I came across some news that the GPS market is changing. I’ve been selling a Kogan Five in One GPS unit for quite a while now, and you’ve seemed to like it.
But it seems the way people use GPS devices might be changing. Let me know what you think. Do you prefer stand-alone devices or GPS that is integrated into other devices like a mobile phone?
We've sold a lot of the Kogan GPS units and the feedback has suggested that people appreciate the ability to play a range of media on it -- and do things other than just navigate. Would you prefer a smaller, dedicated navigation unit or are you happy with this approach?
Join the discussion...
Pete says...
I certainly know a few people who are happy with the GPS/Phone but there's still a place for a GPS with a readable screen - for my use I need to be able to look at a map now and then. You aren't going to get that in a phone form-factor.
The only thing missing from the Kogan GPS that I can think of is Bluetooth.
Posted at 8:36 p.m. on May 11, 2008
Matt says...
Hi, i use GPS's alot for many different things, one thing that i have become aware of is that thoes that have no real use for a gps and just want it to show off get one combined with a mobile, but the problem with them is they crash and lock up alot and need to be rebooted. I belive they try to do too much in a phone.
I bought a PDA with a built in GPS and wireless networking running windows. this is great for traveling overseas to find hotels and where to eat. also I am not restricted to the applications that come with the device, so I can use my own mapping software.
The other use I have is for digital photography. some digital cameras and many other devices can take the GPS (NMEA) output. I think there is a real need for a low power, very fast, very small GPS. no screen required.
Posted at 12:01 a.m. on May 13, 2008
Ruslan Kogan says...
Hi Pete, sounds good! What sort of bluetooth features were you after? Do you want it to sync with other devices, or to your computer?
Posted at 3:08 p.m. on May 13, 2008
David Hancock says...
Hi Pete, I do a fair bit of travelling and use my GPS all the time when I'm on the road. I don't know much about your GPS, but the features I like (on my TOM TOM) are that it is a touch only screen - no dials to worry about. Also, all the additional info ie arrival time, speed, time to destination, direction, time etc are all at the bottom of the screen and I don't have to look everywhere on the screen to locate different features. Sell one like this and you will be on a winner. ta david
Posted at 5:39 p.m. on May 13, 2008
frank says...
hi pete,
i agree with dave
Posted at 9:26 p.m. on May 13, 2008
Brian says...
GPS and phone combined results in a screen too small to read with ease,
12 Centimetres is a minimum, anything 15 centimetres or more is great.
Maps should also include river and creek names.
Posted at 1:42 a.m. on May 14, 2008
Brad says...
All the views I think are great. I myself have never used a GPS device but have been thinking about getting one soon. What I would be looking for is detailed country maps, not just cities. Bluetooth to be able to become a hands free device for my phone. Again. not using one before, but if it was able to download trip information to a pc would be something that I would like too. That way I can use the logs at tax time. :)
Cheers,
Brad.
Posted at 3:09 p.m. on May 15, 2008
Dan says...
How about some reviews from people that bought the Kogan GPS ?
Posted at 2:23 p.m. on May 16, 2008
Steve says...
I'm with Dan , how does the Kogan GPS shape up.
Posted at 9:18 a.m. on May 18, 2008
Reg says...
Added feature to GPS. Car equivalent of a black box. Camera forward recording last 30 seconds plus on SD card (depending on card capacity) including GPS data (location, speed, accelaration and braking could be calculated from GPS data or from built in censor). Stop recording on or just after crash. Crash censor to transmit location to emergency services
Posted at 7:18 p.m. on May 18, 2008
Anne says...
Like David I have the Tom Tom GPS, I prefer the dedicated system, mobile phones are complicated enough and for in car use the screen would not be legible. My biggest complaint is the cost of updating the map each year, if somebody has an alternative I'd love to hear it.
Cheers
Anne
Posted at 10:35 p.m. on May 21, 2008
TERENCE says...
I have just changed back to an intergrated phone/gps (HTC Touch Cruise). I travel internationally a lot and find that one device is better than two.. and I can call down local maps directly to the device easily.. plus it really does fit in my pocket.
But for 'always in the car' juse the Kogan is excellent.
Posted at 12:02 a.m. on May 28, 2008
Craig says...
Hi there I've had my Kogan FIO for over twelve months now and are very happy with the unit, and the back up service Kogan have provided, "Thanks for the painless navigation Kogan"
Posted at 1:29 a.m. on May 28, 2008
AJ says...
I bought the GPS last year and have had no problems. I added the updated maps and was impressed that they included the new Packenham By-pass - which I used one week after it opened. There was one mistake: it did not know that a roundabout had been put in at a bridge and the instruction was to turn right rather than take the third exit!
Otherwise, excellent value and a boon on country trips and the speed camera locations were accurate. Have also used it on secondary roads with a high degree of precision. The voice commands beat having to stop and read a street directory. Apart from being a great tool it is fun to use. I also found that it adjusted quite quickly if I decided to change your mind and take a detour or different route.
I also have a phone GPS which does not get used now as it is too small to see and does not adjust quickly to a detours or changing direction.
Posted at 9 a.m. on May 28, 2008
Ross Burch says...
great unit , covers tracks in the bush too. very impressed
Blue tooth for phone would be godd.
Posted at 8:44 p.m. on May 28, 2008
PeterM says...
I see that the "KOGAN FIO GPS - 3.5" TOUCHSCREEN, 1GB MEMORY" is 'SOLD OUT'. The new improved version is 3 months away ; 31-Aug-2008. Are there any specs for the new model, or will this blog be used as a 'Wish List' ?
I have been looking at the old Kogan model for a few months, only downside has been small screen. I am guessing the new model will be 4.5" screen, faster processor, and faster or more powerful GPS chipset. A chipset that can still work inside your car, car park or even inside one's house ? I like a lot of features on the 'MIO C520' ; approx $350.
I have used a JasJam / DoPod PDA running TomTom software. Yes, fine, ok, but now I simply want a GPS to acts as a GPS, not a media player or not a telephone or not a camera.
Posted at 9:05 p.m. on May 28, 2008
PeterM says...
I have been doing some more thinking. I would like a GPS, with lots of GPS functionality. I don't need the GPS to also act as a camera, media player, electric toaster, portable TV, bluetooth connection to car's radio/speakers etc,.... I would like a bigger screen, more powerful GPS chipset, louder and sharper voice directions, touch screen and a remote control, so it can be programmed from the back seat of the car.
Posted at 4:42 p.m. on June 3, 2008
Terry G says...
Hi All
I brought the FI0 GPS unit approx 12 months ago and it's great both in the city and regional Australia as we travel around quite a bit. Have had no problems anywhere.
The five in one unit is very convenient and easy to use. Just pick up and away you go and everything is there. No having to cart three different devices the FI0 has everything I need.
Posted at 9:45 p.m. on June 3, 2008
PeterM says...
More comments or ideas. 'Battery Life', always an issue with standalone GPS units. Alkaline or rechargible ! Standard double A's or strange little black square battery ! There are many pros and con's. A lot of effort has gone into battery life on Mobile phones. May I suggest a GPS based around the most powerful Nokia removable rechargible battery.
Posted at 9:53 a.m. on June 5, 2008
PeterM says...
I own a 'Garmin Vista' GPS, which is used for bush walking and non city road type navigation. 'GEOCACHING', is a new fun Treasure Hunt, using your GPS ; and it gets the kids out of the house and off the computers. www.geocaching.com.au. Any chance we could have true GPS features, like a compass and latitude / longitude, for my treasure hunts.
Posted at 10:01 a.m. on June 5, 2008
Comments are closed.
Comments have been closed for this post.