Which maps for use with Explorist 500 & Laptop

[Courts InSession]

Hey there guys just got a few quick questions for you.

Im looking to set myself up with a gps system in my 4wd for an upcoming trip the the red center and the gulf! Originally I had planned on using a desktop pc connected to a gps mouse and an lcd screen. Im leaning towards buying a magellan explorist 500 in place of the gps mouse so that I can use the gps when out on the boat and hiking.

Im happy with my hardware selections I am just unsure about what maps and software to use. Oziexplorer looks like the software of choice, seems it can be had for between $100-$130 quite readily. No problems there.

I can't decide on what route to take *pun* as far as maps are concerned. I was looking at the great desert tracks cdrom. Now am I VERY confused about this product mainly due to the price difference at several online stores. Prestigecommunication http://www.prestigecom.net.au/defau...subcat=Magellan and this sites online store both advertise it at $235 yet you can buy it for $75au here: http://www.gpsoz.com.au/mapping_products.htm

Is there any difference between the product on gpsoz and prestigecommunication? Besides the fact that the cheaper one also comes with a copy of oziexplorer lite I cant see any difference at all. Please fill me in !

Also been looking at the discover australia software, how comprehensive are the maps in outback regions of qld and the NT? Will it be in as much detail as the great desert tracks? I don't think the great desert track software really covers all of the areas that I want to travel so im leaning towards the discover aust software, but if the desert tracks is in more detail and its only $70 I would consider purchasing both.

Look forward to hearing any comments you guys have.

Regards
Brad

[The Duke Of Earle]

There is no need to lug a complete PC around with you in your car and let it take up room in your vehicle when going across Australia.

Have a look at the Magellan eXplorist XL it is compact and mounts to the winscreen and plugs into the cig lighter socket.

It has a high res colour screen that is very easy to read and it hold full topographical maps within the unit viewable on the screen.

It has SD expandable memory so even a large trip the unit can easily store bread crumb trails and waypoints along the way without running out of memory.

You can get a great FREE interface (software) to connect it to your PC that is awsome and shows all the topo software in 3D.

It is very easy to use and has everything in the palm of your hand.

Sure take your laptop but leave it off while offroading then each night dump the info into your laptop if you want to.

You will only kill your Hard Drive if you go offroad and leave it on. The only way to be sure is encase the Hard Drive in a gell cell or put like shocks on it.

I have used this unit and its software on many trips and it has everything. I have also used 1:250,000 raster maps in oziexplorer and the resolution is crap and you have to lug to much gear.

Please have a look at this GPS and software you will not be disapointed.

[Courts InSession]

Thanks for the reply, the XL is well and truly out of my price range. I didnt plan on taking a gps on the trip at all but I had this pc sitting here and was wondering if it was feasable. I really cant see why it would fail if everything is well mounted and cushioned as you mention.

Looking at a magellan meridian 500lm from the states as I think setting up the computer is too much effort, should come in under $250. I would like a way to dump photos and so forwarth on the trip, im sure i'll come up with something.

[myilux]

Try this website,
http://www.thegpsstore.com/
They are a us based site and post worldwide. I looked at 2 magellen exp 600's plus car mounts, plus 12v plugs, plus bike mounts,plus cases. I is going to be $550 for each unit delivered to me.

The only diff to one from a shop here is the internal map database, and discoveroz software fixes this prob and you would have to buy the discoveroz software anyway.
Rob

[The Duke Of Earle]

Is that US dollars at $550 because if it is not it is $705 Aussie dollars then $300 for aussie topo software which come to the same price you can buy it here in Aus.

[Courts InSession]

That would be delivered to him for $550. The explorist 500lm is $240au + postage, would still come in way under the price you could pick one up for here, even if postage was another $100 or so.

[Auscgu]

I hava a Explorist 600 and a Toshiba laptop, and love both in the car as the GPS is great for the breadcrumb trail and backtracking.
The GPS has the Magellan DiscoverAus streets and tracks software loaded.

The lap top runs oziexplorer and the Natmap 250k raster maps loaded (2003) version as my laptop struggles witht the new version.

The large screen on the laptop is great as you can view the maps and cover a large area.

The ability to see place names ect as you travel adds a whole new dimension to touring. The only problem is mounting the lap top so you dont have to support it while 4wd.

My next investment will be a car computer and touch screens to streamline the process.