 11Likes
 |
|
28 Oct 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
|
|
|
It worked ...
.. back from USA now and can say with complete honesty it's a great device .. more so considering the cost !! Yes the display isn't brilliant in the direct sun in middle of Arizona but nothing shading with hand couldn't resolve .. one of the HD's we hired had a HD branded Garmin and although slightly better still not brilliant in that sun. If I was using in similar conditions again I would fashion some sort of shade for it with Sugro or similar .. for this trip we found three bits of cardboard and some black tape worked a treat !!
The maps and software were superior to the Garmin in functionality .. both more functionality and simpler to use.
All in all would recommend one to anyone ... in fact both guys I was travelling with have already said they'll be ordering one !
|
28 Oct 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crapxxxx
As for the display on the peaklife, no its not terrible. I always managed to see it when needed. But never having owned a Garmin or Tom Tom bike GPS I don't know how it compares.
|
Matt's most recent post gives good feedback of how the Peaklife performs in direct sunlight compared with Garmins.
I have a Tom Tom and a Garmin and there is no difference between them when it comes to visibility in the sun - I wouldn't expect much else actually, but, as Matt says, it is easy enough to make a sunshade (and I have seen a purpose designed "professional" one on a GPS fitted to a bike in the Pyrenees - I just wish I had taken notice of it's name/details).
__________________
Dave
|
29 Oct 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt James
From what I can see iGo won't work with OSm maps .. but this Navigator Free | mapFactor, s.r.o. will and will run on the device, I'm going to load it onto spare SD card and give it a go ! |
Matt,
Did you get any outcome with this idea?
I've looked at the link and it says " Navigator FREE - is a OpenStreetMaps based free turn-by-turn GPS navigation by mapFactor for Windows, Windows Mobile devices and Android devices" - so it wouldn't work with your Peaklife necessarily, using other software??
__________________
Dave
|
29 Oct 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldrider
Thanks Esteban, I'll wait to see what happens. The bits I've received look quite sturdy and I am looking forward to using it - if I can work out how to! I'm a bit of a neanderthal when it comes to computers but from things I've read and seen on youtube it looks fairly straightforward. I hope you get yours in one go.
John
|
John, I got mine today. Please tell me if you still need the manual. It has 22 tiny pages, so I could take pics and send them to you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt James
.. back from USA now and can say with complete honesty it's a great device .. more so considering the cost !! Yes the display isn't brilliant in the direct sun in middle of Arizona but nothing shading with hand couldn't resolve .. one of the HD's we hired had a HD branded Garmin and although slightly better still not brilliant in that sun. If I was using in similar conditions again I would fashion some sort of shade for it with Sugro or similar .. for this trip we found three bits of cardboard and some black tape worked a treat !!
The maps and software were superior to the Garmin in functionality .. both more functionality and simpler to use.
All in all would recommend one to anyone ... in fact both guys I was travelling with have already said they'll be ordering one !
|
Those are great news. I'm looking forward to trying it! Thanks for sharing the info, Matt.
|
5 Nov 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Matt,
Did you get any outcome with this idea?
I've looked at the link and it says "Navigator FREE - is a OpenStreetMaps based free turn-by-turn GPS navigation by mapFactor for Windows, Windows Mobile devices and Android devices" - so it wouldn't work with your Peaklife necessarily, using other software??
|
Never got around to trying it - but no reason it shouldn't work ... Peaklife runs Windows CE (Windows mobile) operating system ...
|
5 Nov 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt James
Never got around to trying it - but no reason it shouldn't work ... Peaklife runs Windows CE (Windows mobile) operating system ...
|
Fair one Matt!
For all those who have bought one of these Peaklifes, I am interested in what software works with this hardware. For instance, OSM?
I am still playing around with the OSM on a Garmin and I find the maps to be "interesting" i.e. much better than the standard product from Garmin - in fact that is why I got a second hand Nuvi; to experiment with OSM.
But OSM doesn't seem to be at all compatible with Tom Tom, to name the other major supplier of sat navs.
__________________
Dave
|
10 Nov 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 49
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt James
The maps and software were superior to the Garmin in functionality .. both more functionality and simpler to use.
|
Spot on.....
I have been toying with the idea of buying a Zumo 660 in recent weeks to replace the Peaklife. Then today I had to dig out a Nuvi 205W to use at work. Just thought the map detail was poor compared to the Peaklife and has made me think twice now about the "upgrade".
My big issue with the Peaklife is the screen size. I now want something with a bigger sceen, waterproof and can run Igo/Primo.
Matt, what is sugro? I'm on about page 10 of a google search and still baffled!!
|
10 Nov 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by crapxxxx
Spot on.....
Matt, what is sugro? I'm on about page 10 of a google search and still baffled!!
|
Fat fingers - meant sugru great stuff !!
As for the Garmins .. having used two on the recent trip, mates Nuvi and the HD branded "Road Tech" I think the software on them is awful and far from user friendly .. not a patch on iGo. Haven't used Primo so can't comment. Be nice to have a slightly bigger screen but I think the Peaklife will do me for now ...
|
11 Nov 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 49
|
|
|
Fat fingers and a fat brain, I have both of them. Not sure how I manage life!
Primo feels like their answer to Tom Tom/Garmin. A more mainstream GUI. Has a media player built in as well. I tried both 1.2 & 2.0 on the Peaklife, and had issues with them so stuck with igo 8.X.
|
14 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
For all those who have bought one of these Peaklifes, I am interested in what software works with this hardware. For instance, OSM?
I am still playing around with the OSM on a Garmin and I find the maps to be "interesting" i.e. much better than the standard product from Garmin - in fact that is why I got a second hand Nuvi; to experiment with OSM.
But OSM doesn't seem to be at all compatible with Tom Tom, to name the other major supplier of sat navs.
|
Anyone got an update about how they are getting on with the Peaklife?
In particular, what maps work OK with it?
I own both a Tom tom and a Garmin so I am reluctant to get yet another sat nav right now, but it could happen sometime if I don't get better confidence in how the Garmin software works; in summary, I much prefer the Tom Tom, but it doesn't work with OSM mapping (as far as I can tell anyway).
__________________
Dave
|
14 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Recommended !
Took mine to the States this year .. iGo software with Teleatlas maps .. outperformed both the Garmin my mate took and HD branded satnav (a Garmin) easily. We also tried a TomTom we'd taken as back up .. and while that was better than the Garmins the Peaklife was still better .. a lot of this comes down to the software I believe which you could take as iGo being better ..
It was particularly better in less densely populated areas.
Personally for the money I don't think you can knock them.
|
15 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Thanks Matt.
You seem to be a convert to Peaklife.
Can you say how the software outperforms the other models of Sat Nav?
(I still don't like the way that my Garmin knows best which route I want to take and I realise that this can be overcome by using Garmin's basecamp capability, but, hey, life is quite short!!)
I find any type of Sat Nav of most use in built up areas; out in the country I prefer to be without them - I'm talking here about "developed" countries with well established road networks and associated signing.
At sea, or in featureless terrain - yep, I know the advantages of any navigation system.
I think the software is the key in any case; every new car now seems to be fitted with Sat Nav as standard, so the hardware market has been won by who ever is supplying the car manufacturers; I do wonder who is supplying that software though - it's a big, big market, especially compared with motorcycles.
__________________
Dave
|
16 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Thanks Matt.
You seem to be a convert to Peaklife.
Can you say how the software outperforms the other models of Sat Nav?
(I still don't like the way that my Garmin knows best which route I want to take and I realise that this can be overcome by using Garmin's basecamp capability, but, hey, life is quite short!!)
I find any type of Sat Nav of most use in built up areas; out in the country I prefer to be without them - I'm talking here about "developed" countries with well established road networks and associated signing.
At sea, or in featureless terrain - yep, I know the advantages of any navigation system.
I think the software is the key in any case; every new car now seems to be fitted with Sat Nav as standard, so the hardware market has been won by who ever is supplying the car manufacturers; I do wonder who is supplying that software though - it's a big, big market, especially compared with motorcycles. |
Well what I liked with the software was the way to amend the "best" route it found, adding way points etc. all on the device .. no need for Basecamp or similar. Also considering it was notionally using the same maps as the Garmins it's detail seemed much better. Generally the routes it found were pretty much what we'd thought was best by looking at map as well.
As for software found in cars, trucks etc. - I'm led to believe that iGo 8 which I installed on the Peaklife or its successor Primo, is one of the most commonly used in built-in systems.
|
17 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt James
Well what I liked with the software was the way to amend the "best" route it found, adding way points etc. all on the device .. no need for Basecamp or similar. Also considering it was notionally using the same maps as the Garmins it's detail seemed much better. Generally the routes it found were pretty much what we'd thought was best by looking at map as well.
|
Sounds good then, with no downsides 
__________________
Dave
|
30 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Leicester
Posts: 28
|
|
|
Is there anyone in the Brisbane area who has iGo8 maps of Australia for the Peaklife that I could copy to a micro sd card? Realised how computer illiterate I've become trying to sort mine out. The installed UK maps work brilliantly but the maps of Oz I ordered were the wrong format and do not work. Had a guy in Sydney look at it but because of workplace constraints he was unable to load any maps. I've tried downloading maps to my netbook (as I was advised) but just seem to be running round in circles. Am about to start my journey and, while GPS/SatNav is not essential it would be nice to have it for riding in the cities. Thanks in advance.
John
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
