GARMIN nüvi 1300 LM 4.3" GPS Navigation with Lifetime Map Updates

My brother has this unit in the U.S., it is only a few months old, and he is getting a new car with integrated GPS. So he asked if I wanted it for use here in Thailand. (I would also use it trips back to the U.S.; ~ five or six times every year for ~ 4 - 7 days each visit.)

Any comments on this unit?

I understand I will have to purchased Thai Street Maps for 2,000 baht, and some features may not work. Are there any other drawbacks?

How challenging it is to re-flash the firmware in these units? I have worked with gaming systems (Wii, PSP)and Android phones, so a reasonable amount of experience. Or are there shops here which can re-flash a unit?

1. The Garmin 1300LM with Thailand Street Map v12.0 NT [Eng] installed would make a good, basic auto-routing GPS without any bells and whistles.

2. Flashing to another firmware is a risk you have to be willing to take. You could end up with a dead GPS. MBK Center, Bangkok has a number of GPS shops on the 4th floor that will to do just about anything for the right price.

3. If you go reflashing the firmware, you probably will negate your lifetime maps available with the US firmware version.

Edited December 11, 201114 yr by InterestedObserver

I have two older Nuvis, a 750 and an 855. Both have Audible book capability. I listen to the books every trip. New models no longer have this feature so no way I am going to buy a later model.

I think you'll find that the Thai V12 map will work fine on the 1300. You will have no junction view but that is apparently only useful around Bangkok anyways. My 855 has junction view but won't work with the Thai map. I have no problem navigating easily and accurately anywhere in Thailand.

I have considered trying to flash the firmware but I think it is too dangerous for the limited benefit even if it did work.

ADDED - I wouldn't even consider buying the Garmin SE Asia V7 map. I wasted the $99 and found the map is sadly lacking in routing and new roads. I took it back off my 855.

Edited December 11, 201114 yr by Gary A

Thanks InterestedObserver , I've found the relevant forums so it seems like flashing is pretty straight-forward as is finding and adding maps. Another platform to learn and hack I guess.