Some very valid points from bikerdoc and td_ref.

Avoid tolls is asking for trouble, as many regular G and S roads are wrongly identified as toll roads. Google Maps, and many other smartphone apps, operate the same as most off the shelf GPS units, they do not rely on data connections for position. Yes, they can use IP addresses and cell tower locations to provided location faster (aGPS), but the actual positioning is done via regular GPS. Some require full time data connections, some allow caching (storing) of data, and others do not need any data connection at all.

Bikerdoc, I followed an almost identical path as you, starting with Mapking, moving on to Garmin XT on pocket PC, and then to Android when I couldn't get decent map data for Garmin XT anymore. I'm surprised you're able to run XT on Android, if I recall, the only Garmin product on Android is a bundled app offered in Australia? How current is your map data for XT? I understand your reluctance with relying on a data connection, but these days, it's hard to find a spot in China that doesn't have service and the prices for data are super cheap.

The thread title is "Best gps for in China use" and I almost felt that HarbinSteve ended up choosing the worst possible option with an (expensive) iPhone, as Apple's new maps app is getting a lot of flack and Google Maps on the iPhone has always sucked. Fortunately, Google is back on iOS with an improved (I hope) maps version, td_ref has pointed out that AutoNavi is pretty damned good, and there are great options for weatherproofing the iPhone and mounting it to a moto. So in the end, HarbinSteve ends up with a sweet unit after all.

I think everyone can make valid arguments as to why their Garmin/Android/iOS device is "the best", but in the end, what makes it the best is your ability to figure out how to customise where you want to go. I'm unable to fathom why anyone would mount a GPS and then blindly follow it. Sure, there are times when you need to get somewhere, and following a GPS is a fast easy way to do it, but I think most motorcyclists are looking for adventure and the road less traveled. For me, planning the route is half the fun, as I usually look for the most fucked up roads between points when choosing my routes. The concept behind a GPS is to get you from point A to B efficiently, they do not take into account the enjoyment factor of a motorcycle. Thus I find it absolutely critical to pre-plan routes using Google Maps (for roads) Google Earth (for goat trails) and then combining the route files for the best results. I actually think the route planning software is more important than the GPS unit itself, and this is my main frustration with Garmin. You can do it, but damn it's slow, painful, and far from intuitive.

There are 3 things a GPS should do for you.
#1 Help you get where you're going.
#2 Track where you have been.
#3 Allow you to explore the unknown.

If you're not getting that out of your unit, try changing software or spend some time digging into the features.

Cheers!
ChinaV

P.S. Can anyone tell me if the new version of Google Maps on the iPhone will let you follow a KML file? To try it, open Google Maps and type the following into the search box: http://www.contactdi.com/map/077.kml If it loads a route, Google Maps will have taken a giant step on iOS.