While going thr'u forum, it seemed that Garmin was the most talked about GPS system, mainly because most of users are expats and Garmin is known worldwide.

So I left for a kind if mkt. survey and to my surprise,I found other brands (e.g. Leona-520,522,545 & ) which provide additional features & reasonably cheaper than Garmin. E.g Leona 522 gives

Screen - 5" screen

CPU - SiRF IV, Dual core, 500Hz

Navigation - SpeedNavi SQ Union, TTS (by ESRI), more localised & user friendly than TSM V10/10.1

OS - Microsoft Win CE 6.0 core version

Multimedia - Photo,audio & video

Others - Blue tooth & AV-in.

It's price is around 12,000 THB while another GPS brand (forgot the name) with similar functions/features

but 4.3" screen costs around 10,000THB at MBK.

Also Garmin dealer (at MBK) said that just like local brands, Garmin sets are also made in China and TSM V10.1 navigation is relatively less user friendly than SpeedNavi SQ Union. may be he gets less margin to sell Garmin I guess...~

So considering the fact that Garmin is worldwide, the most popular but the it doesn't has above mentioned features under the same budget, I am in a fix decide which way to put hands on.

Any opinion from experienced user or tech savvy fellow shall be greatly admired.

Thanking you in advance

regards..~

As for me, it all goes down to map availability, as well as it's detailedness and accuracy, and from my experience using Garmin in a few countries, I can say that Garmin maps are excellent.

The GPS is only as good as the map installed. While there are at least three good routable maps of Thailand out there, ESRI Thailand Street Map seems to be the best for overall automobile use. If you are trekking, cycling or 4-wheeling then you may have different requirements for the map.

I don't understand what "more localized & user friendly" means. What is more user friendly than following the route automatically laid out by the GPS; ESRI is a Thailand based company with locally developed maps; and as far as locating addresses in the English language goes, there is a basic spelling/translation problem that is not the fault of the GPS hardware.

GPS pricing is another subject. Do you really need all the bells and whistles available on the newer models. A perfectly good, basic Garmin can be purchased for under 9,000 baht, latest ESRI map included.

Edited July 23, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver

Agree with the above - mostly the map is the key (points of interest, map updates....). Availability of the worldwide maps (Garmin provides maps for most of the countries around the world) . Also consider after sale service.

The cheapest Garmin (nuvi 205) costs 4.900 THB (including Thai map).

Thanks everybody...........!!

ESRI actually makes both navigation software i.e. TSM (For Garmin) and SpeedNavi (local/other brands).

Now what I need is a simple and reliable device that can guide me safely while traveling with my family.

Garmin model range seems wider and a bit complicate. E.g.

- Nuvi205 costs 4900 and Nuvi 205w costs 7900. Just this 'w' puts a mark-up of 3000THB??

- Nuvi 200w which seems older version than 205w is actually more expensive 8900THB???$#&^$&^#%@*&^!(@#&~_!@)!*+*e$!@$^%!*@%#*(@%&

If I just buy Nuvi 205 with TSM V.10.1, would that be enough?

thanks mates~

I have a Nuvi 205 with TSM v10.1 and it gets me nicely from point A to point B anywhere in Thailand. Never been lost, even in the heart of Bangkok. Be prepared to play around with it locally before taking any long trips to unknown destinations, takes some getting used to using. You should also get the optional Portable Friction Mount accessory so that you will not be bothered by the suction cup, which can be a pain to use.

Edited July 23, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver

I have a Nuvi 205 with TSM v10.1 and it gets me nicely from point A to point B anywhere in Thailand. Never been lost, even in the heart of Bangkok. Be prepared to play around with it locally before taking any long trips to unknown destinations, takes some getting used to using. You should also get the optional Portable Friction Mount accessory so that you will not be bothered by the suction cup, which can be a pain to use.

Oh yes, make sure the Garmin dealer installs the English language map for you.The Nuvi comes with both Thai and English maps on a ESRI CD, most local retail stores will have the Thai map installed.

Edited July 23, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver

@ InterestedObserver

Thanks for your all opinions.

Can your share a bit more information on how important is to have:

1."Junction View" in GPS for a beginner in Bangkok? Nuvi 200 and 205 don't support it.

(Junction view by TSM 10.1 currently covers only Bangkok)

2. Screen size to be 4.3" (Nuvi 205W) and not 3.5" (Nuvi 205)

(I guess screen size may not be that important if one generally follows voice instead of display view)

I am planning to buy 1 set from a supplier I contact at "Alibaba.com" and then I'll but TSM10.1.

The overall cost is coming considerably cheaper. (Perhaps after sales SVC may be an issue if I don't but whole set locally)

regards

@ InterestedObserver

Thanks for your all opinions.

Can your share a bit more information on how important is to have:

1."Junction View" in GPS for a beginner in Bangkok? Nuvi 200 and 205 don't support it.

(Junction view by TSM 10.1 currently covers only Bangkok)

2. Screen size to be 4.3" (Nuvi 205W) and not 3.5" (Nuvi 205)

(I guess screen size may not be that important if one generally follows voice instead of display view)

I am planning to buy 1 set from a supplier I contact at "Alibaba.com" and then I'll but TSM10.1.

The overall cost is coming considerably cheaper. (Perhaps after sales SVC may be an issue if I don't but whole set locally)

regards

W means Widescreen

I recently bought the 205W from Gadetrend in BKK (7900 bath). Free shipping to Pattaya, latest English/Thai maps for Thailand loaded. A complete English manual was sent to my e-mail address when I asked for it (promptly).

I am very happy with the 205W and service received from Gadetrend so far.

@ InterestedObserver

2. Screen size to be 4.3" (Nuvi 205W) and not 3.5" (Nuvi 205)

(I guess screen size may not be that important if one generally follows voice instead of display view)

I don't agree, I saw both model's before buying. Go for the W model as you will look at the screen (yes can be dangerous) when driving and the bigger the faster you get the "picture".

For me when doing the first trip with the 205 on the dash board, its like a magnet, you can't stop looking at the screen all the time, he-he, like if you see a very beautiful woman on the street (almost).

When you are getting used to the GPS unit, you just glance at it from time to time.

Igo maps which are used by mio and I think can be installed on Iphone are far superior to the garmin maps.I use garmin in Thailand and Europe and the errors are uncountable.Sending you over dirt tracks,while avoiding unpaved roads is enabled,showing exits and streets that don't exist or ignoring existing streets,error in routing etc.

Igo maps which are used by mio and I think can be installed on Iphone are far superior to the garmin maps.I use garmin in Thailand and Europe and the errors are uncountable.Sending you over dirt tracks,while avoiding unpaved roads is enabled,showing exits and streets that don't exist or ignoring existing streets,error in routing etc.

That's the problem with having such a highly detailed map, dirt tracks may not be suitable for everyday use. You could try the 'Faster Time' instead of 'Shorter Distance' setting which tends to keep you on major roads.

Igo maps which are used by mio and I think can be installed on Iphone are far superior to the garmin maps.I use garmin in Thailand and Europe and the errors are uncountable.Sending you over dirt tracks,while avoiding unpaved roads is enabled,showing exits and streets that don't exist or ignoring existing streets,error in routing etc.

That's the problem with having such a highly detailed map, dirt tracks may not be suitable for everyday use. You could try the 'Faster Time' instead of 'Shorter Distance' setting which tends to keep you on major roads.

It is set to faster time,the problem is that garmin is crap.In my hometown, where I actually don't need a Gps because I know the way ,I tried it out also and the routes it creates are amazing.Opposite my fathers home is a dirt track which ends up to nothing but you should see how many heavy transport is routed into that street.All of them with a Garmin gps.

Here in Thailand I experience constantly that it tells me to turn right or left where there even isn't a soi.Even on the elevated tollway Chonburi-Bangkok.

Edited August 24, 201015 yr by basjke

basjke,

Then my suggestion is to buy a Mio GPS, which you think so highly of.

Igo maps which are used by mio and I think can be installed on Iphone are far superior to the garmin maps.

Edited August 24, 201015 yr by InterestedObserver

Before I buy the new Garmin 1250 with ESRI Map from Gadgetrend I look for some others in Zeer Market. Sorry, but it was all shit, the most of them give up when I asked for change Language to English, Input address was the second problem and a few stop working and beeping immedialy...

8.000 Bath for a properly working Garmin with one Year Map-Upgrading is a good deal. I don't want save 2.000 Bath and get choleric...