My GPS: Garmin nüvi 1250

Garmin nüvi 1250

Since I sold off my previous Garmin (here), I’m kinda lost. Since using the Garmin 1350, I’ve been relying on the GPS unit for unfamiliar destinations. So without one, I’m as good as lost. And I’m totally against reading the map while driving, unless someone else is doing the driving, which is a rare case for me.

The unit itself

I went to Penang last year for a seminar. I still can’t move around town without referring to a map. There are too many roads, too many junctions and too many road signs for such a medium-sized island. The last time I went to Penang, I got my 1350 as a guide. Just punch in the destination and you’re all set.

At the back - mini USB port for connecting to PC/Mac and to provide power/charging

Then I decided to get another GPS unit, and it must be Garmin. Money is a bit tight at the moment, but this gadget is a must-have. I’ll wasting a lot of money and time if I get lost again. Shopping around, I found out that Garmin 1250 is the best value for money, given the situation.

What's included in the box...

The 1250 is smaller than the 1350 in term of size, but not power. Power-wise, it supports the various maps function and able to provide lane assist and etc.

The in-car charger

In my opinion, the option to upgrade your map is important. I’ve visited an area that had been developed for the past 2 years, but the map in the 1250 is blank.

Updated: You can always use the map from malsingmap.com to update yours.

Quick start manual

Reading material is not enough. You have to go online to find out more about your Garmin.

Vehicle mount

Pros: Cheaper price; small and light; a lot of accessories included in retail box; Malaysia has its own support team/authorised dealer.

Cons: Maybe too small for some people; battery quoted as 4 hours but in reality it’s more like 2.5 hours; no lifetime free map updates; updating of map is not so straightforward; relying a lot on online documentations and updates.

No speeding with your chicken…

Slow and steady makes your tummy full...

I managed to find another one of Nandos Malaysia’s billboards in KL, and this time it’s at the Federal Highway, near the exit of Subang Airport.

Nandos told me that they have several of this tongue-in-cheek advertisement around KL, but so far I can only find two (the first one is here).

I apologise for the poor quality photo. It’s difficult to take any kind of photo while being in a moving vehicle and the board so high up, especially with an iPhone.

Well, at least I’m not speeding.

Groovy Beetle!

Check out this groovy yellow Beetle I found when I was at Istana Budaya last Saturday. And what’s the best accessory to go with an iconic car? An iconic Chopper bicycle, of course!

How I wish I had this car! Congrats to the owner. You got one hellava cool ride!

Enjoy the photos!

Icon for an icon

Lean on me...

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Pictorial: Makeshift Number Plate

Cheaper way to make a registration plate and to escape traffic summon?

I was at the traffic light near Summit USJ today, when I saw the home-made plate number of a 3-tonne lorry in front of me.

Probably to save money (or short of it), the owner of this lorry used a plain cardboard, cut into size and used a permanent marker to write the registration number on it. Plus, he/she added the word “Maaf saya” (forgive me), probably to seek forgiveness from the potential stoppage by the traffic police or JPJ guys.

Seriously, what are you thinking, lorry driver?

New Mitsubishi ASX Crossover

I’ve been looking around for a new car to replace my aging Proton Waja. After driving around sedans for more than 12 years, I feels like it’s time for a change. Time to change to a SUV (or crossover), or whatever they called it now.

I went to Suzuki’s showroom to check out their new crossover vehicle, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover (what else!). But I felt that the car is too small for me, and I’m having difficulty to even enter the driver’s door! Moreover, it looks like a chick car, and definitely won’t fit in my image (ahem!).

The ASX at Midvalley

I’ve heard about the Mitsubishi ASX (Active Smart X-over) from paultan.org, and I’m eager to check it out in person. Finally I got my chance when I went to Midvalley Megamall about two weeks ago.

My first impression of the car is wonderful. I like the exterior (not too big and not too tall) and it looks like the Lancer GT on steroid. Boot space might be a problem as I like to travel with a heavy load. But that’s minor as I can always carry three bags instead of four.

As for the interior, if you’re familiar with the Lancer GT, then you’ll feel like home (hey, even the Proton Inspira has the same dashboard!). Standard equipment consists of Active Stability Control (ASC), Colour LCD Multi-information Display (MID), front dual and driver’s knees airbags (wow!), auto aircon, cruise control ( I need this!), Hill Start Assist, leather seats, paddle shifters, reverse camera and 2-Din LCD touch screen entertainment system.

Mitsubishi Malaysia currently sells the ASX for RM136,208.10 OTR, excluding the optional accessories worth RM6,490. And it comes in 5 different colours: Black Mica, Kawasemi Blue, Titanium Grey, Red Metallic and White Pearl.

After seeing the ASX in person, I’m putting this car on top of my shopping list. I will request for a test drive and will write more about it soon. In the meantime, check out the ASX roadtest video above (thanks to alexlovesmac on youtube).