GPS systems
 

I still have some GPS system questions!
I have been checking into different Garmin GPS systems but I m shocked by the price difference between the 'American' models with the 'Americas' basemap and the identical model with the 'European' basemap.
42nd street photo in New York is currently selling the Garmin GPS V (with the Americas basemap) for $389.00, (almost $900.00 in Berlin) the Garmin Streetpilot III with voice (also with the Americas basemap) for $669.00, (1500.00 in Berlin) the Streetpilot III colormap for $359.00, GPS streetpilot for 409.00, GPS III for 179.00etc....

All of these models are almost twice the price or considerably more expensive in Germany and I believe that they are identical except for the installed basemaps. What is the reason for that?

Question 1: Does anybody know if it is possible to order the Garmin products with the factory installed European basemap in the US. (Which would save a bundle.) And if yes, where.

Question 2. Since I can live without the Autorouting function and are mainly interested in the European basemap and Worldmap...do any of these models come without a factory installed basemap? I believe that the GPS V and Streetpilot III have factory installed basemaps. What about the other models? GPS III and 176C. What would the costs be for the asoftware that I need? (Detailed european map and Worldmap)

Question 3. Is there a discount retailer selling Garmin products in Germany/Europe?

I am sorry if these questions seem redundant or have been posted before... I admit that I still don't totally understand how all the different units work, despite spending a lot of time reading all the comments and suggestions on this site .

PanEuropean, thanks for your intelligent posting... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000004.html
I hope that someone out there can clear this up for me. Best regards and save travels to all of you,
Andreas

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 05 January 2003).]

1. You can get the American version and Map Source. Use the later the upload whatever maps you like onto your GPS.
2. You can get the III+, which has built-in maps and memory to upload your own from Map Source. It’s much cheaper since it doesn’t have the autoroute feature.
3. Sorry can’t help you there

Ask all you want, that's what this forum is for http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif.

Hope this helps.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

[This message has been edited by A.B. (edited 28 May 2002).]

A usa dealer will never have the rest of world basemap version.
Any new york camera shop makes it's prices look lower by charging ultra high shipping and handling fees. They are excessive in the usa, but to germany they could be astronomical, so be sure to check and make sure it's still a good price after everthing is added.
Also be warned if you ship a gps to germany you'll pay import duties on it, I think the rate is 20-25% of it's cost.

-ed

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Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com