sat nav's

[RETIRED]

I'm with Barry but use Copilot for the laptop. The new upgrade to 10 (which is the one I have) has much better maps IMHO than Sensis however it does not give locations of cameras like 8 did. I am going to find out why this week.

Indispensable.

[journeyman Mick]

Technically they are the same. The GPS is the Global Positioning System which is powered by 24 or so satellites. The little devices in your car are navigation systems. So Sat Nav is quite acceptable.

The current GPS system runs on the Navstar system, owned by the US military. The older, now defunct system ran on the SatNav system. A bit like calling a ball point pen a "biro", everyone knows what you're talking about, put you're actually referring to a proprietry system. (like calling all wet grinders "Tormeks").

Mick (being pedantic, and it doesn't really matter because evryone knew what Goat was talking about )

[Grunt]

Yes SatNav was a particular system but Sat Nav is just short for satellite navigation.

Strictly speaking GPS is not a navigation system. It only gives you the coordinates of your location. You need a navigation system to tell where you are and how to get where you're going.

[AlexS]

FWIW, there's a system being tested by a mate of mine that's set up for blind people. Uses Sensis maps but has a heap more info. Don't have the details, but if anyone's interested I can find out & put you in contact.

Should be a big help when you're driving.

[Bodgy]

For me the best value was the Mio P350. Not only is this a full GPS unit with all the features of the others. but it is a full PDA as well, inc MS Office etc. It also function as a iPod thingy.

Cost about $500, but only makes sense if you need a PDA too.

Otherwise Big W and Strathfield $300 odd ones are best value.

Two generic problems, first in the city (Sydney anyway) you loose the signal amongst the big tower blocks, and the Sensis maps aren't great when out in the bush and off the main roads.

Its actually quite funny to hear the voice giving you orders then 'abusing' you for following them. Once out near Riverside Oaks the thing would have had me doing a u turn 100 metres up the road, the another 100 metres the other way and on and on.

Nonetheless, a great device.

[NCArcher]

By far the best play-thing I have ever purchased in my life. Wouldn't be without it.

Cheers - Neil

Have to agree Neil. I have a NavMan who guides me all over the country.
As far as gadgets go they are tops. Good fun to play with and very practical and helpful.
Be warned--You will find yourself talking to your GPS Nav unit. "Yes i know i'm going the wrong way, I have to get petrol." "No i won't do a U-Turn, I'm just dropping Jim off then i'll get back on track"
"I am not speeding, I'm just following the........" wait a minute that was the wife not the Navman.

[Slavo]

I jumped in a cab the other day and the driver had one. They tend to favour major roads, but as it was peak hour I pointed him towards some back roads which got us there quicker. Pretty cool devices and have used them for work a time or two, not the street directory function, but used in surveying/monitoring.