Buy GPS System in US

higster

Is it worthwhile uying a GPS system in the US for use in Ireland...i.e. price difference, maps, work here at all? Thanks

Krusty_Clown

Well, there are quite a few considerations. Such as:
1) Voltage - minor problem these days, but still worth checking out
2) Warranty - what happens if things go wrong?
3) Basemap - A US device may use a US basemap, particularly Garmin devices (a basemap is like a base layer, upon which you install routable maps).
4) Maps - It will likely come with US maps, and not European maps (though some of the newer larger memory products are blurring the lines). If it comes with US maps only, then getting your hands on the European equivalents, could cost you up to $300.

But, yes, we use the same satellites as in the US, so it will show you where you are, as long as you have maps that describe where you are. Not too sure if any cost savings would outweigh the mapping concerns, but maybe someone else has some more experience.

desb

Krusty

I assume one way out of that is to buy a Garmin 370 which comes with US AND EU maps.

It seems to me that buying online from the US or UK is the best option. I have priced a 370 from Amazon.com in the US for €489.

This compares to the much lower spec 310d at Halfords for €469

probably best buy is the 370 from www.handtec.co.uk at €497

robinph

I got my Garmin from the US, via ebay, and it worked out at about half the price of if I had bought it in the UK and another €100 cheaper again than if I had bought in Ireland. That model didn't come with any maps anyway so the only difference in where you bought the thing was which base map it came with and as they are mostly pointless it wasn't an issue.

Krusty_Clown

desb wrote:

Krusty - probably best buy is the 370 from www.handtec.co.uk at €497

The 370 from handtec does seem like a better buy. I'm just wondering about the upgrade path for the maps. Would you need to upgrade the Euro maps, or the US maps individually, or both together?

As robinph mentioned, if maps aren't an issue, then buy your GPS device wherever you can find the cheapest price. GPS devices in Ireland continue to be a rip-off..

desb

I agree Krusty. I have checked out US ebay and it seems to be only about €50 cheaper than handtec. Also it is far to go for a complaint/refund. Also I see some negative ebay feedback because some people had custome duty charged on packages arriving from the US.

Now my latest thinking is to go for a Garmin in the 600 series. This is because I dont want to have to use my reading glasses to see the damned screen and Im hoping the widescreen would address that point.

The 670 would include US which I want but is €112 extra from handtec compared to the 370.

Now I am wondering whether there are cheap options to buy maps so that I could buy say a 610T and buy a map of US and Europe countries as I need then for less than the price difference between the 610T and 670 (i.e. €257)

Some Handtec prices converted to € for those interested:

Garmin 670 €609 UK/Ireland + Eur + US + B/ooth+Traffic+Speaks street names
Garmin 660 €470 UK/Ireland + Europe + Bluetooth+Traffic
Garmin 610T €365 UK/Ireland + Bluetooth+Traffic
Garmin 610 €352 UK/Ireland + Bluetooth
Garmin 600 €360 UK/Ireland

Garmin 370T €497
Garmin 360T €403
Garmin 360 €379
Garmin 350 €331
Garmin 310d €357
Garmin 310 €282