Can someone please explain the difference between a dedicated GPS system like a Garmin, as opposed to something like an I pad with built in GPS. A friend who has the I Pad says the GPS will only work as long as they are subscribing to a certain internet provider. However, AFAIK a Garmin doesn't need any kind of wireless internet connection and will work straight out of the box.

Dedicated GPS systems like Garmin have maps, and other required information (lane assist, POIs, toll-booths), within the system so no need for a data connection, just a need to "see" satellites.

Other devices like tablets and smartphones can either use off-line mapping applications - like Sygic, as one example, where you download the map, and any other detail available, to the device so that you would not need a data connection. Other mapping/nav. apps like Google and Nostra offer on-line solutions and thus would require some sort of mobile data (2G/3G) connection, assuming that WiFi was not available.

Dedicated GPS systems like Garmin have maps, and other required information (lane assist, POIs, toll-booths), within the system so no need for a data connection, just a need to "see" satellites.

Other devices like tablets and smartphones can either use off-line mapping applications - like Sygic, as one example, where you download the map, and any other detail available, to the device so that you would not need a data connection. Other mapping/nav. apps like Google and Nostra offer on-line solutions and thus would require some sort of mobile data (2G/3G) connection, assuming that WiFi was not available.

Thanks for clarifying. I assume that Sygic costs money?

Dedicated GPS systems like Garmin have maps, and other required information (lane assist, POIs, toll-booths), within the system so no need for a data connection, just a need to "see" satellites.

Other devices like tablets and smartphones can either use off-line mapping applications - like Sygic, as one example, where you download the map, and any other detail available, to the device so that you would not need a data connection. Other mapping/nav. apps like Google and Nostra offer on-line solutions and thus would require some sort of mobile data (2G/3G) connection, assuming that WiFi was not available.

Thanks for clarifying. I assume that Sygic costs money?

Yes. Currently 19.99 euro.

But they do have buy one get one free as an Xmas promo

sent from my Q6

After a few months using my iphone for navigation I am getting quite desperate to get a GPS for the car. I miss the spoken instructions, I don't like having to reset to 'use present location when I drive wrong or run into a diversion. Sometimes for a short trip you have 10 or 20 turnings, I can't push the 'next' button in a tricky street traffic situation.

In my opinion Garmin has the best maps for Thailand. I also find the dedicated GPS a lot more convenient to use. Modern Garmin GPSes are equipped with better receivers than tablets and lose signal less often.

And yet

I've found the Samsung Galaxy Tabs to be almost perfect for hiking in the jungle and road navigation.

The 7" tablets come with free trip navigation.

Hiking and trail biking can be done using free software like Maverick or Orux Maps, both of which can download and save maps for offline use (using wifi).

I've also used garmin products, screens are too small for trekking, etc.

Satellite acquisition, the same as Android devices.

Garmin is also way overpriced.

And yet

I've found the Samsung Galaxy Tabs to be almost perfect for hiking in the jungle and road navigation.

The 7" tablets come with free trip navigation.

Hiking and trail biking can be done using free software like Maverick or Orux Maps, both of which can download and save maps for offline use (using wifi).

I've also used garmin products, screens are too small for trekking, etc.

Satellite acquisition, the same as Android devices.

Garmin is also way overpriced.

Do you have to be connected to an internet provider?

I purchased a Garmin GPS, good proucts, also now i beleive you get lifetime updates on maps

I purchased from Eagle in PP

And yet

I've found the Samsung Galaxy Tabs to be almost perfect for hiking in the jungle and road navigation.

The 7" tablets come with free trip navigation.

Hiking and trail biking can be done using free software like Maverick or Orux Maps, both of which can download and save maps for offline use (using wifi).

I've also used garmin products, screens are too small for trekking, etc.

Satellite acquisition, the same as Android devices.

Garmin is also way overpriced.

Do you have to be connected to an internet provider?

No.

Garmin is just too expensive (upper models), if you have an iPhone or iPad or an Android device with GPS.

iPhone / iPad GPS accuracy is much better than other devices, including standalone gps devices.

If you plan to buy tablet into car and use Sygic on Android / iOS, make sure you have space for mounting it in your car. Don't think you can mount 7" or bigger tablet on Windshield, it will block your view. Best size for windshield mount is 5", which can be a cheap Android phone with GPS module (Chinese phones start from $150 for 5" or larger size).

Or, you can buy a 5" Garmin-Like standalone gps that can mount on windshield easily, starting from $50-60 usd (without maps) up to $90-100 usd.

I have 5" WinCE Standalone GPS device that also records 720p video (120 degrees wide angle, captures everything). It cost me about $100 bucks.

If you plan to buy tablet into car and use Sygic on Android / iOS, make sure you have space for mounting it in your car. Don't think you can mount 7" or bigger tablet on Windshield, it will block your view. Best size for windshield mount is 5", which can be a cheap Android phone with GPS module (Chinese phones start from $150 for 5" or larger size).

I have a 7" mounted on my windscreen, no problems, you can also mount them from your ventilation grill.

I prefer Android over Garmin for both turn by turn spoken navigation such as Sygic (can even be side loaded at no cost). Also remote area scouting using image maps offline using GPS software such as Orux (my favorite) or Locus - all of these do not need data connection. For general location fixes Google maps which requires an Internet connection. A decent screen and improved satellite fixes (latest Samsung all use GPS/GLONASS so twice as many satellites) trumps any similar priced Garmin devices for me and I got all my devices (phone and pocket PC) all in one.

And yet

I've found the Samsung Galaxy Tabs to be almost perfect for hiking in the jungle and road navigation.

The 7" tablets come with free trip navigation.

Hiking and trail biking can be done using free software like Maverick or Orux Maps, both of which can download and save maps for offline use (using wifi).

I've also used garmin products, screens are too small for trekking, etc.

Satellite acquisition, the same as Android devices.

Garmin is also way overpriced.

Sent from my Desire HD using Thaivisa Connect App

Hiking with a tablet??? You've got to be kidding me, are you hiking in the garden? What about pouring rain or snow? As a secondary GPS for planning the route at the campsite it is good if you have means to recharge but on the trail?

Many tablets and smartphones have a dedicated GPS however they often work using the assisted gps> Many Samsung smartphones and taqblets thaqt aqre sold in Thailand..(Official thai sales) come with Speeidnavi software, THe Speednavi software is the esri Database and is the same as the garmin sold in THailand. SpeedNavi also provides updates for one year free and for about 800 baht a year after.,

I had garmin until the unit went up in flames along with everything else in a car fire.

Now I have Mediatek tablet that uses powermap Z9. 5 inch screen. Very clear picture. No need to access internet. It cost me 3,000 Baht from Tukom. Plenty of other makes and models available too, if you look about. With varying prices.

It uses windows embedded CE version 6.

Can be used to play music, movies (not too well), has excel, powerpoint, internet explorer, wordpad etc.

One major problem with it is that it is quiet on the directions, but I use an amplifier. You can also amplify it through any in-car cd player that has an input jack.

I had garmin until the unit went up in flames along with everything else in a car fire.

Now I have Mediatek tablet that uses powermap Z9. 5 inch screen. Very clear picture. No need to access internet. It cost me 3,000 Baht from Tukom. Plenty of other makes and models available too, if you look about. With varying prices.

It uses windows embedded CE version 6.

Can be used to play music, movies (not too well), has excel, powerpoint, internet explorer, wordpad etc.

One major problem with it is that it is quiet on the directions, but I use an amplifier. You can also amplify it through any in-car cd player that has an input jack.

Will it overide music if you use it through a CD player?

Hiking with a tablet??? You've got to be kidding me, are you hiking in the garden? What about pouring rain or snow? As a secondary GPS for planning the route at the campsite it is good if you have means to recharge but on the trail?

7-11 give me a free tablet protection weatherproof cover with every purchase.

Will it overide music if you use it through a CD player?

I have a bluetooth radio/player in my car. It connects to my tablet when it gets in range automatically, speednavi overrides all other sound sources, except the phone.

I had garmin until the unit went up in flames along with everything else in a car fire.

Now I have Mediatek tablet that uses powermap Z9. 5 inch screen. Very clear picture. No need to access internet. It cost me 3,000 Baht from Tukom. Plenty of other makes and models available too, if you look about. With varying prices.

It uses windows embedded CE version 6.

Can be used to play music, movies (not too well), has excel, powerpoint, internet explorer, wordpad etc.

One major problem with it is that it is quiet on the directions, but I use an amplifier. You can also amplify it through any in-car cd player that has an input jack.

Will it overide music if you use it through a CD player?

As Tommo says above

If set to give maximun detail you will hear a lot of directions cutting into the music and make the music not worthwhile.

I had garmin until the unit went up in flames along with everything else in a car fire.

Now I have Mediatek tablet that uses powermap Z9. 5 inch screen. Very clear picture. No need to access internet. It cost me 3,000 Baht from Tukom. Plenty of other makes and models available too, if you look about. With varying prices.

It uses windows embedded CE version 6.

Can be used to play music, movies (not too well), has excel, powerpoint, internet explorer, wordpad etc.

One major problem with it is that it is quiet on the directions, but I use an amplifier. You can also amplify it through any in-car cd player that has an input jack.

Will it overide music if you use it through a CD player?

As Tommo says above

If set to give maximun detail you will hear a lot of directions cutting into the music and make the music not worthwhile.

In my opinion Garmin has gone backwards. I listen to music and Audible books on my older Garmins. They will interrupt the book or music when they give spoken directions. The older Garmins will play Audible books, music, have FM transmitters and 3.5 mm jacks to plug into your car stereo and/or speakers. I have no idea why Garmin decided to eliminate these features. Both the Nuvi 750 and the Nuvi 855 have those features.

Unfortunately I have found no acceptable Thailand map for my Android phone. Google maps work well in the US but unfortunately not here in Thailand.

I had garmin until the unit went up in flames along with everything else in a car fire.

Now I have Mediatek tablet that uses powermap Z9. 5 inch screen. Very clear picture. No need to access internet. It cost me 3,000 Baht from Tukom. Plenty of other makes and models available too, if you look about. With varying prices.

It uses windows embedded CE version 6.

Can be used to play music, movies (not too well), has excel, powerpoint, internet explorer, wordpad etc.

One major problem with it is that it is quiet on the directions, but I use an amplifier. You can also amplify it through any in-car cd player that has an input jack.

Will it overide music if you use it through a CD player?

As Tommo says above

If set to give maximun detail you will hear a lot of directions cutting into the music and make the music not worthwhile.

In my opinion Garmin has gone backwards. I listen to music and Audible books on my older Garmins. They will interrupt the book or music when they give spoken directions. The older Garmins will play Audible books, music, have FM transmitters and 3.5 mm jacks to plug into your car stereo and/or speakers. I have no idea why Garmin decided to eliminate these features. Both the Nuvi 750 and the Nuvi 855 have those features.

Unfortunately I have found no acceptable Thailand map for my Android phone. Google maps work well in the US but unfortunately not here in Thailand.

Google maps work here with a side loaded hack. Lomo has a S3 pm him.

sent from my Q6

Google maps work here with a side loaded hack. Lomo has a S3 pm him.

Whats the difference in Thailand between Google Maps that is available from Play Vs one with side loaded hack?

Google maps work here with a side loaded hack. Lomo has a S3 pm him.

Whats the difference in Thailand between Google Maps that is available from Play Vs one with side loaded hack?

The side loaded one works on navigation.

sent from my Q6