This weekend, after googling about “GPS Devices in the Philippines” I came across several good leads. The first one was the article from Yugatech and it revealed a new GPS device called AVT 800. It uses a very good map provider called Accu-map. We are already familiar and quite satisfied with this map provider, their Metro Manila map booklet is highly recommended for everyone. I also read in their website that they update the map regularly for free on the first (?) year and then for a fee afterwards. Please consult the website for more details. I called several numbers of their authorized dealers most if not all of them were auto dealerships. I called the ones that were nearby. The website says the list price is 18,500 PHP but Toyota Shaw gave me a quote of 22,000 and could not give me any good reason why their price is much higher. I called other Dealers, one of them had it at the correct listed price but it was in the Araneta branch. They could get it for me by Monday if I choose to order.
Second Google find was a website called Car-Navi.ph I still have to verify if this site is not a hoax. All they say is that it is now available but I couldn’t find any information on how I could order. The device also do not have a model or brand name.
The third and last find was someone mentioning that Garmin sold in V-mall had already Philippine map in it. We went to V-mall last Sunday and only found one store called Infomax but they didn’t have a car navigation device. They couldn’t say at all if and ever they would have one in stock at all. So, I am still not sure now if I would still pursue the Garmin device. I hope someone could give me any info on where I could buy this here in the Philippines. I could still wait for a few months though and just buy it in the US when I visit in October but I think we can’t wait that long.
So for now, it looks like we’ll have to wait and see. The search continues.
4 responses so far ↓
1 maning // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:24 am
If you can get a garmin device, you can download free garmin maps based on openstreetmap data here:
http://esambale.wikispaces.com/osmphil_garmin
2 Mario // Jun 17, 2009 at 9:29 am
I bought a device from car-navi last month, they sold it to me for testing. Accurancy is quite impressive, they promise to offer free map updates regularly. The hardware is nice with MP3 player and other goodies. For the price of around 12K a real good deal. Same as those units are costing here in UK.
3 Mario // Jun 17, 2009 at 9:34 am
I visited their office, it seams to be a young startup company, the office is still quite small but they have already few staff working on. I could have a look in their development department, was amased what kind of good maps they have. But the unit dont support TMC, here in UK this is a nice thing to avoid traffic. They told they like to work on a solution with a radio station and hope to offer such in future, let’s see…
4 SP // Jul 14, 2009 at 5:49 am
Can confirm that carNavi is not a hoax. Had mail contact with them, got a pamphlet (pdf). Looks fine to me but waiting for some feedback if this is worth its money outside of Metro Manila…
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