Hey Fixer, how about a run down of advantages/ disadvantages for the Quest v Road Angel, if you've got time. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere, probably on some other forum, but it may help those thinking of buying such an item, 'cos that's a VERY keen price.
Small, robust and waterproof It's a proper satellite navigation system that indicates your next turn by visual indications s well as spoken word if you have the hardware (car mount, RAM Qpac and earpiece) Long battery life (6 times longer than the Road Angel) A very good 3rd party (RAM Mount) mounting is available for very secure fixing to the bike's bars Easy to read screen even in bright sunlight Originally designed for motorbikes, bikes, cars and walkers and built for the job. It comes with the whole of Europe Mapping £95 brand new
Disadvantages...
You have to be computer and Memory map literate You will probably need to take a map print out with you
Road Angel Advantages...
Runs a scrolling map courtesey of Memory Map therefore there's no nead to take a map (until the unit fails you when the batteries go flat or the screen fades in the cold weather)
Disadvantages...
It's only a scrolling map and therefore it will not tell you where to go as a SatNav unit will. You have to be computer literate as you need to download a small program (client) to the Road Angel. You have to draw your route on MemMap and upload it to the Road Angel. You then follow the coloured line you've uploaded. The unit was designed for walkers and cyclists...it's flimsy It's not totally waterproof as it has a port for it's memory card You cannot see the screen in bright sunlight The display fails in cold weather Short battery life - sometimes as little as 4 hours You have to make your own arrangements for fitting and powering on a motorbike They ceased making it several months ago It was always more expensive than the Quest
Go on then...guess which one I prefer? Basically I think the Quest is 'pukka' and the Road Angel is 'Mickey Mouse'
If there are an aficionados of the Road Angel out there that can support the Road Angel better than I have then let's hear from you please
On top of all that...I support (as in telephone support) the Quest. Very few problems that cannot be overcome in a few seconds.
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I do know where I'm going, but the track it will decide, It's not the destination, It's the glory of the ride!
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