GPS units, IPad

VMS poor back up service and poor product.
HEMA for off road and keep the tom tom for the tar.
wished HEMA was as good on road is it is off road..
plenty of reports on either on any 4x4 forum

If you have an iPad with gps capabilities then get the hema maps app around $99 I think. You can run it in on an iPhone as well.

Don't get the cheaper Hema explorer one which is around $40 though as I reckon it is rubbish

Richard

Hi Chippie,

I have a 2008 Patrol and have mounted a bracket inside the little storage box at the top of the dash pod which holds my ipad. It is very effective and easy for me to see (getting older). As mentioned opt for the $99 digital maps and not the less expensive Explorer. However, do be aware that you need to buy the expensive (top of the age) ipad to enjoy the in built GPS. The cheaper models do not have the built in GPS. Ensure you ask prior to purchase (if you go this way). With the ipad solution I not only enjoy the digital maps with GPS (which are very accurate) I can utilse the many functions of the ipad including music, video, spreadsheets, books, magazines etc.
Cheers,

If you are not already committed to Apple's iDevices, you will find that Android devices are cheaper and you can get stand-alone GPS in a tablet, phablet or phone without going to top-of-the-line.

I find my Android tablet (an old Samsung, now outdated by current standards) quite the bee's knees as a navigator. And as a library. And as a music store. And as a communicator (email, web browser).

For a navigator on the tablet, I use OziExplorer for Android. I find it excellent.

If you're already an iPad user there is no reason to change, but if you're not there is no reason to be channelled toward Apple's iProducts. There are worthy alternatives in the navigation field that are as good or better.

Suggest you go a iPad or tablet over a double din unit
I have had both and the bigger screen is much much better and the ability to swipe around on the screen and zoom in and out is brilliant
With the double din I had to resort to paper maps for day planning but not with the iPad
I personally run an iPad with Hema app and are happy with it and also run a conventional navigator for street and blacktop work and find the two a good combo

Hi Chippie,
The iPad has another alternative called Memory Map. You do need the GPS version of the iPad, however. It is a free download from the Apps Store but you then have to buy the maps. It will also run on a Windows PC and on Android. When you purchase maps you can buy various licences. For example I usually buy the licence to run on two mobile devices and a PC. The complete set of Hema maps are available as well as all NSW, Vic., QLD and Tas., 1:25000 maps. The program comes with 1:250000 map of Aus. Tracks and routes can be transferred between iPad and PC.
The program does require internet access to use some of the maps, however you can "bulk download" maps so that connectivity will not be an issue. The Hema maps do not require this procedure. The program has the usual functions and in my experience will track you very accurately. It can be a little compromised in very hilly areas at times.
Overall I have been very happy with the application. I chose it over OziExplorer because having already purchased the iPad Ozi was not an option as it does not have an iPad version.
On visiting the UK last year I was able to download the UK base map which was very useful.
Of course the advantage of any mobile device is that it can be used out of the car and we all know how useful Google Maps can be.
Robert

I procrastinated about this decision for months, before son gave me an ipad excess to his needs, has gps etc . . . finally decided to go Hema 4WD Maps app and it's great.
The specialty maps cover a heap of great places (105 maps in total) but even the Aust wide 1:250k map is pretty good (this is the same as Memory Maps and others base map).

Also use Mapout for some other mapping / tracking, and the MapsME is also pretty good (and think it's available for android too) . . .

I'm a mapping program tragic (lol), besides Hema 4WD Maps, Mapout, and MapsME, also have Here Maps, PDF Maps, Memory Map, and even the little WikiCamps map is handy.

Just trying out Waze app for around town, uses location feedback form users to monitor and report on traffic snarls, and directs you most free flowing route.

Although I have a HN5i and use it all the time for outback trips it is totally reliable.
However I recently bought an iPad to travel overseas with. It has so many uses associated with travel it is almost indispensable. I traveled through France, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
I used maps.me that are so good. They zoom down to street level with street names and poi's for walking or driving one way streets etc.
Maps.me are free and held on the the device and move with the GPS, wifi is not required.
As for apps at international airports you can be notified about gate changes flight delays etc. like try asking these questions if you can find someone to ask at HK international airport. All the info is in your hand.
Go the iPad... it is so versatile. You never know where you may travel next year.