What GPS do I need to buy?

[MeMock]

I would like to buy a GPS.

To be mainly used in my car in Thailand and Laos.

I would like it to be portable so that when I travel back to Aus/NZ I can take it with me easily (and use it when there!)

I don't need all the bells and whistles.

Any suggestions?

[Thetyim]

Garmin Nuvi

A GPS is only as good as the map
There are only two maps for Thailand and the Garmin one is better

[MeMock]

Does it have a Laos map as well?

[MeMock]

Is this it? $175 approx?

Garmin nüvi 255W - Automotive GPS receiver - TFT - widescreen - 480 x 272 - color

[Fabian]

Does not look good for Laos.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13803#

[melvbot]

Laos isnt mapped very well by GPS or Google.

[MeMock]

Mmmm so it doesn't matter what I buy it is basically going to be useless in Laos?

[Thetyim]

Rotweiler GPS Maps of Thailand, Bali Indonesia, Mexico and more!

Description: Rotweiler's Laos Routable. This map covers the entire nation of Laos. It provides accurate detail and many point of interest for the Cities of LOUANG PRABANG and VIENTIANE; the main route between LOUANG PRABANG and VIENTIANE (Highway 13 / A12), as well as connection to the Thailand highway system south of VIENTIANE. Much of the remainder of the map - especially the interior and South of Laos - is from public sources and while corrected to the extent possible, it not considered navigation ready. POIs were largely created from paper maps so feedback with corrections/enhancements are greatly appreciated.
The new build of November 7, 2007, substantially improves highway naming and the correct categorization of highways. This map is not locked.
Type: MapSource Installer
Updated: November 7, 2007
File Size: 1.0 M

[Thetyim]

A team of GPS enthusiast has recently launched a new website, where free GPS maps (for Garmin GPS units) of Cambodia, Laos, northern Thailand and Vietnam will be available for download.

The map download is located within the forum section. You will need to sign up for a free account in order to download the maps.

asiaGPS - GPS enthusiasts community in South East Asia

[PAG]

I use a Garmin Nuvi in Thailand, which I find excellent. Also doubles as 'hands free' unit with bluetooth connectivity with my mobile.

[MeMock]

Okay, so maybe there are some decent maps out there. So lets say I buy a Garmin Nuvi - do I buy it here in Thailand or via the internet? Does it come with the maps installed or do I have to download them myself (some are free and some are not I take it)

[Thetyim]

Buy it here with the maps loaded is the safest way.

If you buy it and have it shipped you might get stung for duty and you will have to load the map yourself. A shop will charge you 1500baht for the thai map or I can send you version 8.1 map free if you want to load it yourself.


Garmin Nuvi in thailand start at 7900 baht
G P S 4 Y O U . N E T ::.. The Absolute GPS Online Shop

[MeMock]

So you think this one will be okay? Garmin Nuvi 203

Any extra costs? Do I just run it from the cars cigarette lighter or does it need to be installed?

[jizzybloke]

Garmin Nuvi

Memock i have one of these, try something else because they are rubbish ( IMO )

[MeMock]

Why are they rubbish JB? Remember that I don't require all the bells and whistles.

[jizzybloke]

the last few times i have used it it's sent me the wrong way, example, trying to go to a national park/ waterfall, the nice lady tells me " you have reached your destination" We were in the middle of a fecking field! took about 30 minutes and a lot of backtracking/ asking directions before we got where we wanted to be.
o
too many far out misses to mention, try something else before you try this!

[PAG]

Had mine (Garmin Nuvi) for a year now, which includes a return journey from Phuket to Chiang Mai, and a lot of touring in the Chiang Mai area. Re power supply, yes, cable from cigar lighter socket, though they do have an inbuilt battery which is good for circa 5 hours.

[MeMock]

PAG - so you can simply just unplug and put it in your pocket as you walk through the jungle right?

A friend just emailed me this information of one for sale for 5950 baht.

BahtSOLD.com | Thailand Classified Ads | Brand new Garmin Sat Nav GPS Thailand for sale

Looks good to me but is it portable?

[PAG]

PAG - so you can simply just unplug and put it in your pocket as you walk through the jungle right?

A friend just emailed me this information of one for sale for 5950 baht.

BahtSOLD.com | Thailand Classified Ads | Brand new Garmin Sat Nav GPS Thailand for sale

Looks good to me but is it portable?

Yes, portable, though if you 'walk through the jungle' you're only going to get the lat/long co-ordinates. It's OK if walking through towns if you can't park near to where you want to go.

[MeMock]

lat/long and altitude as well?

I don't expect it to show every remote village in the laos mountains of course as long as I can mark where my car is and then be able to easily find it again after the walk is perfect.

[PAG]

You just save your location as a favourite, and give it a name, then the unit will direct you back to it wherever you're coming from. Really simple unit to use.

[MeMock]

Sounds good to me, I have sent a message to the advertiser.

[Perota]

Garmin Nuvi

Memock i have one of these, try something else because they are rubbish ( IMO )

Definitively agree with you. I have one for the past 6 month, I used it in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Khorat, the information given are usually completely useless.

The only use we have of it is to "bookmark" some places we find when exploring an area and where we plan to come back but that's about it.

The first time I use one was in New Zealand, it took us where we wanted to go but I have some doubt it was through the shortest way.

On the overall, it can be useful if you're completely lost or if you want to memorize some place you want to return to, but it doesn't replace a good map.

[MeMock]

Oh crap, another person who doesn't like it.... is it because of the maps or because of the GPS machine?

I just got a reply from the seller.....

Hello,
Have around 30 in stock at the moment, however had a couple of inquiries wanting to buy bulk, so this may change.
Regards
Darryl

He said this because I need to buy two of them.

[PAG]

Could be the problems experienced by some are related to the age of the map software. As I said previously, I purchased mine in November last year and have never had a problem with it. There could also be problems in the translation of street names from Thai to English, so as advised by another poster, good to bookmark locations and give them your choice of name.