GPS Topo – Pre-installed vs. SD Card

[Steve ParkesMember]

Looking to invest in a Montana 650T, but confused over the options regarding maps.

Ryda offer the 650T, with TOPO Maps and auto mount for $600.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Garmin-Montana-650t-Handheld-GPS-p/montana650t.htm

My usual GPS supplier, Johnny Appleseed, has the same pack but for $695.

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/Garmin/montana-650t-gps/

The only difference I can work out in the two offers is the JA bundle includes the TOPO map as a separate SD card. But Ryda has the TOPO maps pre-installed.

Confused since JA is normally pretty competitive. So is the Ryda deal so much better, or are there advantages in having the maps on an SD card?

[jim cadyMember]

That’s the one I should have bought too Isambard :pinch: Montana

I rushed in and bought GPS without really talking it through with the guys on here and cant see mine for fading eyesight :laugh: :laugh:

Wait till you hear from them to discuss your needs they will point you in the right direction

[GregMember]

isambard wrote:

Looking to invest in a Montana 650T, but confused over the options regarding maps.

Ryda offer the 650T, with TOPO Maps and auto mount for $600.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Garmin-Montana-650t-Handheld-GPS-p/montana650t.htm

My usual GPS supplier, Johnny Appleseed, has the same pack but for $695.

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/Garmin/montana-650t-gps/

The only difference I can work out in the two offers is the JA bundle includes the TOPO map as a separate SD card. But Ryda has the TOPO maps pre-installed.

Confused since JA is normally pretty competitive. So is the Ryda deal so much better, or are there advantages in having the maps on an SD card?

I would go the SD card because that way I can transfer it to other GPSs if I didnt like the Montana or it failed or who knows what the future holds.

Personally JA isn’t the cheapest around

James if you decide to update let me know I would buy your 62

TB

[jim cadyMember]

Trailboss wrote:

isambard wrote:

Looking to invest in a Montana 650T, but confused over the options regarding maps.

Ryda offer the 650T, with TOPO Maps and auto mount for $600.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Garmin-Montana-650t-Handheld-GPS-p/montana650t.htm

My usual GPS supplier, Johnny Appleseed, has the same pack but for $695.

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/Garmin/montana-650t-gps/

The only difference I can work out in the two offers is the JA bundle includes the TOPO map as a separate SD card. But Ryda has the TOPO maps pre-installed.

Confused since JA is normally pretty competitive. So is the Ryda deal so much better, or are there advantages in having the maps on an SD card?

I would go the SD card because that way I can transfer it to other GPSs if I didnt like the Montana or it failed or who knows what the future holds.

Personally JA isn’t the cheapest around

James if you decide to update let me know I would buy your 62

TB

Thanks for the offer TB but I am going to give it another go on the next nav ride and see how I go.

Hoping it was just a case of to much learning to do in one weekend and being slightly overawed by the occasion :ohmy: :laugh:

Did read somewhere if you hardwire the screen stays illuminated, is this so, :unsure: if it is that may help me
Sorry for hi jacking Isambard

[Steve ParkesMember]

No worries James. All useful.

[Gavin BrownMember]

G’Day guys,

I bought mine – Garmin Zumo 660 through GPSOZ. http://www.gpsoz.com.au
These guys are fantastic and will help you with many silly questions years after purchase and be very patient. I have even sent it back and they have upgraded the software for me. I highly recommend talking to them.

As for Maping. I would prefer to go the SD card way. as it wont take away the memory used in general operation. I think.

If you load up too much info on the GPS memory it affects the operation speed. e.g. I filled the memory up to the limit with music and the thing wouldnt start up properly. Just deleted some songs and it was OK. They get a bit temperamental.

Oz Topo is a really good set of maps and works very well.

[Damien BonoraMember]

Spot on Gavb, a big +1 from me for GPSOZ.
They are incredibly helpful, type of service that is hard to come by these days.
And they really know their sh*t

[Steve ParkesMember]

Good heads up on GPSOZ. Just visited them (down the road in Mona Vale) and discussed the whole SD vs pre-installed question.

Essentially only advantage of the SD is ease of transferring to another GPS device. Not a problem with route planning as you have to plug the GPS in to do that. And when plugged in it will read the maps from the pre-installed set anyway.

So if pre-installed cannot move to the next GPS. But chances are the next one will have them pre-installed also. So no real reason to pay extra for the card.

Unfortunately though, GPSOZ cannot compete on price for the Montana ($799 vs $599 at Ryda).

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