Cheap unbranded SatNavs on eBay - Good or Bad?

[beakster]

Hi,

I'm looking to get my first satnav which must have maps of Europe and the UK. Whilst looking through eBay I found these for sale:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-SatNav-Sat-Nav-Navigation-Europe-MP4-MP3-IMAGES_W0QQitemZ170207302766QQihZ007QQcategoryZ156955QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-SatNav-Sat-Nav-Navigation-EUROPE-MP4-MP3-IMAGES_W0QQitemZ170207301680QQihZ007QQcategoryZ156955QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Now they are unbranded, but seem to be called the X1000 and X2000. I've searched google but can't find any information about them. The ebay advert says the x1000 comes with TomTom2007 and the x2000 comes with i-Go. It also says they have cool features like bluetooth phone answering and movie player.

Does anyone know if these devices are any good? If I was to buy the X2000 could I buy the TomTom software for it and install it? If I did that would it be as good as a real TomTom?

Thanks
-Chris

[beakster]

After a bit more digging I found the manufacturing company:

[img]http://www.e-songdigital.com/pro_detail.asp?id=188#2[/img]

So it seems its an E-Song ESG402. Looks cheap. It says it has WinCE 4.2, so could I install TomTom on it and make it as good as a TomTom?

Thanks

[philpugh]

On the general premise that you get what you pay for, I would be wary of these devices. They may work - but what support do you get? What about new maps / s/w updates?

For a little more you should be able to get systems from the 'big boys' (TomTom / Garmin etc) have a look on the web - Amazon have some good offers on from time-to-time. (currently have Garmin nuvi 250 - European mapping - for £100 - good entry-level device).

As for the X1000 - what exactly is TomTom 2007?

Running WinCE 4.2 means you may be able to get some other s/w running - but is there any guarantee you can get to the OS on these devices? Also 4.2 is a little old - so you may be limited in what you can get to run on it.
_________________
Phil

[mikealder]

I might be wrong but I suspect these are running illegal copies of the software, TomTom certainly do not sell PNA devices via other badged suppliers - I am sure TomTom will be interested to view the e-bay adverts and take the relevant action.

Avoid this sort of device all together, if it ever needs advice, support or upgrades you will come unstuck - Mike

[PaulB2005]

Does the screen shots with TT showing Middlesbrough even look right to anyone?

[DennisN]

You're right, Paul - A route going across the screen, not up or down it. Looks a bit like Artistic Licence or Artist's Impression!
_________________
Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

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