Best GPS for $150-$250

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  [Deactivated] on 17/05/2012 - 21:10

  tomtom via 160 0r 180 /220 is good, saw @ dicksmith Chadstone store for 120$ - VIA 160 model

  Other, GARMIN 1390T (m using) been over yr, happy with a purchase.I paid $240 but these days saw at goods guys around 160$.

  Both are good model & reliable.

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  [Deactivated] on 18/05/2012 - 11:32

  A while ago, I read TomToms are (or soon would) be changing their map system. i.e. You used to be able to install new maps into a TomTom that was years old. TomTom are/were going to change that. (Did/have they? I don't know.) But that was enough for me to scratch them off my list. Also, the best map deal I've seen from TomTom is a few years. I've read online you can download pirated maps, but I've never come across them.

  From time to time Garmin have a lifetime maps offer. So if want one of those, wait until they offer that - and then buy.

  Then there's "yum-cha" (chinese no-name) brands selling on ebay - where they give you a link to download maps for free. These are usually cheaper, plus have features the name brands don't have for the price.

  Side note:

  If you find out that one you're considering buying runs the Windows CE operating system, you might be interested to know you can install third-party software on a memory card (the one I know of is called Miopocket). Then you can run software that runs on Windows CE, on your GPS. For example - you can play video files on long trips for kids, play games. I don't think Garmin runs Windows CE. I know (at least some of) the chinese ones do.

  Maybe have a read on www.whirlpool.net.au - you might find someone that has recently purchased a chinese one, that talks about downloading their maps, or playing with Windows CE.