What gps to buy with 4wd maps included

[peter92]

Hi Guys
Well its time to start looking for a new GPS and one that also has 4wd maps on it
The reason I need the 4wd maps is because I have trouble remembering how to put updates on it, due to car accident
I was thinking of getting one that does life time updates
So whats your thoughts on one
Regards Peter

[Downunder35m]

For easy of use in your case I can only recommend Garmin safely.
Every now and than is a sale on for all current devices that includes lifetime updates.
If you are in a hurry, check the usual electronics shops and their offers.
But AFAIK for 189$ you can add lifetime map updates to any Garmin through their website.
For example all models of the Nuvi series should support street and off road navigation (using topo maps).
You can aslo by a good Nuvi second hand on Ebay, just ask the if he can provide the necessary details for transfer of ownership through Garmin, otherwise you will have a hard time getting legal updates.
In terms of extra features like FM transmitter, TMC or online services you would have to check in the shops and decide what you need.
The VMS devices use a modified IGO version for road use and Ozi Explorer with a custom skin for off road use.
In terms of price and value for money I can't really say more than: for that amount of money I would expect more.
However if they now offer a Android based device with a good screen it might be worth it.
Also I don't think they have map updates included in their sales.

They least in terms of lifetime of the actual device I think 3 years worth of updates would be enough.
Noone knows if by then we would still need to buy maps

[peter92]

Hi Downunder
Thanks for the info. Is There one that you know of that I can look at to see what you are talking about
One that does have street nav and 4wd maps on it already
The last time I was looking for one I really stuffed up and don't want to go down that road again,ended up buying a sh,t one. at this stage, if I can find a good one I don't mind paying big money for it
Regards Peter

[Downunder35m]

Not really up to scratch when it comes to Garmin
For I guess it would be best to check the shops for a Nuvi as I have no clue what's available right now.
Just check for a good screen size and if the device supports topographic maps as well (all Nuvis should do).
Compare prices and check if you find a shop that gives you lifetime updates for the street maps, the topo maps you might have to buy seperatly from the Garmin website.

If worse comes to worse you can always send me a PM if you can't find anything with lifetime maps included.
The interface is the same throughout the Garmin range, so all that you have to look for is screen size, suport for topo maps and additional features you might want.
Depending on your area and the traffic TMC might be worth to have.

[peter92]

Hi, ive been looking at garmin navi but cant seem to find one that has street and 4wd maps together, any chance you could help me out please
Regards Peter

[peter92]

Hi was looking at this one Hema Navigator HN6
Whats your thoughts on it
Regards Peter

[Downunder35m]

Here you can compare the current Garmin models by features.
Harvey Norman has them on sale with lifetime updates for 170-280$.
Although Garmin claims in their map shop you can get topo maps on these devices, they will work well.
Check them out and in case you decide on a buy I might be able to help you with the topo map setup

[peter92]

Thanks for the link
I was looking at this nüvi® 2597LMT
But noticed it doesn't have 4wd maps on it
Is that what the topo maps are for
Because we travel all over ausy im not sure what maps I will need and when I will need them
Regards Peter

[Downunder35m]

The problem is that there is no official support for the topo maps from Garmin, that's why they are sold without and why there is no option to buy them in their map shop.
As you can see here is says limited support for topo maps - that is enough for Garmin to officially state you can not use them
The difference to a dedicated Garmin off road can be checked here.

IMHO I would state "limited support" is good enough having in mind that our AU paper maps and other map providers don't really supply anything that is much better in terms of look and map features.
Of course for those dedicated Hema navigators you also have a bunch of additional POI's and info's about permits and so on.
But good trip planning involves more than loading the car and starting the GPS, so price wise a Garmin is a god choice in your case.
The map updates are included and pretty easy to do over the PC, the topo map only needs to be added once and should be ok for use for a few years.

[peter92]

Ok, for that, if I read it right your saying get a garmin
If price is not a real issue, which one would you chose my me and I may need help putting the 4wd maps on it
Regards Peter

[Downunder35m]

I would go for the 2557 or if you like to talk to your GPS the 2597 as they both offer a slightly larger screen.

[peter92]

Yea I had a look at that one but how would I get the 4wd maps on it and how would I get updates to the maps
Regards Peter

[steveandviv]

Hi was looking at this one Hema Navigator HN6
Whats your thoughts on it
Regards Peter

I love the Hema. I do have the 5i which replaced my in-dash screen with PC running Ozie Explorer and the Hema Maps.

I love that is is a one stop shop and can have a reversing camera attached, Blue Tooth and FM. I also take it to the city with me and use the turn by turn Navi-Trax (I think) software to get around.
I build my tracks on the PC and upload the data and similarly down load tracks to convert to Google Earth tracks etc, lots of fun.

[sharkcaver]

The last time I was looking for one I really stuffed up and don't want to go down that road again,ended up buying a sh,t one. at this stage, if I can find a good one I don't mind paying big money for it
Regards Peter

Pete, if you want something to tick your boxes, and you dont mind paying the outrageous dollars, then the VMS or Hema will be the way to go. As Downunder stated, lifetime updates are a selling term, you may find in 2 years the updates are no longer. A VMS or Hema type unit, comes off the shelf with both road and track maps and will save you having to learn how to get off road maps on an onroad incar gps.

Personally, I wouldn't go down that road myself, but if your not savvy enough to research how to get off road maps on a street device, the Hema/Vms is probably your best option.

Oh BTW, certain Navman's come with both maps. Never seen one to comment on them though.

[Downunder35m]

As I said, with the topo map I will be able to help
And I agree, the VMS devices are not bad, but totally overpriced.
If you take away the map price you would get up to 3 similar devices on the open market.

I guess it all comes down to what one is willing to pay,
what he really needs,
and most importantly how he can use the device.
The Garmin only offers a basic look for the topo map, but at least for all roads and tracks on the map you will get directions and not just a moving map like on Ozi.
Considering the Peter already stated he has trouble keeping stuff in his head, I think he will prefer something that can be easily used - both in terms of installing and in terms of using it in the car.
Good way to go would be to check out the current Garmins, play a bit with them in the shops and if possible the same for the Hema VMS.
When it comes to adding new/additional maps it is the same for both units: get the files on your PC and copy them into the right folder on your device, done.