anyone using satmap?

[02GF74]

this little baby; looks like GPS which uses OS maps?

but a bit pricey at close to £ 300.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3402117/Trail/searchtext>SATMAP.htm

are there any other GPS (tomtom, navman etc that display OS map?
also with the sat map, does it do road names/navigation type stuff like what car satnavs do?

 

[biking_fox]

I don't use it yet. But I've been following it with interest because it looks liek a really lovely toy.

There have been some concerns over battery life with it, maybe later releases have sorted this.

It does both 1:50k and 1:25k OS maps - which you also have to pay for, another £300 per region! thanks OS that's my tax money you get twice, once for collecting the data, and then again to let me see it. grr. anyway.

There is one other GPS that does maps. The latest garmin version does. But only 1:50k. - probably sufficient for cycling, but not so useful if you are also going ot take it walking.

Neither of them are satnavs, and don't do road names, have voices or give directions, although you can program in routes and way points.

 

[02GF74]

's what I thought. If you use OS maps, then this looks like a nice toy;

an alternative is a GPS watch and a map, not so convenient and not ideal if it rains but a lot cheaper.

 

[spence]

Have used one these for about a year or so (actually owned by a friend). He had one of the first batch which had some battery and software issues - the unit would still consume power when switched off, their advice at the time was to remove the batteries. Also there was no pc connectivity at first even though they stated it could.

These issues appear to have been resolved. The origional unit had to be replaced under warranty due to the screen giving up, lots of lines appeared. They also supplied the new style battery and software update.

To use, it's not as intuitive as some systems and can be a bit frustrating. You just have to take a bit of time to learn how to follow the options. RTFM....

Having the OS map on screen and it tracking your movements is very good, it saves that little bit of having to get the map out just to check every things still OK as I tend to with a traditional GPS (have a Garmin Etrax Legend). One thing that does bug me is the fact when you switch it on it always goes to the center of the loaded map (Leicester for the souther half of the UK) rather than the last or indeed your current position.

The carry case is very good but the handle bar mount was a pain to fit and remove. Also don't know if the screen protectors they sell are worthwhile. Water gets between them and the actual screen. The staff have always been helpful when talking to them on the phone.

Overall, don't know if I'd shell out the extra cash for one over a traditional GPS and a map.

S.

 

[ufkacbln]

Brilliant piece of kit!

I use this for touring and it does all that is required - the maps being considerably cheaper than the Garmin options.

The only drawback is that the GPX export is not as detailed as the Garmin, so when commuting I use the Garmin 305.

 

[HJ]

this little baby; looks like GPS which uses OS maps?

but a bit pricey at close to £ 300.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3402117/Trail/searchtext>SATMAP.htm

Argos is rather expensive, this site is £50 cheaper...

 

[Rob S]

It's bloody brilliant.

The Satmap users community currently lives here:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=133