be cheaper than a Quest with the asociated mounts, etc? I am not that bothered about voice prompts.
I would be using it to tour in Europe next year possibly, but certainly in this country. It crossed my mind to look at older Streetpilots, etc. for example
What does ye all think, and is it doable? Or am I talking bollox?

CHeers

 

[Mouse]

I'm using a Streetpilot 3, without any major problems.

You can get 99% of the UK onto the standard 128MB memory card. I think the maximum you can use is 256MB though, so you might run out of room for a round Europe tour. You can selectively load only the maps you need though, so depending on your route you might be able to manage. Or take a laptop to reprogram it is another option.

The screen is nice and large, and easy to read in all but direct sunlight. The map drawing speed is significantly slower than the Quest, as is the route calculation speed. The latter isn't important if you have worked out your route on the PC in advance though. The calculation speed is fine for, say, finding your way through an unfamiliar town, or to the nearest fuel stop, but you wouldn't want to wait for it to plot a route from Glasgow to Shrewsbury, for example.

You should be able to pick up a second hand SP3 for about 200 quid, I would think. And a RAM mount will be about 25. If you don't plan to use the GPS in the car, you can happily convert the (supplied) car power lead into a bike power lead, and that's all you need.

 

[Flying banana]

CHeers Mouse, useful info

 

[Sir James]

I would dearly love to get mesel a GPS system at some point, and indeed was saving me pennies to get a Quest at some point. However, due to one or two issues that have meant my disposable income isn't, I have had to re-think things a little, and look at other options.
Bearing in mind I am new to GPS, is there any mileage in perhaps buying a used older GPS system to see how it goes? I am completely convinced that I want one, and will put it to good use, its just that I cannot justify spending shedloads. Is it possible to get something that will do the job, and will be cheaper than a Quest with the asociated mounts, etc? I am not that bothered about voice prompts.
I would be using it to tour in Europe next year possibly, but certainly in this country. It crossed my mind to look at older Streetpilots, etc. for example
What does ye all think, and is it doable? Or am I talking bollox?

CHeers

I have used the Street Pilot 3 for 3 years now , in all terrains , conditions , vehicle's and many countries ,

 

[Steptoe]

I've got a streetpilot 3, very very pleased with it -

bought it end of last year to learn on, before paying out for an upto date unit. I have 2 128mb memory cards so i could load my whole "standard" around europe holiday route on it with ease -


But knowing what i know now, i wish i'd bought an upto date unit from the start .

 

[Flying banana]

Thnks guys for your comments, particularly Steptoe...with you last comment you completely buggered up my thinkning

Seriously, I have been doing a little research into what is available secondhand, in the way of Streetpilots, etc, and i think that it will probably pay me to eventually get an up to date unit, particularly a Quest, as it would not actaully cost that much more in comparison, TBH.

Oh well, back to the piggy bank

 

[Mouse]

Bear in mind that when Steptoe bought his SP3 it would have been a bit more expensive. Second hand prices have dropped quite a bit recently, presumably due to several new models fom Garmin.

Also remember that the Quest doesn't come with a mount, or a power lead, so you're looking at about 400 pounds total for a Quest mounted and powered on your bike.

 

[Taff]

.. Second hand prices have dropped quite a bit recently, presumably due to several new models fom Garmin.

As I am thinking of upgrading to a 2610, I've been keeping a close eye on e-bay recently at the cost of second hand Street Pilot IIIs. You may be interested to know that the last 10 I've looked at, sold for an average of £250.

One even sold for £330 with City Navigator V5 maps on it. Seems that some people just don't do their homework.

 

[Flying banana]

One even sold for £330 with City Navigator V5 maps on it. Seems that some people just don't do their homework.

Exactly!! With that in mind, there doesnt seem a great deal of point getting anything other than Quest, for example. With the newer technology, it seems a bit pointless getting something older with them going for the prices they are.
I will keep an eye on things, and wait and see.

 

[Taff]

..With the newer technology, it seems a bit pointless getting something older with them going for the prices they are.

The good news for you (if you are looking at a second hand Street Pilot) is that 1 sold for £140. It gave very little information about it. Eg didn't say what version maps it had etc, but it looked in good nick from the 1 photo of it. The moral of the story seems to be, if you want top prices - make sure you write a good description, take plenty of good photos etc.

 

[Mouse]

Things on ebay seem to go for inflated prices sometimes. Keep an eye on the private ads here and on other websites is my advice.