Where to buy GPS

[pfd104]

Can anyone tell me the name of a reputable store to purchase a GPS in Australia for use when driving? We will be renting several times on our cruise and have 2 weeks car rental and feel we may as buy a unit than to rent one with the car.

[The_Big_M]

There are quite a few stores, e.g. Dick Smith, Myer. Depending where you're staying there may be more convenient recommendations, if you can give a specific area.

[moyaroo]

You ought to be able to get the maps from Canada. I have a Nokia 5800 phone the currently has the US W. Europe Australia and New Zealand maps in its memory. Just set me down and I go . . . (Ok without the smart phone connection it takes about 15 minutes for the GPS to find itself when in a new country, but . . .)

 

If not available retail. There is always online.

[pfd104]

First stop will be one week in melbourne (first two days down town area)

[marky63]

Won't a US purchased GPS work in Austrailia if you buy the maps?

[The_Big_M]

If you buy the maps it should be fine.

[Glaciers]

I took my Garmin Nuvi to New Zealand and purchased an SD Card with a NZ map on eBay and it worked great. chilkoot@Hotmail.com if anyone is interested in the NZ SD Card.

[floatie]

Best to buy a mobile phone with GPS built in then you can use it for future travels.

They work the same as regular GPS units and have voice guidance, points of interest, etc... You can also buy a cradle to mount it on the dash of the car.

They can be purchased now for around the same price as a GPS unit itself.

Speak to people at your local electronics or phone store and they should be able to show you some.

Make sure you get one that has stand alone satellite navigation and not one that requires an internet connection to view maps.

We use one now and would not be without it.

[The_Big_M]

The mobile phone is good as a standby, but if you use it a lot, a dedicated GPS is usually better. Their battery life is usually better, plus you don't have to give up call features while using it (or alternatively lose your direction guidance while you're on the phone). Also, dedicated devices tend to have a bigger screen if you prefer that.

[bazzaw]

I bought a TomTom from Dick Smith store for a whole $99 - I love it!!

 

Barry

[Flipper133]

I take a contrary view

 

I would use the GPS offered by the Hire Car co.

 

Its not too expensive...its preloaded with latest maps...and fitted to the car.

 

Just hire and go

 

Phone based GPS systems are ok..but not necessarily when you are driving

 

Your holiday.... remove the stress !

 

cheers

[marky63]

I like to play with my GPS on the ship. Worked great on some cruises but it did not work very well on Alaska trip until i got further south. i assume it work ok in NZ and Austrailia.

[The_Big_M]

It'll work, but again you'll likely need to buy a local map update if you want any level of detail.