GPS buyer's guide

By Derek Fung and John R. Delaney on 06 November 2009

Prices for GPS devices and apps have come down in the last year and many of us are looking at jumping on the bandwagon. We take a look at how it works, why you should (or shouldn't) buy a GPS, as well as key features to look out for.

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Comments (17)

  • Racy commented on 09/11/2009 17:56

    Forgot to mention, No sim card required for the NavNGo software, so no data calls. All free!

  • Racy commented on 09/11/2009 17:51

    I use a Samsung Omnia, I purchased NavNGo software on Ebay for $40.
    The software was easy to install, a little slow to pick up satellite when first turned on but very good once acquired.Spoken St. names,red light, fixed camera, & overspeed warnings. To date I have only used it around Adelaide. Very Happy & have ditched my in car unit.

  • Ted commented on 04/11/2009 21:44

    What about Handhelds ? Not a single one included. I have used a MerCol for years and find its features far out do the "in car ones".

  • Michael commented on 02/11/2009 12:31

    I've been considering picking up a new phone with a GPS receiver built in for quite some time now.

    However, I've noticed that most, if not all mobile phones use aGPS, meaning they connect to your 3G phone provider as well as the satellites to get a faster lock-on. What I'm not entirely clear on and what I want to know though, is that does this cost you data use? Will your telco actually charge you or deduct from your data usage if you attempt to use the GPS, and if so, is there a way to turn off aGPS and use standard GPS? Yeah it'll be slower but at least you aren't paying for it.

    Anyone know the answer to this?

  • Wolf commented on 28/05/2008 12:16

    I use the Asus r2h as my gps in the car, 7" screen, media player, bluetooth e.t.c.. and cheaper than any in car system on the market.

  • canberra_photographer commented on 21/05/2008 22:37

    Wow, brand name one should set you back no more than $400-450? I got mine 6 months ago for just $289. Harvey Norman may have one thing on the price tag, but know the code words and you get it for another.

  • Blah commented on 21/05/2008 19:18

    I think it must be noted before even considering looking at GPS models, what you are going to do with it. It is actually illegal (at least in NZ) to have an active display in the view of a car driver. Hope Cnet editors emphasise this in reviews.

  • C commented on 04/05/2008 10:32

    I've used both the Nokia 6110 Navigator phone and CoPilot 7 around Sydney. Nokia 6110 is much more accurate and gives more helpful instructions. CoPilot is so bad that if often can't be relied upon - it will often make mistakes or take you on a very bad route. CoPilot also doesn't know about many blocked streets etc over 10 years old. CoPilot often advises to turn after the turn.

  • moggten commented on 15/03/2008 20:09

    I own 2 tomtom 910'sI have had 1 9 months and 1 18 months both will not hold charge more than 1 hour and because of wear in the cradle wont charge on car charger

  • mark commented on 15/03/2008 04:20

    You can always get maps from open street map, or use shonky maps (google for them!). Better than the commercial offerings for the most part, and priced at $0 by volunteer effort.

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