Thread: GPS on iPad or Android type tablets

Originally Posted by rsser

Hi Fred, I'm looking at a rough costing for an equivalent setup to yours ...

OziExp CE $170
Gregory street maps $75
HEMA Aust. 4WD mapset $179
GPS c. $100

So around $525. Sound right?

Ern, as the GPS unit comes with iGO8 and Australian street maps (same as the Aldi GPS units come with) you don't need the Gregory street maps. I have a copy of those and have never used them.

Your costing on the Hema maps is correct, depending on where and how you obtain the Hema maps.

Ozi Explorer comes in 2 versions, one for use on the PC and one for use on the GPS unit only. If you don't want to set waypoints etc on you computer you only need Ozi CE for use on the GPS.

When you buy the GPS ubit you need to make sure it runs Windows CE, not al of them do.

There is a lot of info on the net, including the OziExplorer site.

Thanks Fred.

My partner offered to give me a Hema 5" for Xmas after another dismal experience, in the Channel country this time, with the Garmin Topo v.2 mapset. Web searches show a worrying rate of hardware failure with the Hema though, and one major retailer reported that they hadn't had 'too many' returns! Not want you want when outback.

Had a look at a few of these, quite easy to get ripped off. It seems the two competing tools on Apple, Mud Map and Hema 4WD, are "coincidently" the same price - $150.

I've used a free app for the iPad called MotionX GPS HD. It does most stuff and downloads maps. The level of detail on the maps is not as good as the Hema maps.

For on-road use $75 buys Tom Tom which allows you to switch the licence from the iPad to the iPhone at will.

For daily use I have a Garmin 3790T which can also load topos (Hema) for $230 extra. This is an expensive option compared to others though.

Thanks Groggy.

Yes, tablets are another thing to look at. I'm in the Androidsphere with phones and have just ordered a Google Nexus.

The iPad is becoming a popular option for moving map type applications.

I actually borrowed my daughters' iPad and found it just to big to use and place in the car whilst driving.

For stationary use it is brilliant and has the additional benefit of not always having to cart my notebook around.

I downloaded a free mapping application for the iPad at the time but can't off-hand remember its name.

I decided to go with the one-hung-lo GPS as the outlay was only $84 delivered to my door and it would give me a very reasonably priced entry in to the moving map world.

Having now used it for some time it is very good, really easy to read 7" screen, the iGO8 turn-by-turn is as good as I was used to on my 5" Aldi GPS and the additional functionality such as bluetooth etc is a bonus as well.
Driving the numerous 4wd tracks in the High Country is now a joy and navigation is a cinch, but I still carry paper maps as back up.

There is a demo version of OziExplorer and CE available for downloading so you can "try before you buy".

I have looked at the Hema and the other 2 on the Oz market, they are only 5" and don't giv me anything I don't have now, in fact I have more.

I would need a lot of convncing to part with $800 for a Hema one, after all it is still a Chinese imprt but re-badged in Oz.

The Hema 5" can be found for $650 and the 6" for another hundred or so from memory. Early Navigators used VMS hardware and announced that on the box; not sure about the current units.

I'd expect most tablets are Chinese-made now.

Many make comment re the Hema 5 having problems. Are you referring to the Hema HN5 not the HN5i which is a different machine.

I have been running the HN5i and had no problems. I suspect the HN5 had a few.

Originally Posted by rsser

The Hema 5" can be found for $650 and the 6" for another hundred or so from memory. Early Navigators used VMS hardware and announced that on the box; not sure about the current units.

I'd expect most tablets are Chinese-made now.

RACV price HN5i $649 , HN6 $749 : member prices.
$50 savings on each vs RRP
The RAA in SA has abetter deal for members $100 off the HN6 RRP of $799

Yes, Johnny Appleseed say they've had no returns with the 5I. (their price and Exploroz.com is also c. 650)

And I see that there's a beta version of OziExplorer available for Android tablets/phones.