Why is Garmin in Australia so far behind other brands?

dgramin

GPS: Nuvi 1450T

Why is Garmin in Australia so far behind other brands?

Why is Garmin so far behind other brands?
I recently purchased current model GARMIN NUVI 1450T.
These units although well made are sadly lacking in features that other brands have.

1. No spoken Safety cams or alert points there is just a beep and a popup sign which you need to take your eyes off the road to read (not safe) other brands actually say "caution Speed cam ahead" or caution "School Zone ahead" and you do not have to actually read a message.

2. No spoken overspeed warnings (not even a tone) just the speed reading turns red which unless you watch the GPS all of the time instead of the road you do not notice. Even the free Navigon program which came FREE on my Samsung GalaxyS phone at least says "BEWARE" to let you know that you might be speeding.

3. Once a route is set there is no easy flyover preview or any means of avoiding certain roads or manoeuvers.

4. Does not show railway lines

5. No way to add POI or Safety cams manually if they are not listed.

6. The maps for the Australian Model (SENSIS) still tries to turn me into a street that has been one way in the opposite direction for at least 3 years whereas Navtech maps get this right.

7. Not even all School areas are listed so you get no warning.

I feel that point 1 is particularly disturbing as being similar to reading a TXT message which road safety authorities highly discourage.

For a product that is highly regarded as (supposedly) one of the best. it is a poor effort and needs much improvement Embarassed

dgramin

GPS: Nuvi 1450T

Re: Older Garmin

barry-GDT wrote:

Hi, Did you buy a cheaper model?
I have a nuvi 310 that is at least 3 years old and am able to get spoken street names, verbal warnings on schools etc.

I Purchased the current model (in Australia) Nuvi 1450T Recomended retail price $299AU.

pablo_gsxr750

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 1390T

Re: Why is Garmin in Australia so far behind other brands?

Sadly - but its true to say that most things here in Australia are often behind the rest of the western world i.e. - USA & UK/Europe and there is nothing you or I can do about it other than purchase our tech from overseas and convert or update it to an Australian format once it arrives.

I also find that we often pay well over the odds here in Australia for the same product that even with postage included is still cheaper overseas than buying it direct from a local supplier such as Garmin or TomTom Australia or Dick Smiths etc etc.

Maybe one day Australia will move up the ladder to equal the rest of the western world especially if our population keeps on growing at the rate it is right now.

Of course I'm just having a rant because I too always feel we get inferior products that appear to be several versions behind the latest which includes all of the bells and whistles..!

Pablo

johmazz2006

GPS: Garmin Nuvi 765, Garmin 3950LMT, Garmin 2455LMT, Navman40, Garmin StreetPilot 3

Re: Older Garmin

Dgramin, have you worked out how to download school zones and speed warnings yet ?
You also have to get the MP3 or WAV sound files as well to get the voice warnings. Won't talk to you unless you have the correct files installed.

If you are having problems, just ask a specific question and am sure one of us forumites will be able to assist gladly. Wink

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