Can someone please tell me why the Australian maps seem to be so much more expensive than those for other countries. Particularly countries that have a lot more roads to a population density!
I guess because of the sheer size of Australia. Its a massive and expensive task for any GPS mapping company to map such a vast country / continent and it's road / rail infrastructure.
I believe WhereIs (Sensis) is the only company who actually maps and digitized the Australian maps - all other navigation companies e.g. Tomtom, Navman, Mio etc. are using this Sensis map with their presentation software. This monopoly of Sensis may add the cost.
It might also be because there are only approx 28 million people in Australia.
There is a lot more in Europe, USA, etc. The cost would be split between the potential amount of people that would buy it.
Well, the new 'Winter 2009' maps have just been released. Cost $140 for my 930, and supposed to have lots of country map improvements. I decided to go fo it - will report if they are any better in the next few weeks.
The Australian maps are much more expensive than those for other countries because the square of land divide to polpulation is much more than in Europe or some other developed place.
With the number of constant road changes and the addition of new roads, being up to date within the year is always a better option, to avoid you having and issue.
Especially important around the larger cities where correct navigation will reduce your stress!
It's clear that TomTom wants to sell new maps as they are in real financial troubles. Basicaly, ther rebadge old maps and get a huge margin... fast and easy.
I wonder how many new highways or roads you have in your suburb? None in mine. Based on the latest budget bottom line, I have years to wait for any new road.
Long time ago I was unable to resist an urge to "update" my maps. I paid as much that I could buy a brand new GPS (with latest maps).
I believe it's far more important to have a rapid "back on track" recalculation. FYI my "new" maps are about 4 years old and still OK.
I would also like to know if it worth updating, coming back from queensland to nsw via the inland road I noticed a few areas that were wrong. my original idea was to update every 3 years, but then i read earlier that it is almost as good to go for a new unit, considering that it should be improved I will also be thinking of this.
I bought the tom tom 730 Dec 08. In Jan bought new map. Guess what... still 6 years out of date so now another new maps available, would like to know how uptodate they really are. Even checking the Sensis web map is outdated. The only reliable online mapping is not used by Tomtom
I have recently purchased 2 Tom Tom V140 GPS's supposeling with the latest maps, well that does not appear to be the case in Melbourne, new freeway's that have been open prior to purchsing thes units are in the maps but are not active, they indicate they are proposed, but in fact are open and have been for some time.
I am very hesident to purchase new Australian Maps at $130 plus due to purchasing these units suppoosely that have the latest maps.
New Australian map rip off. (Thats my thoughts on matter)
I bit the bullet and purchased a new map after 16 months recently. 2 days later a new map was released. Tom tom customer service did not want to know me