GPS in Hong Kong

Hi, Could someone please kindly advise me, how readily available is GPS software ( for maps of HK) in HK? I am currently living in Europe and there are many models of GPS gadgets and softwares of maps on offer.


I understand fancy cars do come with GPS in HK, but i am interested in buying a handheld version ( not Palms)which coull be used in cars as well..


Thanks

The last time i heard on the local TV, it says that the GPS ain't that appropriate in HK, reason being, too many high rise building which actually blocks the transmission.

I actually encountered the GPS problem when I was driving in Gold Coast, and the building wasn't that high but maybe blocked the transmission to my GPS unit and the arrows just gone nuts!

A mate has GPS in his phone and highrise buildings block reception all the time.


I believe HK maps are not available on TomTom yet. Google Maps works, but is quite useless for navigating. There is a one popular software maker, but I forgot the name. Something like Map King or so.

I use Map King (via my dopod), works fine even when travelling through built up areas (only time it cuts out is when going through any of the tunnels).

Hi Black-Pearl - there are two things you need to have the GPS facility on your 02:-


1. You need to buy the Mapking software (either purchase the disk or download from the internet - type MapKing in Google). First install to your laptop or desktop computer, then connect your handheld to the laptop/desktop and the software is automatically downloaded/transfered to your handheld - if the 02 is classed as "pocket pc" then shouldnt be a problem - Ive pasted some info from their website below - hope this helps.


2. You need a seperate GPS receiver. I bought one at the computer centre in Wanchai - prices vary but for a good one with blue tooth, very small size with good reception & battery life expect to pay around HK$800.


Once you have installed the software on your 02 and press search to scan for the GPS signal, you then simply switch on the GPS receiver and they connect to each other wirelessly. It takes about a minute or two for the GPS to fix the location then you can type in your destination and off you go. The software shows the map and arrows or where you are going and also calls out all the turns verbally. Actually, it can be a bit annoying at times when it keeps nagging at you to "slow down" when speeding!


Device : Pocket PC ( also known as Handheld PC or PDA )


Operating System : Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003


RAM : 32 MB


Amount of system memory utilized by MapKing :


MapKing is divided into two components, the software and the maps. The software takes up approximately 3.1 MB of system memory whereas maps vary in size ranging from 1 MB to over 10 MB. It is an advisable option to store maps in the expansion storage card of your PPC to reserve the system memory for installation of other software.

Thanks alot. Pardon my ignorance. I thought buying a Tomtom sort of thing would suffic, instead of a handheld plus a receiver??! How about getting a Nokia 6110 - it comes with GPS!

or an ipod touch

I've just had a GPS system installed in my car.

I went on-line and managed to download MapKing software for Hong Kong and stored it on an SD card for my system

Just went dwon to the car and managed to drop the SD card down the back of my dashboard.......@#$%$#@


I'll let you know if I can get MapKing to load once I dismantle my dash.

Tim