Buying GPS gear from overseas

[sp0radic]

I noticed that some people have bought GPS gear from US sites because it its cheaper. My problem with it is that it's a bit harder to claim warranty, plus I'm interested in the Magellan eXplorist XL Pack for about A$1199 and this comes with the GPsS, DiscoverAus Topo mapping on '512M SD card, Universal Mounting bracket, Cig Lighter Lead, and USB Data Cable and if I buy all of that separately from the US then get the maps locally I think I'd be up for about the same cost? Wouldn't I? I'd have to price it to see what the difference in price is.

[sp0radic]

The DiscoverAus Streets & Tracks Topo maps that come with the Magellan packs cost about A$379.

[sp0radic]

From http://www.thegpsstore.com
In US dollars:

Magellan Vehicle mt. bracket for eXplorist XL
$29.95
Magellan eXplorist XL
$329.95
Magellan 12v. lighter for eXplorist 400/500/600/XL
$16.95

Total: US$376.85

Total AUD$485.383 plus the DiscoverAus Streets & Tracks Topo maps $379= Total $864.38

OK, now that I've done the maths I can see that it is still cheaper buying from the USA. Adding delivery, with this example it looks like it would cost about $900 from the USA, but buying the maps locally, as opposed to about $1200 in Australia.

[myilux]

This is a good site,
http://www.thegpsstore.com/

This is the stuff you wanted
Magellan eXplorist XL
$329.95 1 $329.95
Magellan 12v. lighter for eXplorist 400/500/600/XL
$16.95 1 $16.95
Magellan swivel mounting bracket for eXplorist XL
$21.95 1 $21.95
GPS Outfitters Ultimate GPS case
$13.95 1 $13.95
Sub Total: $382.80
Regular Shipping: $9.80 THis Is to AUS
Grand Total: $392.60 USD

Thats $504 AUSD for what you wanted.

And DiscoverAus Streets & Tracks Topo - A$379

So i think $883 instead of

eXplorist XL Pack A$1199
with mapping, cables and new style mount ready to go
Now with even more features with the latest firmware!
See here for details.

eXplorist XL GPS
DiscoverAus Topo on 512MB SD card
- PC map viewing software here
USB Data cable
New design windscreen suction mount
12V Power Cable
4 * AA alkaline batteries

[sp0radic]

ha, we were both doing the same thing at the same time.
:)

[Grimsey]

do a dummy order and look at the postage, its not cheap... for my explorist 500 is was $80 US

[myilux]

Yep
I think if you bought one from the US, Magellan AUS would be pritty hard up not allowing warrenty claims when all you have to say is that you bought it over there when you were on holidays.

[sp0radic]

Is there anything particularly Australian or different about a GPS bought in Aus compared to one bought in the USA?

If I bought a GPS from the USA would it have any problems in Aus?

I guess the built-in maps would be useless.

[Peter @ Aawen4x4]

Some of the software fit-outs don't always match, and you can end up with a unit that either doesn't work too well here, or takes a fair bit to load up all the things that the locally sold units get as a matter of course, or in the worst case, you can end up with a unit that not only doesn't work too well if at all, but it has a 'continental USA only' warranty, but these are all things that can be resolved or clarified before you part with any $$$ Just do your homework and make sure that you are getting what you need for Aust and it is going to do what you think it will.

Lots of the accessories are unique to the area too, things like power packs and charging units, power supplies, map sets, etc. I have seen units that come with a continental USA programming pack and a full kit of accessories, and the only bit that worked in Australia was the OFF switch!! All easily sorted by doing your homework before you buy!!

[campdog]

If you are looking for a megellan handheld, be careful as the base map might be north american. You can still run them in australia but need the australian basemap to run detailed maps. I was lucky with my merridian platinum and downloaded a basemap before they were taken off the net. The only other way is to buy the basemap in aus, which brings the price back up.
All the accessories were a top price though.

[Grimsey]

If you are looking for a megellan handheld, be careful as the base map might be north american. You can still run them in australia but need the australian basemap to run detailed maps. I was lucky with my merridian platinum and downloaded a basemap before they were taken off the net. The only other way is to buy the basemap in aus, which brings the price back up.
All the accessories were a top price though.

nah thats not right, i have an explorist 500 which has north american base maps on it, but i can run the detailed explore aus maps with no issue at all.

[campdog]

nah thats not right, i have an explorist 500 which has north american base maps on it, but i can run the detailed explore aus maps with no issue at all.

Hello MR GRIMSEY - I think am right as I said meriddian Platinum and to run Discover oz CD version you need to have an Australian Base Map and a North american basemap is of no use on a MERRIDIAN PLATINUM with discover oz
Check with GPS OZ to double check.
If you buy an explorist 500 in Australia does it come with an Australian Basemap or Morth American Map. Even a world basemap does not heve enough detail.

[Grimsey]

Hello MR GRIMSEY - I think am right as I said meriddian Platinum and to run Discover oz CD version you need to have an Australian Base Map and a North american basemap is of no use on a MERRIDIAN PLATINUM with discover oz
Check with GPS OZ to double check.
If you buy an explorist 500 in Australia does it come with an Australian Basemap or Morth American Map. Even a world basemap does not heve enough detail.

mine has the north american base maps and no base map for Australia but i have DiscoverAus on a sd card which dose away with the need of the base map. it works so im happy. the merridian are old technology and they dont make them any more so you may be right for that type of unit. however the newer explorist as i said work fine without the base map running AussieExplorer.

[campdog]

mine has the north american base maps and no base map for Australia but i have DiscoverAus on a sd card which dose away with the need of the base map. it works so im happy. the merridian are old technology and they dont make them any more so you may be right for that type of unit. however the newer explorist as i said work fine without the base map running AussieExplorer.

I would still check with megellan or gps oz as the platinum isnt that old and maybe by not running an aus basemap the detail is not as good as it could be.
Before I changed to the aus basemap I could not zoom in too far and the detail was poor. with the base map only I had better street and track detail.
Ist aussieExplorer a type of basemap you run on your laptop.

If what you say is correct then I could upgrade with an american unit.
I saved heaps buying in the US but no base map concerned me last time.

[myilux]

mine has the north american base maps and no base map for Australia but i have DiscoverAus on a sd card which dose away with the need of the base map. it works so im happy. the merridian are old technology and they dont make them any more so you may be right for that type of unit. however the newer explorist as i said work fine without the base map running AussieExplorer.

Grimsey
I spoke to the guys at gpsoz today and the explorist will work with the american base map if you run Ausexplorer or discoveroz tracks and tropo, but when you zoom right out the map will not show any detail. Just the Australian mainland capital cities and no main roads. With extra software it will work fine closer in, You can get the aus base map put on it by Magellan in Perth for $300. I'm quite happy to not have a large map as long as i can see where i'm going for the next 1000 km's.
I'll be getting a 600 from the US and Aus topo maps and put the $400 left into my pocket thanks.

[campdog]

If you have a laptop just by a cheap GPS receiver for about $70.00 and run aussueExplore or Discover Aus and you dont even have to by a handheld gps at all.

[sp0radic]

If you have a laptop just by a cheap GPS receiver for about $70.00 and run aussueExplore or Discover Aus and you dont even have to by a handheld gps at all.

I've been thinking of doing that, but it isn't convenient to have a laptop connected and turned on continuously.

[campdog]

I've been thinking of doing that, but it isn't convenient to have a laptop connected and turned on continuously.

Your probably right there, so instead of a laptop maybe buy a GPS with the Aus base map and you wouldnt need to run a software program like others have to do.

[myilux]

Your probably right there, so instead of a laptop maybe buy a GPS with the Aus base map and you wouldnt need to run a software program like others have to do.

I think you may still need a software program for the laptop won't you? and the base map has mainly large roads and towns on it, thats why the discoverAus software was developed.

[Davo1]

mine has the north american base maps and no base map for Australia but i have DiscoverAus on a sd card which dose away with the need of the base map. it works so im happy. the merridian are old technology and they dont make them any more so you may be right for that type of unit. however the newer explorist as i said work fine without the base map running AussieExplorer.

I have a backup of the Aussie basemap for the meridian Platinum. Unsure of the legalities of uploading it though......... maybe you could PM me and take it from there???

[campdog]

mine has the north american base maps and no base map for Australia but i have DiscoverAus on a sd card which dose away with the need of the base map. it works so im happy. the merridian are old technology and they dont make them any more so you may be right for that type of unit. however the newer explorist as i said work fine without the base map running AussieExplorer.

What a load of BS grimsey, old technology,dont need a base map. If you dont need one then why are the australian models standard with a aus base map.
If you need to run a laptop or other software programs to work properly then you have old tecnology.
By not runnig a base map then you are not using the gps to its full potential.

[sp0radic]

From the Australian Magellan web site:

http://www.magellan.com.au/Pages/News.aspx?NewsId=20

11/28/2006 7:22:17 AM

Online Purchases - WARRANTY WARNING - Read this article to be sure your eBay purchases are from a genuine Magellan dealer, as some units may not be covered by Magellan's warranty.

Online Purchases - WARRANTY WARNING

PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING FROM EBAY

Buyers please note only Magellan products purchased through authorised Magellan online dealers will be covered by Magellan’s warranty.

Those wishing to purchase via eBay can check if the seller is an authorised Magellan dealer by calling Next Destination on 1800 644 033. Failure to do so may result in a ‘grey’ import being purchased. ‘Grey’ imports are often purchased internationally and illegally loaded with copyright material, that breaches Australian copyright laws. Under the terms and conditions of Magellan Navigation Inc. these units are considered ‘used and second hand’ and will not be covered by the manufacturers warranty, nor will any problems with software or mapping data on these units be supported. No legal Magellan representative in Australia will support these units.


While this method of distribution may be cheaper in the short term any faults will not be supported by Magellan or covered by Magellan’s 12 month warranty (free repair/replacement of faulty units within the first 12 months), regardless of what the seller may claim. Faulty ‘grey’ units seeking warranty will incur a flat repair cost of $485 plus freight.

We are aware of sellers offering ‘grey’ units operating from Bunbury and Preston (WA), and Greensborough (VIC). To verify if the seller is an authorised Magellan dealer please call 1800 644 033.