Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Confused Canadian]

I've had a GPS unit in my car for a number of years, but it's going on 5 years old. When summer rolls around and the car starts to heat up, the GPS unit won't boot up if it's been sitting in the sun for an hour or so. Sometimes, even after driving for 20 minutes or so, if you stop to get gas, for example, and then turn it on again, it won't boot. Only way to get it to come back on is to unplug it, crank the AC to cool it down, and then after 30 minutes of that, it 'sometimes' comes back on.

We had the same problem a while ago, sent it to get fixed, but it wasn't under warranty. I don't want to have to pay again, only to have to get it fixed again in a few months. Would rather invest in a decent new model that's going to work for a number of years.

So, basically, we're looking for a new GPS unit for our car. I don't want to break the bank here, and I don't need a lot of functions. In fact, the only thing I'd really like is a system that does 'real time' traffic updating and re-routes you accordingly. I'm not sure if these systems exist, or if they're as good as they say they are. Oh yeah, and a system that will work, whether it's been sitting in the sun all day or not is a must.

Basically, photos, games, videos...don't need 'em. In fact, we may just turn the old GPS unit into a movie viewer our son can use in the back seat (provided we keep it cool, outta the sun...maybe under the front seat when parked). Korean is fine (actually preferred) and I don't really care which system is uses for directions, though the unit we have now uses 'The Map'.

So, any recommendations?

[SeoulnPepe]

We're looking for a GPS unit, too. Look forward to what other have to say. We need something simple...just maps and directions, nothing else. It doesn't have to be in English, though we'd prefer it.

[Confused Canadian]

Okay, did a bit of research, and it seems that I want something with TPEG, which I understand to the real-time data traffic information system. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm not sure, but it looks like you have to buy something else, or at least subscribe to a service to get this to work.

Anyone with any info on the subject?

Cheers!

[nobbyken]

There was one on a shopping channel recently for about 200,ooo.
It had the real traffic thing on it, so would update your route to avoid jams. Was very tempted. The previous model on th eshopping channel was a Hyundai (nothing to do with the large corp.) and it had horrendous reviews.

I have a system about 3 years old, and I can now manage it.
The receiver should be at least 30cm from the main unit, on hot days put it on the floor of the car or some place out of the sunlight. Take the card out of the unit if it is lying and will heat up before you are about to use it.
The other problem is Windows CE. This system likes to be properly shutdown.
When we turn of the ignition without powering of the system, the program starts to break down.
I have an update .exe which I run on my card every 2 months or so to keep it working OK. I tried having a spare CF card for program failures, but I need one from the AS centre at 60,ooo for a 1Mb card so didn't purchase a spare.
Most new models have a built-in battery to solve the incorrect shutdown faults caused by switching of the car ignition.

If you want I will ask my wife to find out the name of the brand we fancied.

I used my brother-in-laws Inavi recently but didn't like the way it gave directions or chose when to show them to you. It did have an internal battery though (you could use it walking!) and it had a physical reset button on the back. Good and bad points for most systems.

[nobbyken]

I think the TPEG system is free to use when you purchase, but you need to pay for updates. As the roads always change here, you may need to do that every year or two.

[Confused Canadian]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try re-installing the system on the memory card. That might help things for a while. Can't be bothered to put the system on the floor every time I park, but might try popping out the memory card.

Not quite sure what you mean by having the receiver 30cm from the main unit. With my current system, the GPS antenna is built into the unit. I rarely use the DMB antenna which sticks to the roof via a magnet. However, the unit functions fine without it, unless I want to use the DMB function, which I rarely do.

I'm thinking of going to a store to have a look around and check out some of the newer models and see how the systems perform. I may end up buying online, if it's cheaper though.

Interesting that you didn't like the Inavi. The ES200 caught my attention while surfing Gmarktet.

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=152538231&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=%BE%C6%C0%CC%B3%AA%BA%F1+es200&search_keyword=%EC%95%84%EC%9D%B4%EB%82%98%EB%B9%84%20es200

Bit pricier than I want, but I'm willing to pay for the TPEG system, if it does what it's supposed to do.

Anyways, will definitely check it out at a store before buying.

Thanks again!

[Phlex]

I was also in the market for a car GPS. I went to Yongsan today to buy an Inavi K7, I like the 3D maps on it. As I was looking, I was told by a salesman that he has an English GPS.

It's a Max Tombow K9. It has maps in English and the voice is also in English. The menus are partly in English, I'll know more when I use it. I won't have my car until next week. The Max Tombow K9 is about 350k won cash price, which isn't too bad if you want English support. It's hard to find a new GPS system that supports English.

Here's the website http://www.maxtombow.com/intro.asp

The sales guy is Jong Hee Chon. The store is Keumbo Telecom. Phone 02 704-7304. He speaks a little English. He has a great selection of GPS systems and his prices are not too bad. He put a new screen protector on mine, updated both the firmware and maps, free of charge.

Directions to the store: Take line 1 exit towards Yongsan Electronic market. You'll go through 2 above ground tunnel, the last one is tubular shaped. When you get to end, walk downstairs and take a left going up the slight hill. You'll walk about 10 meters and it's on your left, walk upstairs. His shop is way in the back and he's the only one selling GPS.

If you live in Haebongchon, you can take the bus #3 to Yongsan. Get off at the Yongsan electronic market. Walk towards the tubular shaped above ground tunnel. Right before the entrance you will see an electronic shop, the outside door is up the steps.

[Confused Canadian]

Thanks for the info.

Don't really need the English. Actually, a friend had an English system and he said it was sometimes frustrating getting the correct Romanized spelling, or finding the exact address to get somewhere, if he couldn't find the phone number.

However, I will try to get down to the store you mentioned to check out prices. I'm more interested in a reliable system that works when it's supposed to and has this TPEG system.

BTW, nobbyken, I tried removing the memory card, but it had no effect. I had the same problem yesterday, in the rain. The car wasn't warm, but sometimes after being used for a while, when I restart the car, it won't work, though it was fine again today. Frustrating as hell. Personally, I just think my system's messed up and needs some fixin'!

Thanks again.

[bassexpander]

I have had 2 INAVI brand GPS units. I have mixed emotions about INAVI, although I'll probably buy them again because it's what I know.

I had an older PRO+, which was a good unit for what it cost and at the time. I now have a the G1 model, and I'm not entirely thrilled with it. The CPU is a bit slower than I'd like (I think the model you're looking at has the slower CPU, too... that kind of sucks on a screen that large.. .smaller screens are OK at that speed... less screen graphics to make).

It takes longer to find the signal at first (I'm not a fan of the internal antenna) and sometimes puts me off by 1 street. Although it doesn't happen that often, that never happened with my older PRO+ model.

Shop at www.enuri.com for the INAVI brand and you'll get an idea of lowest prices around. Then go to technomart at Gangbyeon station on the green line, or Link-O at COEX (has fewer) to try them out.

For the money, you might almost be better off going for the GX model with the 700mhz CPU.

The smallest they have is the UZ model, which I actually think is kind of cute, and would have bought, but I like having the TV function. The UZ model can be taken around by hand and runs on batteries, too. It's small and cheap... not sure if it does TPEG, though.

[nobbyken]