hi y'all
just thought id share a note. just my opinion but also some info for those wondering or interested.
i live shanghai and just bought a m/bike.wanted a sat nav,cos i have always used one and never know where i am. also it gives petrol stations,banks,etcetc. now that said i also wanted to have some kind of permanent recording device cos of all the accidents i have heard about and the stupid a.holes who throw themselves infront of you in order to score some coin.

i had no intention of buying english language cos all the chinese ones are way cooler more tech and loads cheaper. i have a chinese wife (from england,not ''bought'' here) so she can help with the main lang.problem and i thought if i needed help i can ask. i know now this is stupid but i looked at the new stuff and to be honest . 7 years ago i bought a ken wood ddx dvd unit and touch screen outfit for my beemer. it was 6k but it was better,faster and more hi tech than the ones today.now as tech evolves i was astounded at how basic the modern hand helds are.

anywho. i went to the shop next to me. ''buy now '' and looked about for a camera recorder and sat nav. and as it happened the best option was a GARMIN NUVI 2565.
this has a sat nav in english, with a chinese map and a hd camera attached that can be mounted to the back or separated. the english does not support 3d or split screen junction view. or voice control. but it comes with chinese map installed so you can swop.
http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/on...vi_2565_sg_my/

now heres the clever bit....
1. my chinese wife wrangles with the owner and got the "foreigner weekend" price down to a "local weekday" price. 1500y from 2300y
2. i also argued to get a 2gb card with english maps installed for 50y. other shops offered free but he went and obtained the ($115 extra) latest version map.
3. i registered in china. which ment i could get free lifetime upgrades
4. reg here meant the very new china map. with INCLUDES 3D MAPS AND JUNCTION. and voice control. is available. reg in your home country and it isn't even listed.

so now i just load up in english on the english map. save my choice. swop to china map (2 presses) then start off on my journey. get pretty split screen images and 3d guiding. speed camera alerts and i can still type and operate in english. cooool
i powered it with a simple city lighter adapter fitted directly to the battery 5min job.

the camera is great. you can adjust the size from 320 .640. 1080. and it has sound....it is small (about 2 inches square)robust and powered by the unit. it has an onboard 8gb micro sd card.
IT MARKS THE VIDEO WITH...DATE..TIME..SPEED
i took the mount from the car bracket and attached it just under the speedo and above the front light. as soon as you turn it on it starts to record. you can watch your drive(but i recommend looking at the road. wee bit safer) or you can leave it alone and wait till you need it or not.

both units are pressure mounted to pop on and off.

extras are a waterproof box for it and a mount from taoao. maybe $20 and a cigy adapter $4.
the only thing i had to do was extend the cable to the camera. it is micro sd. but has a 6cable shielded core with a 2cable shielded included. not available. but simple snip .electrical tape and some tinfoil and tada. one extended cable..

it works well and the map option is cool. you can even plot your trip on your pc and then update it to your garmin. by, lat n long. address. city . etc etc

if you want pics or video i can provide.