Beware when choosing a GPS navigation system

GPS navigation systems have become extremely affordable compared to seven years ago, when a SatNav system cost approximately R30 000.

GPS hardware technology has matured over the years and one can now easily purchase a GPS navigation system for between R1 400 and R3 000. This is according to PDAShop.co.za regional manager Kun-cheng Tu.

He warns that GPS retailers misinform clients of the cost involved in keeping their devices updated with the latest information. "There are many sales people that don't reveal the cost of upgrading their software and hardware - especially in cases where the software cannot be upgraded and clients need to purchase new hardware."

Kun-cheng says most people only realise the cost of upgrading after the first year. "With all the road changes, which change between 10% and 15% each year, many devices become outdated and often vendors do not supply the map update service any longer. It is essential to know who can provide support in future."

1. Identify your needs: do you want to use the GPS to navigate between cities or for off-road as well? Most systems on the market can only find street addresses and are not able to navigate off any main road or navigate to a waypoint or to a GPS coordinate. Almost all systems under R4 000 do not provide this feature. Furthermore, one cannot see tracks on the device or save these tracks. If you require off-road navigation, ask the sales person to give you advice on which package to purchase.

2. Look for a local software vendor: there are only two to three companies in South Africa that can provide comprehensive map coverage. One must still be cautious; some software doesn't cover street details of small towns. However, if one only travels within cities, there are not many differences. More important is the backup service and maintenance costs. Especially in the mapping industry, one cannot expect a prompt response from vendors abroad. It can take 6-9 months for a software team abroad to rectify a problem. Then again, by this time, one would probably need to pay for the map update again.

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3. Ask for map updates: not all companies in South Africa provide free map updates. Even when the sales person says they do supply free map updates, ask them to commit to paper. One must actually question how long you can receive free updates, and how regularly these are available. No company in the world can guarantee 100% data accuracy, and the most up-to-date information in all the areas by the time it is available to the market. Currently, there is only one company that can provide product-lifetime free map updates twice a year. It also ensures customers living in remote areas also receive up-to-date data.

4. How regular are the software updates and upgrades? Traditionally, navigation software developers worked with hardware manufacturers to provide all-in-one solutions. However, this service changed when Windows-based navigation systems started becoming more popular. GPS vendors in Western Europe, the Far East and the USA now offer their clients software that works with Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). Users can often switch between different software vendors, depending on the features they prefer. This is also now available on the Windows-based GPS system and Personal Navigation Devices (PND). One simply purchases an SD card with pre-loaded software and maps. It is as easy as plug-and-play, one's GPS is just like a game console, just buy a cassette and you have a whole new game to play.

5. Understand the hardware you are purchasing: There are two types of hardware; one is Windows-based and the other is a proprietary format. The largest consumer-based navigation system sold worldwide is Windows-based. Factory fitted systems are proprietary format and do not provide software upgrades. Unlike proprietary systems, Windows-based systems are built on an open platform, allowing clients to choose from a variety of software solutions without paying for a new and expensive GPS device. If one requires a feature change on the GPS system, one only needs to upgrade the software.

Kun-cheng says Maction Technologies is an international software company with a local office in South Africa. "Maction provides the widest range of Windows-based navigation software to suit one's needs, for navigation within cities and off-road. It will soon also provide leisure maps based on the SD card plug-and-play concept. Its core product is the HandyMAP series that provides comprehensive coverage of southern Africa, including six countries with free map updates twice a year."

HandyMAP has localised language options, including Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa - all with high-quality voice recordings. Anyone purchasing a HandyMAP-supported GPS can purchase HandyMAP for R600 (VAT inclusive) and will receive new product upgrades every year. Customers will not need a PC for installation. For more details, please visit www.handymap.co.za or call 0861 627 911 or e-mail service@mobitrak.com.