I have now been using the Nuvi for a month or so and took it with me on the last trip home to Oz as well. After fine tuning and getting used to the commands it is an invaluable tool for me, both here and there. Drawbacks are there though, the voice prompting is a little slow, and you actually have to tune into it. In the crowded streets of Bangkok, of course it may tell you to keep left to something road, but then turn right. What it means is keep to the left hand lane cause the other 2 lead to flyovers or toll roads etc. Lane swapping with a slow response time in peak traffic is a hassle, but I don't think any navigation system could handle the rats nest any better. In Oz it directed me well with only one exception, when I punched in a McD's it took me to a church....

Oz

Spent a long time last week workong on 4 garmins for a guy's upcoming mc trip

1. StreetPilot Colormap..forget it

2. Later StreePilot III with Antenna, passable, but.....

3. StreetPilot 320..excellent but rugged I'm not sure.

4. The Zumo is a disaster, cannot be charged by the 12V system, and battery only lasts 4 hours, bought new battery

same problem. WEB search shows that everyone is bitching about the Zumo.

All the above don't allow the contol you can get by preparing routes on Mapsource, but of course they can be sent to the GPSr. For me they are too simple.

Worked with the guy from Rotweiler by email ref the maps, he always replied instantly. asked him if he worked 24/7, he said it was easier to stay at home as he had no legs. So...well what can I say.?

btw I use GarminMap60CSx, but only on pushbike, biggest problem is that the routing will not send me the wrong way on a one way street.

Spent a long time last week workong on 4 garmins for a guy's upcoming mc trip

1. StreetPilot Colormap..forget it

2. Later StreePilot III with Antenna, passable, but.....

3. StreetPilot 320..excellent but rugged I'm not sure.

4. The Zumo is a disaster, cannot be charged by the 12V system, and battery only lasts 4 hours, bought new battery

same problem. WEB search shows that everyone is bitching about the Zumo.

All the above don't allow the contol you can get by preparing routes on Mapsource, but of course they can be sent to the GPSr. For me they are too simple.

Worked with the guy from Rotweiler by email ref the maps, he always replied instantly. asked him if he worked 24/7, he said it was easier to stay at home as he had no legs. So...well what can I say.?

btw I use GarminMap60CSx, but only on pushbike, biggest problem is that the routing will not send me the wrong way on a one way street.

Hello mate,

May I ask what maps did you used for the GARMIN SP III mentioned in your earlier post?

I've a unit mainly or MC, but I have problems finding proper maps for it. What I have is the miserable world base map which I add in major cities and towns of my choice in Thailand for those trips.

If you have a map that I can load in for Thailand, I'd be thrilled to get it.

For your advise pls.

Cheers,

reichew

[email protected]

I am looking at purchasing a Garmin Nuvi 205w.

I can buy it when in the UK for about 126.GBP. Gadgetrend Thailand is quoting 12,900.THB, that works out around 100.GBP more expensive to buy it in Thailand.

However, I want Thailand ESRI maps, and have no need for UK/European mapping.

In the long run, what is the best option? Buy UK, then purchase the latest ESRI maps?

I would like to know if i do this, can i remove the UK/European maps entirely from the system, and load only Thailand ESRI maps?

Or will it be better to just get the whole deal unit and maps from Gadgetrend/Plantip Plaza?

To OP, sorry for hijacking!

Now i see the 215w advert from Gadgetrend. I like the split screen junction view. Not sure if this feature is available on the 205w.

Also, states it works over Bluetooth for hands-free phone setup. Does anybody know if this feature works will all Bluetooth phones?

Because a while back i read somewhere that it only works with certain mobile phone models. I cant remember what Garmin model that was.

Big downer is the difference in price between 205w and 215w!

Buying outside Thailand is alot cheaper, but then you need thai maps

Three options

TeleAtlas Very good map

ESRI Great map

Rotwieler Ok map

As for the Bluetooth connection, you can see what phoes are supported on garmins site. NOT ALL PHONES are supported.

The only problem with purchaseing a uint outside the country is getting it fixed, You will need to pay for the shipping back to the country of purchase to claim warranty in most cases.

I Bought two garmin 200ws in the uk for less than 3800 baht took them to my buddy who loaded up several Thai maps + malaysia Thai keyboard and speech for the Mrs too. I was coming over anyway so airfare was irrelevant to me.

It seems fine so far

I am looking at purchasing a Garmin Nuvi 205w.

I can buy it when in the UK for about 126.GBP. Gadgetrend Thailand is quoting 12,900.THB, that works out around 100.GBP more expensive to buy it in Thailand.

However, I want Thailand ESRI maps, and have no need for UK/European mapping.

In the long run, what is the best option? Buy UK, then purchase the latest ESRI maps?

I would like to know if i do this, can i remove the UK/European maps entirely from the system, and load only Thailand ESRI maps?

Or will it be better to just get the whole deal unit and maps from Gadgetrend/Plantip Plaza?

No Need to remove European maps it will easily store both. My friend did it all for me in about 15 minutes but then hes a whizz at that sort of thing. He cracked all the Garmin stuff wide open himself.

UK price on 200w is under 75 quid now..

Thai maps easy to add.

Thank you very much posters.

Think i will buy from UK, and bring with me to Thailand and get the ESRI maps loaded.

I do like the handsfree phone - so will also buy a compatable Bluetooth phone to work with Garmin.

Cheers

Another question for the boffins in the know;

I notice the 200, 205, 215 advertised for sale in Thailand, but am i correct in assuming any Garmin Nuvi series, be it 200, 700, 1000, etc, and purchased in the UK, will work with Thai ESRI maps? Dont want to buy an upgraded model only to find will not function in Thailand.

Thanks in advance.

Another question for the boffins in the know;

I notice the 200, 205, 215 advertised for sale in Thailand, but am i correct in assuming any Garmin Nuvi series, be it 200, 700, 1000, etc, and purchased in the UK, will work with Thai ESRI maps? Dont want to buy an upgraded model only to find will not function in Thailand.

Thanks in advance.

THe 200 series definately work in Thailand, I would think they all will.

All garmin models will work here! All gps units will work here

The only thing you need to know is if the Thailand map will work with your unit.

4. The Zumo is a disaster, cannot be charged by the 12V system, and battery only lasts 4 hours, bought new battery

same problem. WEB search shows that everyone is bitching about the Zumo.

What is wrong with the Zumo? I use a Zumo 400 on my Yamaha scooter, and are very satisfied. It is connected to the 12V battery and is always fully charged.

The Zumo is water resistant, has a large bright display, is very quick to find the GPS satellites, even if many high rise buildings around. I connect an earphone to it and can follow the voice directions.

Before a trip I check places at Google earth or Google map and enter the coordinates in the Zumo. At night time and between busses and trucks - it gets me everywhere without any problems.

All garmin models will work here! All gps units will work here

The only thing you need to know is if the Thailand map will work with your unit.

Yes, thats what i would like to know if all Garmin Nuvi models will work with ESRI maps?

I am now looking at a Nuvi 760WT from UK, getting a good price on it.

I want Bluetooth hands free, plus its got MP3.

All garmin models will work here! All gps units will work here

The only thing you need to know is if the Thailand map will work with your unit.

Yes, thats what i would like to know if all Garmin Nuvi models will work with ESRI maps?

I am now looking at a Nuvi 760WT from UK, getting a good price on it.

I want Bluetooth hands free, plus its got MP3.

Nice unit, That's what I have

All garmin models will work here! All gps units will work here

The only thing you need to know is if the Thailand map will work with your unit.

Yes, thats what i would like to know if all Garmin Nuvi models will work with ESRI maps?

I am now looking at a Nuvi 760WT from UK, getting a good price on it.

I want Bluetooth hands free, plus its got MP3.

Nice unit, That's what I have

To Bpraim1:

Please – to put my question to rest – Will/should the Nuvi 760wt (purchased from UK) work with Thailand ESRI maps?

And my next poser

The specs I read for the Nuvi 760wt (from UK sellers) stated it cant do the GEOTAGGED PHOTO thingy. But researching other models on sale in Thailand, (I think it was 200 series Nuvi), they state it has the GEOTAGGED feature, yet the same 200 model from UK does not have the feature. Now I am not sure exactly what this GEOTAGGED stuff is all about, or if indeed is of any significant use, but the little I have read about GEOTAGGED makes me want to have this feature also.

Also, how do you input an address in Thailand when the address system is so messed up?

My thai Wife and I (ex UK), just ordered, and got from a Bookshop here in Ubon, the Garmin Nuvi 203w Entry level, and I had to get the son in law (Thai electronic wiz kid), to locate ''Home '' for me. It did , even found our home between two Soi's. It unfortunately opened initially in Thai language, and the setting up book is also in Thai. But now he has done it for me, it shows my exact spot, as it appears on google earth. And ALL is in English (US)!!! Fantastic. Go get one. Don

Edited September 26, 200916 yr by dontheturner

Please – to put my question to rest – Will/should the Nuvi 760wt (purchased from UK) work with Thailand ESRI maps?

Just purchase the ESRI Thailand Street Map V9.0, 4500 baht dealer price in Thailand, and have it installed in your Nuvi or transfer the map file to a microSD card. Yes, the ESRI map will work when installed in your Nuvi properly.

Edited September 26, 200916 yr by InterestedObserver

Buy one from E-bay with Thai maps. You can get one for around 3000 baht. I've had one for the past 3 years and have had no problems at all with it for getting around. I have used it extensively in and out of BKK. It uses iGO system.

Or just side load Sygic on an Android tablet or phone for free, great maps.

The sygic maps will work for a week before being deactivated. they are also not as good as the esri maps.

You can get a sygic andriod app that has been cracked to not expire maps but its a little hard to find and download now that the FBI is closing down all the file sharing sites

The sygic maps will work for a week before being deactivated. they are also not as good as the esri maps.

You can get a sygic andriod app that has been cracked to not expire maps but its a little hard to find and download now that the FBI is closing down all the file sharing sites

Took me about 10 seconds to find.

Every-time I mention this, I ruffle some feathers. I simply can't imagine having to use my phone for a GPS. The screen is too small and none of the maps are nearly as good as the ESRI Thailand map. Even the Garmin SEA map is much better than anything available for your phone. And yes, I understand that the phone is handy and easily carried in your pocket. I have used my phone GPS when walking and it is useful. When driving, a dedicated GPS is by far the best.

Maybe I am spoiled because I have four Garmin units and they are all very accurate and easy to use. I also have a Nokia phone with Nokia maps and an android phone with Google, Sygic and even Orux maps. None of the phone maps even come close to being as good as any of the Garmin units. For a time, I also had Garmin maps on my Nokia and although they worked, they are not so easy to use.

These smart phones are amazing devices but as of yet, there are no GPS mapping systems suitable for driving. Do yourself a big favor and buy a dedicated GPS unit that can use the Thailand ESRI map. As a side note, the latest Garmin V7.5 map has improvements but it still has outdated POI's and they lack the detail of the ESRI map. That said, the routing set to the fastest is better on the Garmin map then the ESRI map.

Every-time I mention this, I ruffle some feathers. I simply can't imagine having to use my phone for a GPS. The screen is too small and none of the maps are nearly as good as the ESRI Thailand map. Even the Garmin SEA map is much better than anything available for your phone. And yes, I understand that the phone is handy and easily carried in your pocket. I have used my phone GPS when walking and it is useful. When driving, a dedicated GPS is by far the best.

Maybe I am spoiled because I have four Garmin units and they are all very accurate and easy to use. I also have a Nokia phone with Nokia maps and an android phone with Google, Sygic and even Orux maps. None of the phone maps even come close to being as good as any of the Garmin units. For a time, I also had Garmin maps on my Nokia and although they worked, they are not so easy to use.

These smart phones are amazing devices but as of yet, there are no GPS mapping systems suitable for driving. Do yourself a big favor and buy a dedicated GPS unit that can use the Thailand ESRI map. As a side note, the latest Garmin V7.5 map has improvements but it still has outdated POI's and they lack the detail of the ESRI map. That said, the routing set to the fastest is better on the Garmin map then the ESRI map.

My Galaxy Tab phone has a 7" screen, hardly too small for a GPS unit.

I have Syngic and iGO Myway which both work well.

SpeedNavi comes free in the box with the Galaxy Tab.

Garmin Streetpilot is available for Android SE Asia.

Orux maps is not a car navigation system, but there are many map systems you can use in it, I like Google Terrain.

Edited February 29, 201214 yr by ludditeman

SpeedNavi uses the ESRI maps.

Edited February 29, 201214 yr by ludditeman

I simply can't imagine having to use my phone for a GPS. The screen is too small and none of the maps are nearly as good as the ESRI Thailand map

You're going to need a bigger phone with some better mapping software then.

Maybe I am spoiled because I have four Garmin units and they are all very accurate and easy to use.

Nah, just behind the times I'd say. Just had a look on the Garmin web site (I don't go there much these days, unlike a decade ago) and all they have is a Montana for 700USD that any Android phone with tons more configurability can match for less.

.. even Orux maps. None of the phone maps even come close to being as good as any of the Garmin units.

Orux or Locus from Android only has the Montana or Oregon to compare on the Garmin web site than can use any image based maps. The Android products are free to boot and can be configured to any map on the planet, from the Royal Thai Survey Dept to a paper plan scanned in with a camera phone.

These smart phones are amazing devices but as of yet, there are no GPS mapping systems suitable for driving. Do yourself a big favor and buy..

Check the Android market for GPS mapping systems suitable for driving, you'll be amazed. There's even a Car Home dock.

Coming from someone who only recently posted that he would hate his new Android touch phone before it arrived, a bit rich offering advice methinks! No feathers ruffled here btw, just trying to teach an old dog new tricks ;-)

@ludditeman: do you use the Galaxy for navigation or just sporadically to find your way around? I have iPhone/iPad and whenever I travel, I take Garmin with me. Even if I love the apps and functionality of Apple, I find Garmin much more effective and reliable for navigation. This may change, but ....I've been saying this for the last few years and I still use independent GPS unit (instead of PDAs).

Edit: font change

Edited March 1, 201214 yr by moris

Orux or Locus from Android only has the Montana or Oregon to compare on the Garmin web site than can use any image based maps. The Android products are free to boot and can be configured to any map on the planet, from the Royal Thai Survey Dept to a paper plan scanned in with a camera phone.

Check the Android market for GPS mapping systems suitable for driving, you'll be amazed. There's even a Car Home dock.

Coming from someone who only recently posted that he would hate his new Android touch phone before it arrived, a bit rich offering advice methinks! No feathers ruffled here btw, just trying to teach an old dog new tricks ;-)

This old dog was forced into 2012. I went reluctantly. I still don't much care for touch screen phones because choosing one that can fit in your pocket means the the keys are still too small for me to comfortably use. My fat fingers often hit the wrong key when using text functions. The manual keys that actually click when pressed work better for me.

The android operating system is pretty slick and that was a pleasant surprise for me. Image based maps? No thanks, I'm definitely not into map building and as long as my GPS tells me what direction to go, that suits me just fine. No way would I go on a trip with just my GPS enabled phone. In fact, when I am driving I shut off my phone. I don't want the distraction from getting a phone call.

I don't have a tablet, but I would guess that the touch screen keys are easier to manipulate because they are much bigger and the screen is bigger than necessary for viewing a map. That's nice but a tablet won't fit in my pants pocket.

I used to say that if you want a decent camera, buy a camera. I don't say that anymore because the phone cameras are simply amazing as far as quality pictures. Will there come a time when the phone GPS gets as good as a phone's camera? That is entirely possible but that time has not come yet.

There's an interesting article/video on CNBC's Friday web site edition of Mad Money explaining why Garmin's stock price has risen strongly as of late, despite it's car navigation products decline in market size and iPhone popularity. Garmin have quite a few other useful inventions for niche areas that are winning products.