LIDL - The GPS Supplier?!?

[NormanB]

Hi Team

A newcomer to this site and a GPS aspirant!!

Now I do not want you all to get the wrong impression of me BUT I was in LIDL this morning and picked up one of their flyers and have just located the item on their website:

Pocket PC SATNAV - 350 smackeroonies !! http://www.lidl.co.uk/gb/index.nsf/pages/c.o.oow.20040408.p.Satellite_Navigation_System_with_Pocket_PC

I am tempted because my old Merc cannot take these new fangled command marlarkeys without severe surgery and something like this would also be useful on the bike (when I get it).

What do the experts on SatNav think? Is this worth a punt or are there some searching techie questions I should be asking LIDL. Apparently it does come with absolutely everything (incl receiver) - no extras need to be bought.

Appreciate views/advice.

Thanks
NormanB

[lbendlin]

looks like a good offer. The software seems to be Mapsonic.
The ad doesn't say anything about the GPS receiver, though - you may want to ask them about it. If the antenna is directly connected to the PocketPC then this poses some restrictions on where in the Merc you can place it. Also, can't see any mention of a cradle or car mount...
_________________
Lutz

Report Map Errors here:
TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ

[Darren]

This was discussed earlier this week, read the full thread here.

Whilst £350 may seem attractive I would suggest you do your research carefully as there are many bundles using HP iPAQ's with TomTom Navigator 3 for only a little extra outlay.
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Darren Griffin

[NormanB]

Darren - thanks for the reply and pointing me to the similar posting and discussion - I did do a search but was put of the scent I suppose by the post title 'New Aldi GPS bundle' which as it turns out was referring to the LIDL offer anyway.

Do you have a specific I could follow up wrt to an IPAQ bundle with TT3 that I could follow up for comparison purposes.

lbendlin Thanks for the advice you have provided me with some imortant points to clarify.

I have a couple of additional questions maybe people can help me with:

1. Can you power these beasties from a 12v accessory outlet whilst on the move?

2. Is it doable to mount these on a motorbike wrt weatherproofing?, or would it better to stow it in a cubby under the seat and just consult during planned stops?

Thanks once again everybody.

NormanB

[Tim Buxton]

Norman,

I have a couple of additional questions maybe people can help me with:

1. Can you power these beasties from a 12v accessory outlet whilst on the move?

2. Is it doable to mount these on a motorbike wrt weatherproofing?, or would it better to stow it in a cubby under the seat and just consult during planned stops?

Answers

1. Yes, most car charger leads come with a standard cigar lighter fitment. Bear in mind that most motorcycles fitted with accessory sockets have a smaller socket than a cigar lighter one.

2. I have used my iPAQ/Navman combo in the Baglux map pocket on my Triumph, but have doubts about its ability to withstand shocks, so I also have a Garmin GPS V which I feel is much more robust and reasonably waterproof. This is my motorcycle GPS of choice.
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Tim

[Darren]

[NormanB]

[NormanB]

Tim

No I am not answering myself jsut thought of one more question and noticed there is no edit button on this forum .

Which mount would you recommend for the bike, just the plain and simple ot the one with the ball and socket joint (Ram) (Both Garmin accessories)?

Thanks
NormanB

[Tim Buxton]

Norman,

No, I've never had the GPS V fog up. I wrote 'reasonably waterproof' to err on the side of caution. According to Garmin's website it conforms to IPX7 or something like that, which means that it should still work after spending 30 minutes in 1 metre of water. Needless to say, I've never put this to the test!!

I generally use my V for touring. I've done the Pyrenees, the Alps and travelled to maybe 10 European countries without the need for paper maps. I have a like-minded friend and we generally plan our routes beforehand, using code for waypoints. We then build routes from the waypoints and save them into the unit. Bear in mind that even 19Mb isn't a great amount of memory, but if you can do without automatic rerouting, you can get around 40% more map data into the unit.

The StreetPilot III may be a better option, I know a few other bikers who have them. They have voice commands (I think you can use an earpiece for motorcycle use) and you can buy storage cards of various sizes.

As for a mount, like I said, I keep mine in my map pocket, so don't use any type of mount. My friend has a Hayabusa and he uses a Ram mount with an extender arm. It uses two balljoints, giving a far greater range of positioning options. This is mounted on the clutch bracket I think and he has never had any problems due to exposure to the elements, either. I'm not sure where he got it from, but I'll find out if you want.

The downside of the Garmin is that you're confined to Garmin's Mapsource products and the memory cards are also proprietory (read EXPENSIVE) and the GPS V only has 19Mb which isn't expandable.

Feel free to keep asking those questions. 8-)
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Tim

[NormanB]

[Tim Buxton]

Norman,

Just to really put your persuader onto overload...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3089465730&category=14946

Have a look at this. Also, email me at timbuxton@compuserve.com or timbuxton@blueyonder.co.uk if you want. I can give you more information...8-)
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Tim

[NormanB]

Hi

Just to close this thread off.

I now own a Street Pilot III and used it extensively over the Easter Weekend (in the car).

Still learning but I am impressed with its capabilities.

NormanB

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