Buying GPS+Software tomorrow

kandieman101 · 08-28-05, 04:42 PM

Okay, so I am 100% going to buy the BT-338 tomrorow. If I go from BuyGPSNow.com, I'll take OnCourse 5 too...

Is it really so advantageous to buy from BuyGPSNow.com, especially since I live in Canada? On eBay, it is a bit cheaper, roughly same shipping, but I am more likely to avoid duties/taxes/etc. And even if not, it would still come out cheaper..

So what do you guys think about buying the BT-338 over eBay?

kandieman101 · 08-28-05, 04:49 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-BT338-...QQcmdZViewItem
"Version 2" -- does that mean it has the new firmware on it?

kandieman101 · 08-28-05, 04:52 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/Globalsat-BT-338...QQcmdZViewItem
COMES with a protective case, car charger, and wall charger!

it just seems like such a better deal over eBay, and especially considering I am in Canada I don't expect to get any realistic "assistance" if I end up having some technical problem with the device...

nealh · 08-28-05, 05:02 PM

At buygpsnow..you will get all that and a free vent mount and good CS...who knows with ebay...how much are you saving..they want $20 shipping..$115 plus $20=$135

kandieman101 · 08-28-05, 05:06 PM

I think it is basically guaranteed that I would also have to pay 15% tax on the canadian price, plus probably customs.

The first link I posted would be $115 = $25 = $140, and less likely to have "problems" at the border.

nealh · 08-28-05, 05:12 PM

what is version 2..I am seen nothing anywhere from Globalstat or any good resellers using this designation...bewsre..there is a new fw on them..3.1.1

I am looking to sell my BT338

08-28-05, 05:56 PM

I too am looking at getting the BT-338 with either OCN5 or iguidance. I just can't make my mind up on the software...

jimbo32 · 08-28-05, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by nealh

what is version 2..I am seen nothing anywhere from Globalstat or any good resellers using this designation...bewsre..there is a new fw on them..3.1.1

I am looking to sell my BT338

The original BT338s had some issues (see Jake's review). The unofficial version 2 corrected those issues. V2 does not necessarily mean it includes firmware v3.1.1. BuyGPSnow.com claims all the units they sell after July 31, have firmware v3.1.1, but I'm reluctant to recommend them since I've been waiting over a week now for a reply to my request to exchange my early version Haicom 405III, which is completely unsatisfactory. They have offered to make exchanges in this forum for those of us that got the early batch of the 405III. I emailed them over a week ago, accepting their offer, but have not received a RMA or any other reply to my acceptance of their offer.

An advantage of iGuidance over OCN is iGuidance also includes PC navigation, if you think you will ever use your laptop for navigation. I believe OCN only includes PPC software.

Ivan Awfulitch · 08-28-05, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by kandieman101

Okay, so I am 100% going to buy the BT-338 tomrorow. If I go from BuyGPSNow.com, I'll take OnCourse 5 too...

Is it really so advantageous to buy from BuyGPSNow.com, especially since I live in Canada? On eBay, it is a bit cheaper, roughly same shipping, but I am more likely to avoid duties/taxes/etc. And even if not, it would still come out cheaper..

So what do you guys think about buying the BT-338 over eBay?

True enough. When comparing Buygpsnow prices, are you using the Aximsite discount on the hardware or combo package? Check the shopping/discounts area for details. Buygpsnow is a very good company to do business with.

kandieman101 · 08-28-05, 08:13 PM

I forgot to apply the discount, so 5% off that.

Plus pratically guaranteed 15% of canadian price + custom fees I *THINK*

Gigi · 08-28-05, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by jimbo32

The original BT338s had some issues (see Jake's review). The unofficial version 2 corrected those issues. V2 does not necessarily mean it includes firmware v3.1.1. BuyGPSnow.com claims all the units they sell after July 31, have firmware v3.1.1, but I'm reluctant to recommend them since I've been waiting over a week now for a reply to my request to exchange my early version Haicom 405III, which is completely unsatisfactory. They have offered to make exchanges in this forum for those of us that got the early batch of the 405III. I emailed them over a week ago, accepting their offer, but have not received a RMA or any other reply to my acceptance of their offer.

I placed an order for the BT-338 with Buygpsnow AFTER July 31 and did indeed receive v3.1.1 so I can confirm that you will get the latest firmware if you order with them. Buying from Ebay, however, will not ensure this. You should check with the seller to make sure.

I agree that the possibility of paying taxes/duty is lower if you go with Ebay, but the risk is not completely eliminated. I once had a used GPS receiver/software shipped to me via USPS and marked as a "gift" and I was still charged taxes/duty.

The other issue you were concerned about was support. Buygpsnow offers the same level as support to their Canadian customers as their U.S. customers. Last year, I had to RMA an item and had no problems.

08-28-05, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by jimbo32

An advantage of iGuidance over OCN is iGuidance also includes PC navigation, if you think you will ever use your laptop for navigation. I believe OCN only includes PPC software.

So. OCN will not work on a laptop but iGuidance will? If this is correct then I am definitely going to go with iGuidance...

tenderidol · 08-28-05, 10:52 PM

This was my understanding as well, and I decided to go with iGuidance. Besides, OCN was little bit more expensive (if bought with entire USA map) compared to iGuidance.

nealh · 08-28-05, 11:00 PM

Yes Iguidance works on a laptop or any PC for that maktter but kinda hard to nav with a desktop in the car..LOL

tenderidol · 08-28-05, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by nealh

Yes Iguidance works on a laptop or any PC for that maktter but kinda hard to nav with a desktop in the car..LOL

Did you say "desktop"? I hope it is not connected to a 17" CRT monitor in the car

A small/light laptop would work great for this purpose. Now I have to get a BT dongle for my DELL 700m to try it... I saw somewhere that it should be a BT with a serial port connection capability...