[Andrew]

Hi,

We're planning a trip to Perth next year and I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to get a sat nav to help me get around. Can anyone recommend a good one for the Perth area and how much should I expect to pay? I don't have one already but I've borrowed a tomtom from a friend this year when we went on holiday and I found it really useful.

[scotty]

I use a tomtom in the Uk and it's good - I think all you need to do is buy the right maps for Australia. However if you don't have one why not hang on and wait a bit as google are in the process of launching a free version through the apple iphone.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1223728/Could-Google-Maps-Navigation-kill-GPS-companies-like-TomTom.html

[kelly]

I have a tomtom in the UK and I would recommend it - it's great.

[scotty]

Halfords have a compact TT for sale at £99.99 just now. TT is the market leader and so especially as that is what you are used to I would stick with it. (Millions can't be wrong.!!) I also think that the display, especially at night, is very clear and the voice is also calm and untroubled.

[Andrew]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm still not sure whether to get one now or wait till I'm in Perth. Any thoughts?

[Heidi]

Not sure what the exact rules are in WA, but using GPS on your mobile phone is against the law in South Australia and many get fined or cautioned for it.

Drivers in South Australia caught using satellite navigation or GPS applications on their mobile phones risk breaking the law, even though most work exactly the same as dashboard GPS units - which are legal.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26319924-2682,00.html

[dusty]

In Victoria, GPS units will soon show the roads speed limits:

"Drivers who install a global positioning system in their cars will soon be able to see what the speed limit is on every road they travel, thanks to a $2.3 million information project.

From the end of this month, speed limits will be listed for every road in the state on new or updated GPS units"

http://www.theage.com.au/national/gps-tool-to-warn-speeding-drivers-20100113-m6zg.html

[Maguire]

TomTOM they are offering 3 years worth of map upgrades at the moment that's relay important, the device its self is quite easy to use as well. I would stear away from the Nokia GPS I brought one of there first ever and it was quite a rip off and the maps are nothing sepical in the Brisbane area.