Thanks for the review links Stuartli!
Cheers
Jlo
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No problem. As you point out, Medion (Tevion is another name used) products are normally first class value for money, offering more for less as Medion merely rebadges specialist products and distributes them via arrangements with retailers such as Aldi.
It doesn't just apply to the UK - you'll find the technique used by Medion, Aldi and others throughout the continent and the States.
The sat-nav system is particularly useful for motorists as most will have realised.
By the way, the Gericom laptops Aldi occasionally sells are produced in Germany by the company of that name in contrast to most of the big brand name models, which are mostly rebadged versions from Taiwanese manufacturers such as Acer.
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Looking at Adli's latest SatNav offering, the PocketPC appears visually to be a Mio 168 (well it's identical to the other half's which is next to me at the moment!), since it has built-in GPS receiver.
The Mio 168 is normally sold in the UK under the Mitac brand name(ie Mitac Mio 168).
For the record, it has a very good screen contrast and is good value for money, having the GPS receiver built in.
At £249 from Aldi complete with SatNav software and a 256MB SD card in with the price, I don't think you will get one for a better price.
Normally costs £249 on it's own.
NB the car kit is standard with the Mio 168, so the extra value you're getting is the SD card and the SatNav software.
To upgrade to TomTom would cost you another £85 ish.
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I nearly bought the aldi sat nav when it was on offer earlier this year. In the end I went for an HP IPAQ 2210 plus Tomtom and a wired (as opposed to Bluetooth) GPS module. Very pleased with it all - although I think the Aldi kit would have have been fine too.
If you've aleady got the PDA and want to add Tomtom or similar, remember that you'll also need a GPS module and a car cradle.
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Scotty,
what exactly did you buy and what was the rough cost?
Cheers
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Adam
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I'm very tempted - just trying to choose between the Aldi offer, a PDA/Tom-tom based solution or the special offer at Costco this week (a Navman iCN620 for £382 incl VAT).
Will I have problems with the heated windscreen (2004 Mondeo)?
Any pointers to help the decision much appreciated!
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I have a few problems with the heated windscreen on my Galaxy - it does tend to reduce the number of satelleite signals which will lock-on.
On the Galaxy, this is solved by putting my (wired) Haicom GPS receiver near the edge of the windscreen, where there are no wiggly wires.
The other half has the Mitac Mio 168 described above, with built-in GPS receiver on a flap on the back. That won't get signals in my Galaxy unless I attach the (included) wired extension antenna and similarly place that at the edge of the windscreen. She uses it normally in her current-shap Vectra with no problems.
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TomTom stuff often appears on eBay, usually in the 'general software' area.
Attracts a lot of bidders though, so don't know how much you'd save.
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The Aldi deal is very good if you want a PDA.
However if you have a contract mobile phone, either a Nokia 6600, Orange SPV E200 (like me) or the Vodafone equivalent, TomTom Mobile is even cheaper - around £180 - and has the full TomTom software more or less, except that it doesn't support displaying the actual speed and I haven't tried a speed camera database yet.
I'm very happy with mine because of the TomTom software and the low cost. The slow CPU compared to the PDAs isn't a problem at all. Above all I don't need to carry a PDA with me as well - my phone goes everywhere I do, just about, so it's no hassle at all for me to have it in the car.
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Re the Galaxty windscreen. The Goona has a non radio waves friendly screen. I use a gps re-radiating aerial to get round the problem.
Re the Aldi offer, its only draw back is the software, its not brilliant, but you can upgrade it to TOMTOM.
TomTom is better because it utilises an now almost industry standard POI database. Thats points of interest. This is now used by scores of people and amateurs to produce handy info to overlay on top of your GPS maps. One of these is of course a speed camera database.
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I seriously considered the Navman from Costco too, but when you think about it, the Navman will only give you satnav capabilities whereas a PDA can be upgraded with s************ sites ala Road Angel etc, plays MP3s and has all the other PDA functions, the Navman loses some of its appeal.
I don't know how much the speed camera software costs, but with a Navman going for £400, a dedicated speed camera system going for between £300-400 (and to have both operational would mean having a dashboard to rival a 747), a £200 PDA with upgrades seems a safer bet. You would have to spend close to £600 on PDA upgrades to arrive at the cost of a Navman and a speed camera system.
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Ok you've twisted my arm. I now want to make my IPAQ into a super duper GPS Sat Nav device. I've had a look on the Tom Tom website but I get a little lost. When I think I've found the right thing it merely says "Available from your local retailer".
I had a 2210 - what exactly will I need to turn it into a Sat Nav device?
Many thanks
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Adam
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The Bluetooth car kit and a car kit available from www.ebuyer.com - QuickFind 060970 and 060211 - for a total of £211.93.
It's not compulsory but you may not be able to get the whole map on without a 256MB SD card, which would be another £16.36 for the generic card (56152).
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Cheer David - most helpful.
Dear Santa Claus...
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Adam
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I found an online retailer with the tom-tom Navigator 3 software, wired GPS receiver and car kit for £136 and they were also offering a free speed camera database download with purchase. The wireless bluetooth GPS receiver bundle was the same price, but didn't list a car kit with it. So for £336 (adding price of a PDA) you get satnav, speed camera database and the usual PDA stuff. Thats at least £60 less than the cost of a Navman on its own and easily £400 less than a Navman and Road Angel. No brainer for me.
www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk
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Do you pay a fee for using the services of GPS?
Thanks in advance.
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Do you pay a fee for using the services of GPS?
No, but you may have to pay for periodic updates so that the satnav knows when that new street/roundabout etc. is built and doesn't tell you to drive straight on.
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Thanks. always thought about getting one - looks tempting, but still not sure. May treat myself at christmas or when we change our car in March.
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Certainly some bargains in Aldi stores. (End of line, I always thought) The way the goods are displayed is a bit weird though.
The local branch often has cheap chainsaws / compressors placed between the fruit and veg counter and the ladies underwear offers. The other 'mechanical' stuff might be a couple of aisles away, and there you find punnets of strawberrys and loaves of bread mixed up with the gloves, hats, and electric drills.
All of the expensive gear is placed near the checkout - hardly an impulse buy. I can't see shoplifting being the problem as once in the store the only way out is through the checkout. Is it just the local store finding space where they can, or a marketing ploy that goes over my head.
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The Medion is actually a Pocket PC, so you could stick Tom-Tom software on it if you want. I don't have personal experience with it, but a friend who bought one is very impressed.
Also, you get 5 year warranties with it which you don't get with an iPAQ. Even better, you can play games on them by[shameless plug]visiting PocketGamer.org[/shameless plug]
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True - although strictly speaking, you can play games on the IPAQ. At least, that's what I do during lectures!
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Adam
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Adam
Sorry I didn't get back sooner regarding exactly what I bought. I think others have replied with more upto date info and prices. I basically bought a package including an IPAQ 2210, a wired GPS, Tomtom version 3 (make sure you get this version) and Tomtom bespoke car cradle for the 2210 (on the pricey side but fits it like a glove).
I've seen reviews about the bluetooth GPS module having interference problems in cars. The wired module was (at the time) cheaper. It's been totally reliable. Besides, you'll probably want to wire in the bluetooth version so that it charges up in the car.
If you want the full UK maps installed you'll need a memory card. If you want the European maps too better make that a 256M card. If you're using a 2210 with the two slots, I think it best to use a compact flash card and leave the SD slot available for other applications - that's what I did anyway, but that's because my cameras use SD cards.
If you want a free speed camera database, I use both the PocketGPS database and the checkPOInt databases - both free - see their websites for details. checkPOInt software (free!) handles both databases when used with Tomtom.
If you use the software which comes with the Aldi package you'll need a different POI handler (POI-Warner) to use a speed camera database, but it's quite cheap at around 15 Euros.
I hope that of some help.
Les
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Oh, yes - I should also add that using the earlier version (2) of checkPOInt seems to be the best thing to do. Version 3 does some auto-synchronisation stuff which is a hassle.
Plus you'll need some sound files to act as warnings. I donwloaded some from somewhere and made some on a Bell text to voice demo website.
All this (and loads more) is on the PocketGPS site - well worth a read if you're serious about going down this route - lots about the Aldi package too.
Les
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Thanks very much for that Les - that is most helpful. I think I'm going to get the sytem you have. I'll get the wired system because you get the free car holder with it.
Many thanks again
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Adam
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I am a complete novice and a bit thick - however I have recently bought MD95000 from Aldi. Read an article on Geocache which loked interesting - is it possible to input co-ordinates such as latitude and longtitude or do I need additional software or a different product?
Thanks in anticipation
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Scotty (or anyone else who has this),
The marketing bumf says it comes with a kit for cycles or motorcycles and a splash-proof puch. Do you have these? Could you comment on how suitable they'd be - for example can you have it in the splash-proof pouch, mounted on the motorcycle kit, and use it (press buttons, see it, hear it/plug in headphones) all at the same time?
Would be useful for bike tours if it could be made not susceptible to rain.
Thanks,
Mark
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It will be utterly utterly useless for bike work. Dont forget this is primarily a pocket PC adapted for use as a SatNav. Hence its user interface is desighned for in your palm use.
It will be hard to see, hard to operate the buttons, and at best you might get usefull directions by use of a headphone.
As a Motorbike tool it would only be useful as a "stop, gloves off and check where I am" device.
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I agree - I wouldn't want to be using one of these on a bike.
Although the button thing isn't really that serious, because once Tomtom is running, the "buttons" are fairly chunky icons on the touch sensitive screen. A gloved finger would struggle though. Besides, once you've programmed in your journey, there's very little interaction required, if any. Just follow the voice instructions.
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I know of one biker who uses a PDA/GPS system and he is pleased with it. He has a tank bag with a clear top pocket and the unit fits in there and stays dry. He uses a headphone for the voice instructions and also plays MP3s through the headphones when he doesn't need the voice output from the satnav. No you can't fiddle the knobs with gloves on, but I imagine that if you set your destination correctly the unit guides you to it without the need for too much manipulation?.
He had a quick review of his experiences with it on a motorcycle forum I frequent, I will see if I can dig it up and post it.
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>>(End of line, I always thought)>>
No, it's brand new and, in the case of computer systems, sat-nav etc the latest specs - only difference is that you pay less because Medion, Tevion etc rebadges specialist manufacturers' products. Hence no big factory, wages costs etc, merely distribution and support services provision.
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Hi all, first post on here.
A friend suggested I read this thread as I'm very interested in the Aldi deal. Do I take it that those with a lot more knowledge than I think this is a generally very good deal?
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I have a couple of GPS set ups. The one I like best is:
HP2210
BC-307 CF-card GPS receiver (bought on Ebay for £24.50!!)
Dashboard centre-vent SmartClip and Brodit holder for the IPAQ
The thing I like about this set-up is that there is only one wire (from the IPAQ to the cig lighter socket). The GPS receiver just plugs into the CF slot and makes a handy single unit. It can also be used outside the car on the IPAQ battery for navifgation on foot. I get 5-8 satellites through the windscreen.
I've had a Bluetooth GPS, but you have to remember to charge the batteries and there can be problems with signal drop out, which is a pain on long journeys. Wired receivers work well, but then you have extra wires trailing about.
When I park the car I simply slide the IPAQ/GPS unit up out of the cradle and put it in the centre armrest 'cubbyhole' to keep it out of sight.
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> I have a couple of GPS set ups. The one I like best is: ...etc...
Interesting to read thanks, Aprilia.
Much the same as I am poised to buy (HP2210 plus Brodit centre vent kit for the V70), though am weighing up whether to spend 100 notes on the Syson Chip CS Plus GPS receiver, or buy the cheaper BC-307. Both are CF cards, but what I like about the Syson is that apart from superb GPS performance, it also functions as a 256MB memory card, too. The best of all worlds, but pricey.
GPS tech review (original spec without 256MB memory option): www.pocketgps.co.uk/sysonchipcfplus.php
More info: www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/viewprod.php?pr...0
Finally, although I particularly want an Ipaq 2210, for those after pure PDA/satnav convenience, there is now the Mitac 168 with built in GPS receiver and preloaded TomTom3 or CoPilot5 that is receiving good reviews. A sample: www.lowestonweb.com/Products/DisplayInfoMain.asp?e...5
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> Finally, although I particularly want an Ipaq 2210, for those after pure PDA/satnav convenience, there is now the Mitac 168 with built in GPS receiver and preloaded TomTom3 or CoPilot5 that is receiving good reviews.
Just had time to read this thread from the start, and see that the Aldi deal appears to be a rebadged Mitac 168. All the better to buy it at that price, though I'm still going the Ipaq 2210 route.
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Well
If you dont already have a PockePC or Palm, and dont expect to make too much heavyweight or power use of it as a stand alone pocket PC, or you dont expect to be too demanding and picky about your sat nav, then yes its a very very good deal and given the two proviso's I mentioned you couldnt do better for less.
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Does anybody know if this system will search with postcodes, and if it goes all the way to the 8th digit
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Does anybody know if this system will search with postcodes, and if it goes all the way to the 8th digit
Can't say for certain whether the Aldi kit will. I doubt it. Tomtom will only do it for partial poastcodes at the current release.
But .... there is a guy who has developped a (free) addon for Tomtom which adds the full postcode database to the map data so you can get more or less door to door navigation using the full postcode.
Sorry to bang on about Tomtom, but it is worth pointing out that it allows for integration with the PocketPC contact manager, which itself can syncrhonise with Outlook and its contact database. What do this mean? It means that if you have addresses and/or postcodes in the Outlook they will appear in your contact list on the PDA. You can select a contact and show a Tomtom map of their location or simply select navigate to.
www.pocketgps.co.uk has more on this.
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Yes, it does search for postcodes, but only for the first part of it, which is usually good enough to give you a good start. Beyond that it will give you a choice of road names within that postcode and pinpoint to the house number in many (but not all) cases. My experience so far is that it's a pretty good product, but it does come up with some rather oddball verbal instructions at times!
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>>Hi all, first post on here.
Welcome to the backroom, be sure to post some more!
In my humble opinion, it looks like a good deal. Other setups may do more but cost more. Seems to me you'll not go too far wrong with the Aldi satnav.
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Lee
Having a Fabialous time.
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Just bought this for Mr R for Christmas - thanks for all the info here and links to other reviews.
Anyone thinking of going to Aldi...you may have to ask a member of staff (on the till) to get you a box 'out the back' as they aren't piled up with the rest of the special offers.
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Bought mine this morning. Was held up by road works and didn't get to Aldi until 9.15. I saw a few people leaving with their satnavs but couldn't see them anywhere amongst the "specials." I did about 4 circuits of the shop then found an assistant who led me to the tills. Sorted!
F R
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I'm very tempted - just trying to choose between the Aldi offer, a PDA/Tom-tom based solution or the special offer at Costco this week (a Navman iCN620 for £382 incl VAT). Will I have problems with the heated windscreen (2004 Mondeo)? Any pointers to help the decision much appreciated!
Just bought the Aldi version... I can confirm that it is a re-badged Mitac 168, which has received very good reviews on the web.
Software is Medion's own Navigator v4, which seems well up to date, e.g. It knows about the M6 Toll Road. Lots of additional maps too on CDs, which allowed me to plot a route to a street in Cologne. I daresay that TomTom is a better system, but this software talked me right to the doorstep and that's good enough at this price.
It was a bit keen a couple of times... on a large traffic island, as I took the exit it thought I had taken the next one and tried to put me back on track immediately... otherwise, when I went off-piste deliberately, it took less than 15secs to react and provide new instructions... excellent.
As for your Mondeo, I have a Jag X-Type with heated screen, with no problems whatsoever.
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