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.

Garmin XT Mobile for E71

I’ve always wanted to install a GPS (Global Positioning System) software in my E71 since the application that came with the phone is inadequate. A more professional and well-known brand should be installed in my phone, according to my opinion-lah.

After much soul-searching, I decided to try out Garmin XT Mobile. Installation is not so straight forward and some technical know-how about Symbian application installations and tweaks would be useful. Anyway, I found out an easy instruction on how to install Garmin XT Mobile on your Symbian phones here. But the instruction is for installing Garmin XT Mobile v4.10.60, whereas the latest Garmin XT Mobile is the v5.00.20. Go and get the latest software upgrade at Garmin’s site.

 

Garmin XT Mobile

After much patience and time wasted in installing the Garmin, I finally have Garmin in my E71. I had spent hours tinkering the E71/Garmin ’cause the GPS is not syncing and there is no satellite lock. I finally found out that my phone is using A-GPS (assisted-global positioning system) and the option should be chosen, instead of the normal or bluetooth GPS.

 

Navigation

Once you have successfully installed Garmin, the next thing you must do is to install the local map. And I found out some sites that actually offered free and up-to-date localised maps. I installed the latest map for Malaysia and you can also gets it here. Please read the instructions carefully.

The software is quite fun to use but acquiring a satellite lock is slow. Well, I guess a full blown GPS module is better than a mobile phone, but since the E71 is equipped with a GPS chip, the functions should be the same, if not better.

As this entry is written, I’m still figuring out on how to use the Garmin apps and to actually use it to find my way anywhere in Malaysia. That might be good as I am a male hetereosexual, and asking for direction is not my forte.