NUVI and T4A

[Ryan]

I've been looking for info on the use of T4A with NUVI devices for some time. Since I probably spend 90% of the 4x4's mileage onroad, I decided to rent one to try for myself. The bottom line is that T4A CAN and DOES work with NUVI devies (I'm using the 200). Frankly, given this fact, I see little point in buying a substantially more expensive unit like a quest/2 (unless of course you require backtracking) when the NUVI offers this offroad functionality.
It goes without saying that the NUVI will NOT autoroute offroad, but that is probably never going to be required.

My 2c
Ryan

[Rud-e]

Ryan, how could you? the Nuvi 200 is just not Mucho enough
isn't a 276 the minimum requirement?

[SimonB]

I've been looking for info on the use of T4A with NUVI devices for some time. Since I probably spend 90% of the 4x4's mileage onroad, I decided to rent one to try for myself. The bottom line is that T4A CAN and DOES work with NUVI devies (I'm using the 200). Frankly, given this fact, I see little point in buying a substantially more expensive unit like a quest/2 (unless of course you require backtracking) when the NUVI offers this offroad functionality.
It goes without saying that the NUVI will NOT autoroute offroad, but that is probably never going to be required.

My 2c
Ryan

Ryan. I'm not sure that anyone claimed that T4A wouldn't work on a Nuvi. After all T4A just a map image (and a mapsource based one at that)

Just to clarify your autorouting and offroading statements - a GPS with autoroute capability will autoroute ANYWHERE (on road, off road, in the middle of the ocean), as long as the MAPSET is autoroutable. So to say the Nuvi will not autoroute offroad is incorrect (no GPS can without the right maps).

In addition backtracking is not an offroading feature (just an additional navigation feature).

The reason people go for the Quest for offroading is that is is substantionally more robust (hence more suitable for offroading), a lot more powerful (feature rich), and is more suitable for use out of the vehicle.

Just as an aside, I don't own either.. I have a Legend Cx, mainly because I can't afford 3 (actually 4) GPS's for the usage I need (and I don't need a whopping great big screen.

[Rainer]

Hi Ryan,
I have had the Nuvi 350 approximately 18mths ago and am still extremely happy with its capabilities and functions.

I have the Europe Mapset, SA Topographic and the SA Streetmaps loaded. I was in Germany recently and having the portability and the large screen really made it a worthwhile investment. Recently I downloaded a sample of the T4A mapset and I overlayed them on the Garmap Topographic maps and indeed it seems that there is more 4X4 route detail available on the T4A product.

Once I have my new 4X4 vehicle, I intend investing in the T4A maps as well, so if you purchase the maps before me, please give me feedback on how compatable it is with the Nuvi functions.

[jdjoubert]

Hi Ryan,
I have had the Nuvi 350 approximately 18mths ago and am still extremely happy with its capabilities and functions.

Once I have my new 4X4 vehicle, I intend investing in the T4A maps as well, so if you purchase the maps before me, please give me feedback on how compatable it is with the Nuvi functions.

Like SimonB said... T4A is just an immage. So the only function you have with the nuvi and T4A is zooming in and out. You also need to switch off the SA mapset otherwise the outo routing gets VERY confused.

My Nuvi 360 is a dream, only the trackback function that is not included I am not very happy about, but then again I dont go THAT deep into the bush as to not be able to get my way back home again. (Table mountain is usually always in view)

But I would also opt for a more rugged unit if I was spending more time in the bush than on road.

[Ryan]

Hi everyone and thanks for the replies.

Simon, the consensus view amongst the "experts" is that T4A may or may not work on NUVI's. Reading between the lines I sense that this opinion has more to do with "turf protection" than anything else. There are many people out there who end up buying the comparativley fiddly Quest/2 because they think that it offers better offroad functionality.
For MY purposes, (i.e. I am happy to go where others have been rather than venture into the complete unknown), a NUVI with T4A loaded completely meets my needs. Backtracking, as you suggest, is useful when you're venturing into new territory.

Also, to clarify: The NUVI will try and autoroute, BUT remember than you can switch the "offroad" feature on and in that case it will show essentially a straightline from one point to another. Also, T4A is NOT autoroutable.

Another point on T4A: a useful feature is that the tracks have commentary added, so it will say "very rocky section" etc, so at least one can make a choice before venturing down a particular route.

Bottom line for me is that since these technologies will become substantially cheaper and feature filled with time (consider that the Quest 2 initially sold for 8.5k and is now at 6k)I'd rather opt for a devide which offers the most practical and user-required features. Prior to the introduction of T4A, a quest would probably have been my choice, but with T4A, NUVI makes sense.

[SimonB]

Simon, the consensus view amongst the "experts" is that T4A may or may not work on NUVI's.

Yeah, everyone is an expert - all the people I know who have Nuvi's all have T4A working OK

Reading between the lines I sense that this opinion has more to do with "turf protection" than anything else.

You're probably right but I'm not sure this will have come from AVNIC (at least not AVNIC CT), probably only the dealers.

There are many people out there who end up buying the comparativley fiddly Quest/2 because they think that it offers better offroad functionality.

True, but it does offer greater general functionality (and they ARE more robust)

Also, to clarify: The NUVI will try and autoroute, BUT remember than you can switch the "offroad" feature on

Is that what its actually called on the Nuvi? The others you just disable "follow road".

T4A is NOT autoroutable.

I never said it was.

At least you're asking questions of other's advice, and making your own informed decisions. It's a matter of what works for you.

If I had the bucks, the 276 would by my next choice of GPS (never even considered the Quest, ever!

[ToyPiet]

I am also looking at buying a GPS and are also looking at the NUVI but one thing I have heard a lot is that the Quest is more off-road orientated because it is more robust/waterproof, and that you should only buy a Quest if you do 4x4ing.

I can understand that the Quest will be better suited for motorbikes, bicycles and so on, since it will be in the open and getting dirty, but since the GPS is mounted inside the vehicle, it shouldn't really matter.

or am I missing something?

[SimonB]

Quest is more off-road orientated because it is more robust/waterproof, and that you should only buy a Quest if you do 4x4ing.

or am I missing something?

Quite simply, waterproof = dustproof... enuf said

The things that put me off the Nuvi series are:

• Cannot store tracks
• Cannot store routes
• Pathetic number of waypoints

To me these are vital in terms of my usage of a GPS, and are (other than robustness) the things that make the Quest, 276 and eTrex's much more suitable for going into the bush (I'll refrain from using the term offroading).

Just as an example, you drive into the sticks, and find this awesome waterfall. Yeah, you have a Nuvi, and store a waypoint. So know you know where this amazing waterfall is. The problem is you found this waterfall after some exploring and you can't find your way back to camp because you took all those strange tracks (most of which led no-where). Even if you have your camp as a waypoint, there's a bloody great forest in the way... Moral? Trackback can be VERY useful

Ok so you knew you didn't have trackback and it's not an issue because you found your way home. Having trackback implies a more important feature, the ability to store tracks. But anyway, you want to visit that same waterfall next year. Ok, so you've saved the waypoint from last year, but you don't know how to get there because you don't know which track you followed. Not only that, you would have liked to tell Tracks4Africa about this lovely new waterfall (after all, you ARE using their product). The problem is you can't because you don't have a track log. Moral? Track logs are essential

Another scenario... You want to go from Cape Town to Niewoudtville via Eselbank (yeah its on your autoroutable map), but you haven't a CLUE how to get there. So you plug in Nieuwoudtville as a destination and woohoo, off you go - the problem is it's all the way on the N7. You first have to route to Eselbank, and then route to Nieuwoudtville, and I bet you a months wages the Nuvi will take you from Eselbank via Clanwilliam. Why? you guessed it.. the Nuvi doesn't have the Auto sort multiple destinations facility which provides the most direct route. Now with the Quest, you decide your route at home, Nieuwoudtville to Eselbank to Wuppertal (all as one route). Super, you select the route you programmed, and off you go. You can even edit that route on the fly...Wow!. Moral? Routes are a VERY nice to have

Final scenario, but one that is less important. You're on a 3 month trip around South Africa, with geocaching in mind, with loads of other nice places to see, and you have LOADS of waypoints... sh*t, I can only upload 500 of then. Damn I have to take my laptop to upload the rest... Moral? 500 waypoints is not nearly enough

I apologise if I'm being flippant, but there are very good reasons why the Quest is the preferred GPS. I've tried to highlight a couple. Go ahead and buy the Nuvi if you want to save a little money because you think those features are not worth the money. If money is really an issue there are cheaper Garmin GPS's who have ALL the required features for going into the sticks, for a couple of grand less than the Quest/2. Ok they may not have voice guided routing (just alarms) and they've got slightly smaller screens.

Use it, don't use it...

[Hoffie]

Holy cow Simon, that is what I call layman's terms. But detailed description for the newcommers.

[Ryan]

Hi Simon,

Great post, thanks. I'll not be a T4A contributor for now, simply supporting them by paying for the CD.

A quick look at your scenario's from the perspective of a T4A loaded NUVI:

1. I'll be driving into sticks previously visited and carefully detailed by other drivers (hence it will be on T4A). So no chance of getting lost, assuming I follow the T4A tracks

2. As I said, not contributing to T4A for now and will look up the feature on the T4A map

3. The NUVI does provide the option of "fastest time" or "shortest distance" when autorouting. But you're right: route editing and pre-planning on the NUVI is not an option. However, you can, ahead of the trip, find various destinations and note them as places of interest and then route there from wherever you are on a given day on your holiday travels. I,. for example, have searched for Hennops, and selected it, so come Sunday, I'll be autorouted to the entrance gate.

4. Ja, Nuvi has limited waypoints, but I think the average user will find them sufficient. And the balance can be saved onto your PC. Unfortunately few of us will be lucky enough to take 3 month trips.

Thanks again for the post, you almost had me thinking about buying the Quest2!
Ryan

[Rud-e]

Hi Simon

I agree with you .......BUT only if you go on serious and alot of trips. Alot or most of the guys buying these units never use them properly and if you got a quest in your car and travel alot of blackstuff and offroad is a the odd dirt road, then you are being a .................. Sofar I have been happy with a map and compass (bit old school), but i am waiting for the next generation GPS. toughness and functionality of the quest with the NUVI interface and screensize, and there is nothing stopping them doing it now, afterall it is just software, we have seen this will cellphones

for now I will wait a while.... , I believe we will see a significant price drop before christmas and also some cool new models.

[SimonB]

quest in your car and travel alot of blackstuff and offroad is a the odd dirt road, then you are being a ..................

I think that's just a little unfair. Is that what you do? A lot of blackstuff and offroad is the odd dirt road? If so, then why are you driving a Jeep 4x4

I'll not be a T4A contributor for now, simply supporting them by paying for the CD.

Hehe... you gotta be careful though... GPS's are powerfully addictive toys!! Just ask JeepOnly

4. Ja, Nuvi has limited waypoints, but I think the average user will find them sufficient. And the balance can be saved onto your PC. Unfortunately few of us will be lucky enough to take 3 month trips.

You'll be amazed at how many waypoints one can collect and use.. ... photo locations, where that special bird was, a few geocaches etc etc.

Thanks again for the post, you almost had me thinking about buying the Quest2!
Ryan

A pleasure but it's not my intention to persuade you to buy a Quest at all. I'm just trying to make you (and anyone else) aware of what a GPS like the Quest can offer, and that you will be happy with the your choice... not thinking, damn I wish I could record tracks (or some such) ...

[Rud-e]

I think that's just a little unfair. Is that what you do? A lot of blackstuff and offroad is the odd dirt road? If so, then why are you driving a Jeep 4x4

for the same reason why other people drive a Jeep 4x4
yes alot of black stuff just like the rest of the people here and you included. (or do you drive just rough stuff ) and around 3000km off road a year (weekend and week trips). so until i have a dedicated 4x4 the jeep will have to do ,and it will be rigged to do both

as for the GPS I am sure it is addictive and i nearly bought the quest sa, but i am convinced that garmin can do better and they will, for less, look at the trend over the last 6 months. roughly a 2K drop

PS, i hear you going to be a daddy, i suppose you just found out, congrats

[JeepOnly]

... you gotta be careful though... GPS's are powerfully addictive toys!! Just ask JeepOnly

...

GUILTY AS CHARGED 8) And loving every minute of it . . . .

[ToyPiet]

Thanks for all the info, it's great, but not really helping, because now I don't know which one to buy!!

[JeepOnly]

Thanks for all the info, it's great, but not really helping, because now I don't know which one to buy!!

Hi ToyPiet.

Waiting for the latest model GPS is like waiting for the next cellphone or PC. . . . You will never buy one if you have to wait for the next better model.

When I started looking into GPS, I was actually quite certain that it's a waste of money and it does nothing more than a R30,00 map book. Now I look back and wonder how (or actually why) I ever waited so long. It takes a hell of a lot of stress off you when you need to see a few clients on a daily basis.

Just my advice, but get in car and go buy yourself a Quest SA, you will not regret it.

[Ryan]

ToyPiet

If you want to:
1. have a tracklog
2. backtrack-only really needed if you are going to venture where no other person has been
3. Will go off tracks shown on T4A maps
4. Want to create new tracks and contribute to T4A

Buy a Quest

If not, the Nuvi will be great!

Remember that like most technologies, these garmins WILL come down substantially in price and their functionality will improve as well. If you're willing to wait 12-18 months, I am almost certain that you'll pickup a NUVI type interface with the functionality of the Quest (bactrack, tracklog etc).

Why not just rent from Kevin Bolton to see what you're happy living with. I am currently renting the Nuvi200.

Ryan

[ToyPiet]

One of the main reasons I like the Nuvi is because of the interface/touchsrceen and the screen is bigger than the quest. Maybe I should wait until they bring out a Nuvi with Quest functionality.

Regarding the price, I think the price of dedicated GPS modules will go down a lot in the near future since GPS is now becoming part of cellphones. You can already get the Nokia with the GPS but they say it is n bit slow. But then again how much of the functionality of dedicated GPS will be available in the cellphone models!

[Hoffie]

Remember that like most technologies, these garmins WILL come down substantially in price

Don't be fooled, the price of new units will never come down. The price will come down of older units when they are being fased out. I also have this scenario: "lasers will become cheaper over time". No sir, to develop newer technology costs money in research and development and will be more expensive. Manufacturing materials and cost are also always going up. Follow JeepOnly's advice and buy one now if you need it.