need advice buying a new GPS

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PetAT

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#111689 12-Nov-2012 04:59

Hi there, I need some advice buying a new GPS since my 5 year old navman icn520 broke on me today. I have looked at the Navman and Tomtom's but cant make up my mind. I am a person with very short stubby arms, so One of the things I want in a GPS is a small remote, my icn520 had a remote. I have thought about waiting for another icn520 on trademe but really rather not buy another old GPS if I can get something newer that has a remote. I am thinking to buy it new from retail or maybe used from trademe.

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#715622 12-Nov-2012 05:56

Good luck finding a new GPSr with a remote, can't think of any that currently have one.

We got a Garmin 3760 about a year ago, great unit, way better then the navman icn (I used to have one of them and it was a royal pain in the arse).

You can't go too wrong with the Garmins, they've been making them for years and if you pay attention you can get free lifetime map updates

Beddhist

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#715637 12-Nov-2012 07:31

Using any model Garmin you also have access to the free NZOpenGPSMaps, updated weekly, with slightly better routing than Garmin's own maps, but without junction view and lane assist.

Regards,
Peter.

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scuwp

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#715642 12-Nov-2012 07:45

Also never seen one with a remote. Maybe you could look at positioning it further up the widescreen, or I have even seen them up by the sun visor, might be easier to reach.

I think it will boil down to personal opinion, but I am firmly in the TomTom camp.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

PetAT

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#715659 12-Nov-2012 09:14

Sure I don't mind the Garmin, I actually wanted to lean towards the Garmin but some said TomTom is best for NZ roads, Do the Garmin's usually have remotes? Really need a remote on it, Whatever it is, I dont mind if its a couple of years old, like 2008 - 2012ish is okay too I guess, and unlike the navman if it has any map update support then I am sold.

Could you guys suggest some GPS's that have a remote I could get?

Jaxson

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#715676 12-Nov-2012 10:14

Couldn't you just locate the unit closer? ~If finding another one with a remote is going to prove to difficult/expensive.
Typically you could hold it in your hands to setup the destination location etc and then set it in place and not need to touch it again until you're there?

nakedmolerat

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#715684 12-Nov-2012 10:38

TomTom all the way for NZ use.

I put my GPS in the middle of the screen. I stop if I need to use it/alter the journey for my own safety. Some people prefer to put it on the right side close to the dashboard so that it can be reached while driving.

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wmoore

510 posts

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#715694 12-Nov-2012 11:05

The only GPS units that I know that has a remote is Pioneer. Unfortunately the GPS units aren't available in NZ.

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PetAT

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#715825 12-Nov-2012 13:29

That Sucks..... So even aftermarket remotes aren't available? Okay So I guess I'll just custom hard mount it next to the mp3 cd player so its closer and easy to reach with my midget arms.

So What do you guys suggest I get? So Navman is out of the list, So its either TomTom or Garmin. What are some good ones with features? I heard the new feature called HD/Live Traffic that tells you about Traffic Jams vice versa? Anyway I'm not looking to spend a whole lot, just want something reliable and decent, preferably in black. I think I will pick one up from trademe? I was looking at the Garmin 1350 that seems to be around $80 to $100 and there is a 3760 going for around $280. Then there are the TOMTOM Ones, there is a TOMTOM XXL 550 for around $50 reserve.

Cheers

mattwnz

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#715836 12-Nov-2012 13:38

nakedmolerat: TomTom all the way for NZ use.

I put my GPS in the middle of the screen. I stop if I need to use it/alter the journey for my own safety. Some people prefer to put it on the right side close to the dashboard so that it can be reached while driving.

I couldn't recommend tomtom, after a tomtom update bricked mine. Also it's desktop updating software is poor and crashes a lot. Plus new maps and map updates are expensive, but I guess that applies to all of them. I have heard good things about garmin, and get one with lifetime map updates.

Jaxson

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#715870 12-Nov-2012 14:18

Garmin used to have pretty playskool colours and all, but ultimately it was capable regardless. Often the first one you use dictates what you think of the others as you learn one style of searching for locations/menu structures etc.

What did the remote allow you to do? I'm curious now

NZtechfreak

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#715899 12-Nov-2012 15:15

Just curious what you use your GPS for?

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mattwnz

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#715919 12-Nov-2012 16:01

Jaxson: Garmin used to have pretty playskool colours and all, but ultimately it was capable regardless. Often the first one you use dictates what you think of the others as you learn one style of searching for locations/menu structures etc.

What did the remote allow you to do? I'm curious now

If you buy a samsung galaxy s3, it comes with a garmin GPS program with NZ and Australia maps. Not sure how long updates are support for it. But it is basically just like a normal GPS, you just need to buy a mount. You obviously also have google maps and googles own gps software, but I don't think the the garmin one doesn't requires a data connention.

Jaxson

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#715927 12-Nov-2012 16:18

Yeah I have 'N Drive' on my LG P500 phone and it's like this, all the routes are pre loaded onto the phone, no data required. Probably well out of date now though, but luckily the big roads don't move too much in NZ.

PetAT

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#715936 12-Nov-2012 16:46

Jaxson: Garmin used to have pretty playskool colours and all, but ultimately it was capable regardless. Often the first one you use dictates what you think of the others as you learn one style of searching for locations/menu structures etc.

What did the remote allow you to do? I'm curious now

The Shekx, I use it for sexual pleasure, school girls also like

It also helps in the truck or a van, I have it on the left corner and I can use the remote without having to reach to it or getting off my seat.. I have genetic defect that gives me very short arms. so its also bothering without a having to move from the seat everytime inside the car without the remote or unless I have it very close to me. Which I plan on doing since nobody makes GP's with Remotes any more..

NZtechfreak: Just curious what you use your GPS for?

You can use it to Guide you to locations, handy if you are a courier or a truck driver or just want to go to locations without having to remember the roads of the top of your head? Its a GPS so Global Positioning Unit, not really sure what else to say really..

PetAT

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#715937 12-Nov-2012 16:50

I have set my mind on the Garmin, most likely a 1350 or better. I gave up on TOMTOM since they come with a factory mount that us not removable. And for me to mount the GPS near the CD Player I need a custom modified mount.

How about the Uniden iGO 50? Are they any good? I cant seem to find much info about them on the internet.
There is one going on Trademe for $9 I could probably snatch it for around $50?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/gps/automotive/auction-532559497.htm

What do you guys think?
Also if anybody had a GPS they might be thinking of selling..Hey let me know..

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