Huge price drop, compared to the last deal in Feb at $228 (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/360352). This is one of the largest GPS unit you can buy, and comes with lifetime traffic and map updates.
Reviews:
http://www.toptenreviews.com/electronics/gps/best-navigation…
They don't. Most smartphones include GPS.
You cannot legally use your mobile phone GPS function anymore on anything but full licence (At least in NSW, not familiar with other states legislation). Hence GPS sales are back because it is usually those drivers who are unfamiliar with roads and require GPS navigation the most.
since when? so i can sue google map?
Not sure if serious, but incase you are Dec 1st 2016, blanket ban on any usage of mobile phones on L & P platers. Previously, green P's were allowed to use handsfree phone functions.
@ATangk:
That's great, it totally solved the problem!
Since then I have never seen one P plater looking down at their crotches while driving. I'm sure they were just checking if their belly buttons were still in place.
@ocoolio: Urgh, tell me about it. I started cycling to work recently and and the number of people I'm seeing on their phones is astounding. There'll need to be a tech solution as it's obvious people aren't going to stop even under threat of (in Qld) a $378 fine and three points of demerits. The motorbike cops enforce it on the Western Freeway and I reckon a fleet of them would have the budget deficit sorted within a week just on white Hiluxes alone.
@The Vat: there is a solution, kinda tech but not sure if it’s the tech you want.
Cameras mounted to traffic lights that can peer down inside the car to see if you are using your mobile phone. But this only helps for stationary cars which is arguably much safer than using whilst in motion.
There is a driving mode on iOS which helps a bit but nobody I know uses it, since it’s not automatic or anything. Unless it is when you connect to the car using Apple CarPlay but I don’t have a car with that so I’m not sure.
Edit: turns out there’s a function to automatically turn it on from motion detection, or to have it turn on when connected to car Bluetooth. Perhaps this would be a good start? If you don’t get notifications you won’t be tempted to check and reply to messages.
@ATangk: Even better (non-tech) solution - if you are caught using your phone while driving, copper removes the SIM card and hands it (the SIM) back to you. The phone is impounded for a month, and only released after payment of a fee.
That is on top of the initial fine and points of course.
I have a GPS and a smartphone - I find that my GPS locks onto a signal faster than my phone and also tends to be less flaky with its connection. Also, it has a bigger screen (easier to see maps) and I like the convenience of not having to take my phone out of my pocket and put it in the dock and take it out every time I get in and get out of a car.
In other words, GPS units are not expensive and you pay for convenience and other comforts.
Hmm let’s see a $1000-$1600 smart phone on the dash in 60-90 degree heat
Probably not ideal for hours on end.
Plus spotty 3/4 g coverage in different countries.
Or use this sub $200 device, no cellular data needed,
Kinda a no brainer.
These devices still have their purpose for a few more years yet
google maps does have offline maps feature
Also, all modern navigation systems pre-cache the route you've planned so losing signal here and there makes no difference.
Google offline maps are huge I tried downloading one once. There was hardly any coverage for the area I chose and it consumed a large amount of space on the phone. Imagine trying to download Australia or even just one state. Just impractical to use offline for all the areas you want.
Dedicated GPS APPs and maps take up far less space than offline google maps on a phone. HERE WeGo is an excellent free offline GPS APP for mobile devices if you want to give one a try.
Darn, Just bought the drivesmart 50 (5”) in JB's recent sale. and that's already quite big in a commodore, not sure where one would fit a 7" without blocking a lot of view!
Totally agree - and I own both form factors. The 50/51 series is quite big enough and is still far better than any smartphone for navigation. The 70 has it's place in large 4x4s. Load up off-road maps etc and you're set to go.
Do you or anyone know about loading this with off road maps? What is a good offload map for WA? And can this display both maps at the same time?
lifetime = device support time = 2 years?
Garmin AU don't list this model on there web site. I'm guessing its just lifetime map updates for Australia/NZ? Live traffic also only works in selected areas. Since its using the SUNA network? Unlike Tomtom GPS devices what rely on the mobile network for live traffic updates.
New rules in NSW starts 1st of July - I think we will need a GPS even more than using a phone.
More details at: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilepho…
Why do people still buy GPS with smartphones?