GPS Questions.

[HotDog-Cart]

Hey guys. I have some Global Positioning System questions.

I'm planning on buying this cheap, noname GPS from dealextreme.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8545

Its cheap, and I have a tight budget. I cant find any cheaper on the internet, so this works out well.

One problem...

It comes with no maps. Sure theyres one that comes with a map, but its $20 more, and its a US map. I need a CANADIAN map.

So heres where my questions come in.

1) Where can I get a map of Canada for FREE? Like, Ive heard of comapanies like igo, and Route66, but theyre expensive. Like $150. I need a free map of canada.

2) I dont have a car, so You may ask "Why do I want a GPS?" Well, I want a gps to be used as a portable map. You know, so I can walk around in a town that I havnt been in before, and not get lost. (Like toronto. Its a HUGE town. I'd need a map for there, and having a GPS would be great, so I wouldnt get lost if I took a trip up there.) But, heres the question part. Is that possible? Like, can I just use the GPS as a map for me when I go walking around, or do I actually need a car?

Thanks guys.

[vb_master]

1) Where can I get a map of Canada for FREE? Like, Ive heard of comapanies like igo, and Route66, but theyre expensive. Like $150. I need a free map of canada.

Google Maps.

[bicostp]

Yeah, Google Maps is great. The Windows Mobile client works really well, but you don't get GPS functionality. A dedicated GPS unit is overkill, and it amkes you a huge mugging target. At least down here in the states, dumb kids will break into your car if they even suspect that there's a GPS thing on board (say, they see the suction-cup holster on the dashboard).

You can probably get a 2D navigational system from the supermarket or Borders for $5. I have one and haven't gotten lost yet.

[HotDog-Cart]

Okay, Im using this gps. Thats final.

I dont think you guys are getting what Im asking.

I need a free GPS Software Map of Canada.

Like, Isnt googlemaps just a website? I dont think that will work on the GPS unit.

[bicostp]

Like, Isnt googlemaps just a website? I dont think that will work on the GPS unit.

Well, you see, there's this magical device called a "printer" that can transfer an electronic image onto pieces of paper...

EDIT:

You can walk out of a bank holding your card and reciting your pin number and you won't get mugged, here in Canada.

Wow. And I'm sure if you drop the receipt someone will grab it and return it to you? We've gotta get some of that down here!

[Valium]

Yeah, Google Maps is great. The Windows Mobile client works really well, but you don't get GPS functionality. A dedicated GPS unit is overkill, and it amkes you a huge mugging target. At least down here in the states, dumb kids will break into your car if they even suspect that there's a GPS thing on board (say, they see the suction-cup holster on the dashboard).

You can probably get a 2D navigational system from the supermarket or Borders for $5. I have one and haven't gotten lost yet.

You can walk out of a bank holding your card and reciting your pin number and you won't get mugged, here in Canada.

[HotDog-Cart]

Guys, This is getting OFF TOPIC. Now, Im getting ticked. I need free maps for this GPS unit. Not some printed out, paper.

[vb_master]

Guys, This is getting OFF TOPIC. Now, Im getting ticked. I need free maps for this GPS unit. Not some printed out, paper.

There is a way to download the maps from Google, just Google like "downloading Google Maps" or something.

[HotDog-Cart]

Okay. Thanks VB. Are you sure these will work on the GPS?

[vskid]

Here is a guide for getting stuff off Google Maps, just disregard the PSP stuff. I don't know if they'll work on that GPS, though... With those Chinese cheap-stuff sites, you can never know until you try.

[HotDog-Cart]

I dont understand ANY of that.

Like, Isnt there an easier way? Doesnt some company give free GPS maps of Canada?

[bicostp]

Sorry but I can't find anything about that GPS unit, let alone map downloads for it. And honestly I kind of expect that form cheap knock-off crap.

Don't buy this until you can find maps for it, especially since it doesn't come with any so it's basically a $140 useless shiny box you can look at.

You're better off buying something name-brand like a TomTom or Garmin. Here's a website chock full of free maps for Garmin devices:

http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/

And here's a compatible GPS unit for $200:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2374

If that's too much, here's another (bigger) one for $150, a whole $10 more than that no-name thing:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2374

Not some printed out, paper.

But paper is far cheaper and does the same job.

My advice is to just buy a freakin' map. Save yourself $133. Or print out screenshots from Google Maps or Mapquest. Either way it's the same darned information.

[vb_master]

Okay. Thanks VB. Are you sure these will work on the GPS?

That is a good question. All I have to say is you are going to have to look at the manual of that thing.

You would be better off with a PSP + MapThis!

[HotDog-Cart]

That garmin freemaps site, only has 2 maps of Ontario. Eastern and Southern. I think theyre missing 2 directions. (North, and East.)

Also, that one for $150, kinda seems... uncomfortable to carry around.

I know, Im not gonna buy anything until I know I can get a map for it.

I have a psp, but doesnt "Map This!" Cost money? Like.. Where do I buy it?

[vskid]

You would be better off with a PSP + MapThis!

Have you tried MapThis! with a GPS on your PSP? I've been thinking about getting a GPS for my PSP, but I want it to be worth it.

MapThis! is free, its the GPS for your PSP that cost ~$60.