Re: Garmin GPS
Hi all
I recently bought a GPS too, thought I'd share the experience.
I took the path less travelled -- didn't know better -- and bought a Packard Bell. See:
GPS > GPS Compasseo > GPS COMPASSEO 600
Overall, the GPS was a god-send since I have poor navigation skills, and bad memory for road names. Now I don't have to curse at road directories, or annoy friends asking them where on earth we are going to meet. Am quite happy with the purchase, so if you are looking for a GPS that's a little cheaper than the usual brands, you might want to consider this as well.
What I liked:
1. Price: SGD788, cheaper than Garmin
2. Physical look: Slick design; looks good on my E90. I like it better than Garmin's looks
3. Bright screen, clear voice
4. Complete Singapore map, Johor and KL maps
5. Good search function, esp by postcode
6. Good traffic info: ERP, speed cameras, etc.
7. Additional useful features: petrol stations, restaurants, churches/mosques/temples
8. Very quick route re-calculation if you deviate from suggestion
What I am ok with:
1. Signal acquisition time: usually about 3-5 min
2. Reasonably accurate positioning
3. Route planning: sometimes very efficient; other times rather silly with convoluted routes
What I disliked:
1. Ugly software interface: interface designed by local company with zero aesthetic sense. Perfectly usable; just not nice to look at
2. The voice command sometimes confuses between left and right turns (graphics showed right turn, voice said left turn)
3. SG and MY maps are separate; if you travel up north, you have to switch maps. Sure it is a 1 min job, but a little annoying
4. User friendliness can be improved upon
Cheers.