GPS Buying Tips

[Barry]

I've got the Garmin Nuvi 1255, works fine for me so far and it's only about RMB 500 including delivery!

[corporal_clegg]

I've got the Garmin Nuvi 1255, works fine for me so far and it's only about RMB 500 including delivery!

Cheap but doesnt really cut the mustard. 4 hour battery... not water proof

[Pat]

I used the Nuvi 1255 and was pretty happy with it - a few other options you might make sure the device has:

1. Avoid highways - (should be simple checkbox - some devices don't have this)
2. Route loading - load a preprogrammed route and then follow (the Nuvi 1255 doesn't have)
3. Waypoints - pick a destination, and then pick a second destination to drive through (partly makes up for not being able load routes)
4. Chinese input/English interface - can enter and search for cities in Chinese - with a pinyin or drawing characters
5. Experiment with the GPS tracking if you want to save where you've been - there may be file size limits. I got around this by saving copies of each day's riding and starting from scratch the next day.

On battery life - it's probably straightforward to wire it into your bike - which I'd recommend. Odds are you'll end up sleeping in places where you can't charge overnight (or at all).

As far as just using a cell phone - I used an iPhone 4 with 3G - hoping to use it on the road to get online, check weather, and use the GPS (which is great when it works) - but as soon as I hit rural areas, I had no service - and in western cities, when I did have service, there was still no 3G. As best as I can tell, China Unicom's network is pretty spotty - I also had a (cheapo, dumb) phone with China Mobile, which was much better.

[corporal_clegg]

so the gps is reliant on the phone network? I would've thought it independant. I would not be getting 3g, just using a normal sim and hopefully be able to get gps and wireless in starbucks or at home.

[td_ref]

so the gps is reliant on the phone network? I would've thought it independant. I would not be getting 3g, just using a normal sim and hopefully be able to get gps and wireless in starbucks or at home.

A-gps has faster fix getting some bits of date from cell tower. But my a-gps phone is adjusted to get gps signal without network but take longer for fix.
for 3g as far as i know china telecom has best all round signal and coverage. but their 3g standard is incompatible with 3g iphone and "grey" imported 3g phone which only compatible with china unicom联通.
The best coverage would be 2g china mobile, you can't go wrong with that. and there are some offline gps software one of which i have mentioned at previous post.

[slabo]

so the gps is reliant on the phone network? I would've thought it independant. I would not be getting 3g, just using a normal sim and hopefully be able to get gps and wireless in starbucks or at home.

Nop, gps relies on a clear view of the skies only.

[corporal_clegg]

td_ref is fixing just the initial pin-pointing or does it constantly "re-fix" as you move. I'm considering the samsung s5770, seems to be the bare essentials which is kindof all I really want. My current phone is an 100RMB nokia so you may assume that I am strictly practical and don't care for super-high resolution and what-not. What do you mean adjusted. Is this something special on your phone or can it be done on any phone?

[td_ref]

td_ref is fixing just the initial pin-pointing or does it constantly "re-fix" as you move. I'm considering the samsung s5770, seems to be the bare essentials which is kindof all I really want. My current phone is an 100RMB nokia so you may assume that I am strictly practical and don't care for super-high resolution and what-not. What do you mean adjusted. Is this something special on your phone or can it be done on any phone?

I don't know much about GPS technical infor, but it's fair to say the signal is one- way radio, and built-in chip does all the calculation for coordination with ranges of accuracy. The initial fix take some time, but after that it stay on, unless sky is blocked by building, tunnel (more infor can be easily found on internet) cause weak signal or completely lost. Technically a unit only need 3 satellite for fix, but I normally gets 8 and more satellites which consider as strong signal.

Long story about my usage of mobile phone, i'll keep it short. In a bright sun light, only B/W LCD is readable in good level. But all my colleague used to despise me for using a 200rmb b/w Nokia, which the only good ring tone to them was "Do you hear me when I say..." sing by a female.
Anyway about the 5770, it doesn't have auto-focus camera. FYI link of that Shenzhen taobao seller, they have some more samsungs. Bear in mind those are 'grey' imports, but genuine.
p.s. grey imports means the phone doesn't have mainland warranty--the seller does repair. No Fapiao. The irony was Samsung china offer inferior same level product compare to my Galaxy g3. Reminds me the powdered milk. Thank god not everything is made in China. SZ is next to HK which has much pretty decent stuff there......

[adfundum]

so the gps is reliant on the phone network? I would've thought it independant. I would not be getting 3g, just using a normal sim and hopefully be able to get gps and wireless in starbucks or at home.

Depends on which maps/service you use.
Google Maps for example requires a data connection to load and update maps, which can get pricey.
Ovi Maps (Nokia) allows you to upload any and all maps to your mobile phone/SD card through a PC with Ovi Suite software installed.

I have uploaded the maps for provinces and countries that I frequent most often (including speedcams and the like) and adjusted the settings on my C6 to stay offline while the navi function is active. You would of course need a data connection if you need live traffic/weather updates, but I'm not sure that traffic updates are available in China yet.

[andre555]

If I enable GPS at my HTC phone the battery will be empty in no time...
So you will need recharging/power supply possibilities an the bike - doesnt matter if you use a phone with GPS function or a standalone unit.
ChinaV posted about a simple DIY solution he installed:
--> http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...ing-it-charged

I oped for a plug and play setup I bought in Germnay, more expensive though, but more suitable for my skill- and mindset.

I use a Garmin Nuvi 100, simplest one I found at that time (4 years ago). It came with PinYin Map and update was easy through their Beijing office. It's not weatherproof - I take it of when it rains and just check the occasional crossing if needed. A simple plastic bag will give some protection as well - and who wants to ride in the rain anyhow. I'd try to avoid that