www.boxertrix.com

I've looked thru' the threads and ads and can't decide.
What do you chaps reckon is a good and cheap GPS?
I'd prefer european options plus POI.
Don't really wanna spend too much................

SoggyB

Like with most things, when buying a GPS you get what you pay for. Do yourself a favor and spend a little extra on a proper Garmin GPS and you will love yourself for it later on.

A few years ago top of the line Garmin GPS like StreetpilotIII or 26XX were retailing @ about £1,000 however as redundant models I have seen them for sale for £150-200. Plenty of these around used although deals on these as 'new' units seemed to have ended as stocks ran out.

The latest Garmin models such as Zumo 550 or 2820 are now retailing for about £500 and offer considerably more functionality than the old units, all of Europe preloaded map coverage and far better processing. I believe the Zumo price also includes motorcycle mount & Ram mount which you would have to buy if considering other makes.

Plenty of GPS advice on the UKGSer or BMW Club forums. Most seem to stick with Garmin or the overpriced BMW equivalent although some use Tom Tom. Garmin everytime for me.

I like the look of the Zumo 550, and as you say it comes with a bike mounting kit.

I can get it for £490 delivered. Anyone do better than that?

Anyone actualy got / used one of these?

Any other opinions?

SoggyB

I have a Zumo and it is excellent. Much better than the Garmin Quest I previously owned. Speed camara database is tops and it gives you audible warnings as you approach camereas a little too hot... Full post code searches, clear spoken directions, excellent graphics and fast processor. No bad things to say about it really.

Cheers,

Paul

I have one as well. It works superbly, and for music you can slot in a decent sized SD card. The controls are well thouhgt out and usable with a (left) gloves on. It also comes with a car kit, and it's much more robustly build than a TomTom.

I find the Garmin directions slightly less clear than the TomTom, although they are adequate. The Garmin POI/speed trap warning is more sophisticated than the TomTom also.

All in all, an excellent piece of kit.

Thanks Paul & Al,

how are you listening to the device - is it thru Autocomm or similar?
Or are you running bluetooth?

SoggyB

I've had a Tom Tom rider since June 06. Its the only one I've tried so I cant compare it directly, I think it's brilliant. BUT:
It can't remember a location at the touch of a button like I've heard a garmin can (which would've been very handy at times).
Some things are really hard to do on the touch screen with gloves on.
The ear piece is inaudible over 50 - 60 mph.

That said though I do like it, very compact, robust and easy to use. Im waiting now for Tom Tom to bring out a new improved version. Its not the cheapest, but as the man said "you get what you pay for"

soggybottoms wrote:Thanks Paul & Al,

how are you listening to the device - is it thru Autocomm or similar?
Or are you running bluetooth?

SoggyB

I run mine through my Autocom, but Archie just plugs directly into the audio out on the Zumo bike cradle. We both use moulded ear plug monitors from Headset Services, which are pricey (£180-ish) but excellent.

cheers,

Paul

The ear plugs make the biggest difference, so increase your budget to accomocate these. They are made by , ACS, who have a number of distributors. Check their website to find what's local for you.

Bluetooth has restricted audio bandwidth currently, but in a year or two I'm sure will be the only way to conect.

I bought the cheapest one available at the time, £120 Garmin Street Pilot thingy, which I stick in plastic wallet on the tank bag. Whilst ok from a tracking and direction point of view, with hindsight I wish I'd spent a bit more cash and got a better one - it works but its a pain to set up and there are limited options for twiddling/pre programming...

Ade

Shure E2C can be had for £60 now. As they are sound isolating they work very well as earplugs linked to a gps. E3C are much better and have a great sound when linked to an ipod and are smaller so more comfy under a lid.


http://www.handheldaudio.co.uk/pages/sh ... cat_id=155

I tried both Shure and Sony in-ear phones, but neither of these would stay in place when I put on my helmet. I suspect there is a big dependence on ear shape with these.

I also have some for sale if anyone's interested.

Went for the Zumo 550 as recommended (Blokestuff - cheapest and next day delivery). The cage kit is very good. I got it with the Trafficmaster system lead which is amazingly useful for jam-dodging. Obviously that's not needed (wouldn't fit) on a bike; but as they were knocking it out for £40 vs a rrp of £130 and with a lifetime service deal.............!!

I'm currently connecting directly to the cradle and find the lack of voice comms a pain and am considering an Autocom super avi.

I'm looking at :
1006 super pro avi duo kit
1299 zumo lead
1126 * 2 monitor leads

Does this scan correctly for my set up?

Where do others place theirs?

Any problems encountered by others with this type of set up?

I've got a Zumo 550 and have gone for the Scala Rider teamset. Its brilliant! Only £120, easy to fit and wireless. Easy to hear up to about 80mph and the intercom between the rider pillion is better than Autocom (according to my Mum and Dad who have had both and now use the Scala rider). As its bluetooth it pairs with the Zumo, which you then pair with your phone - and then you can make and recieve calls and hear the audio instructions...which IMHO are just as important if not more than the on-screen directions..

I assume you've discovered that the Zumo car-mount is also a bluetooth hands-free kit?

For £430 you get a lot for your money - that Zumo 550 is excellent!!

Also veryone who has one make sure you run the web-updater as they all come with v2 operating software which needs updating to v3.03 to get the best functionality from it!