Technology
 

The plan is to buy a unit here and get used to it and get maps installed before we go so it will be Aussie centric.

Paul it has now become somewhat of a point of honour?? that I can claim to never having actually owned my own mobile phone. They have all been company phones so I don't pay any bills and get free upgrades as needed.

Probably it is more that I'm no techno-dweeb so if I follow the technical trends for any gear, I'm 3 - 4 years behind.

Don't doubt some of this stuff can be useful but it's just not me. We've probably only had our big Sony TV for a year but have to admit I'm hooked on my boy's Battlefield 3 game and playing on the 55" screen is a buzz, even if play this badly.

Anyway when I can tear myself away from the shoot up stuff I just build stuff and enjoy the shed life ala below -

Before - 12 May 2012

Attachment 20782

After - 6 August 2012

Attachment 20781

Would admit I'd wished my brother and I had just made a better choice of boat to buy but when we couldn't move it on again, I just rolled up the sleeves and got on with tearing out all the rotted gear (read almost all of the main boat area and transom).

The best thing about finishing off the powerboat is that I'm committed to then working the cobra over to completion - OS travel jaunts aside!!

Plus I can go fishing when I have no better leisure options to choose from - life's tough - ho hum!!

Slo

Slowy, having a company phone either means you have one of those horrible Blackberries or iPhones (poor soul), or it's Android - which is unlikely.

I know I'm starting to bang on a bit here, but as Les suggested, you can pickup a Nexus 7 tablet for $299. Press the icon for the navigation app with your index finger and from there it's the same as a dedicated unit. :D

Is your son playing BF3 on xbox? Grab a headset and jump in a squad with some of his mates, that's when the real fun starts.

You can even get one of these to stick it to the windshield.

Paul

I have a Nokia which is sufficent, I knocked back a Blackberry, and a laptop and I can live with its size so I see no value in replicating either item.

So it's a GPS for me at this time.

As to BF3 yes it is on xbox and I use the youngest bloke's disk as he is less fussed about how his kill - death ratio rapidly diminshes when I get on the system.

And yes have worked in a three man squad with my middle son playing on his game in his room with one of his mates also in the squad. Good fun when you are communicating and reacting as a team.

Slo

Slowy you are working on the wrong type of transport!

You'd think that. Pick the wrong time to refuel and it's a bit like the Battle of Britain trying to get to a pump with queues out onto the street :mad: On the bright side a little man does the actual refueling and cleans the screen :3DSMILE:

Cheers

Apple will have their own map/navigation system with the introduction of iOS6 in mid-Sept. Not sure about world wide usage.

Apple - iOS 6 Preview - Maps

Went the whole hog and have bought a Garmin Nuvi 3590LMT.

Will buy and download the UK maps shortly to add to the package.

Just need to use the beastie now and get use to it.

Thanks all for the advice, even if I didn't listen to some in the decision process.

Cheers

Steve

I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Next decision is mounting options...personally I use Garmin's friction mount and my missus uses Garmin's weighted friction mount. Never been a fan of windscreen mounts, screams of 'come steal my GPS'. I think I got mine from GPSCity in the States though I believe you can get them in Oz.

Cheers

Krait:

" Next decision is mounting options...personally I use Garmin's friction mount and my missus uses Garmin's weighted friction mount. Never been a fan of windscreen mounts, screams of 'come steal my GPS'. I think I got mine from GPSCity in the States though I believe you can get them in Oz."

Have been hesitant to use the GoPro adhesive mount for the video camera on the dash, since if desired it would be a challenge to remove. The suction cup mount will not adhere since the dash surface is less than 100% smooth, simulated leather.

Garmin's weighted friction mount.....your opinion whether the mount, if modified, would hold a GoPro video camera ?

Another source for mounts:

About Us

I wouldn't use the Garmin friction mounts for a camera, great for a GPS but they aren't stable enough to prevent camera shake.

In my gallery there are pics of a video camera mounted to my rollbar, worked fine. The mounts are from Ram Mount and they do specialised mounts for GoPro. If you need to get closer to the screen then perhaps one of their suction mounts will work.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

A comment...

I had a Garmin Nuvi, and it was a great GPS, but had it in the Cobra at a BBQ in the middle of summer - left it in when we parked because we could see the car.

When back in the car, the GPS booted, then died. The battery actually melted! And Garmin would not repair because the manual says 'do not leave in the sun' - a product 'designed' to mount to a car windscreen! (and replacing the battery did not work).

So always remove them from the Cobra.

Another alternative, did not check on the availability of international mapping/navigation options:

CoPilot Live GPS Navigation for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile and Laptop

The first time I had a navigation system was the factory installed device in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. While satisfied and meets my needs, I don't have a comparison to other options. Not implying it's the best or better than others. Awaiting when Apple releases their own mapping software in mid-Sept to determine if there are new and unique options.

Have used the GPS a few times in the XR8 and the standard mount is fine for this car. Will be interesting to see how it goes in the Avis "Pug" I think the wife has booked.

Anyway uploaded UK maps last night onto the GPS so all set to get thoroughly lost now. SWMBO is still going to bring some paper maps though.

Only ten more sleeps before we ship out!

Tom Tom have released a 6inch screen. Only $220. I've always liked Tom Tom.
The only problem I've had was, I exchanged it after a month, then when I tried to get my free map update, It didn't recognise the new unit.:mad:
JD

I use the Tom Tom iPhone app with earbuds in the Cobra and on audio streaming on the other car. It seems pretty good.

I found my UK sim tonight, all packed to board the plane tomorrow.

Suggesteed navigation device
 

I convinced myself to do a first post, so I thought I save some money on navigation system.

My Satnav

I have a little Satnav

It sits there in my car

A Satnav is a driver’s friend

It tells you where you are

I have a little Satnav

For almost all my life

It does more than the normal one

My Satnav is my wife

It gives me full instructions

On exactly how to drive

“It’s thirty miles an hour” it says

“And you’re doing thirty five”

It tells me when to stop and start

And when to use the brake

And tells me that it’s never ever

Safe to overtake

It tells me when a lightis red

And when it goes to green

It seems to know instinctively

Just when to intervene

It lists the vehicles just in front

It lists those to the rear

And taking this into account

It specifies my gear

I’m sure no other driver

Has so helpful a device

For when we leave and lock the car

It still gives me advice

It fills me up with counselling

Each journey’s pretty fraught

So why don’t I exchange it

And get a quiter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house

Makes sure I’m properly fed

It washes all my shirts and things

And - keeps me warm in bed!