Does anyone have or know about the Omnitech GPS?

Question

The Omnitech GPS is sold at Staples. It is their own brand but I can't locate any info about it besides the very limited info at the Staples site. Wondering how it compares with other "value priced" GPS's. Do you have one? Know someone with one? Looking for any "review-like" info.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I just got one yesterday and it is going back today. The unit freezes whenever I attempt to calculate a route. While walking in the neighborhood last night, the unit was very accurate with my actual location. I will exchange it and try again. It includes a home charger and a case. Will update you on the 2nd try later on.

Got a 2nd unit and I'm having the same problem. Unit freezes while calculating route. Please let me know if it could be a user error

Answer 2

I bought one recently at Staples. As you mentioned, it is the Staples' own brand although they don't manufacture them. Since using it for the past few days, I can tell you from experience that it has served me better than many other higher priced options. A bigger screen allows you to view more information at the same time (unlike the 3.5' screen). It is thinner and easier to mount than a comparative Garmin that I used to own and just returned (not that it was any bad, just that the Omnitech has better features at a lower price). Finds alternate routes quickly (that is what is needed primarily for GPS devices) and the screen (I thought) was more sensitive to touches than the Garmin C340 I had. I was primarily looking for a rugged product that will at least last a couple of years if not more and I don't know what the long run will hold (when time comes to update POIs etc..), but for now its working great and I would not part with it. Also, being a home grown brand does not mean its any worse than other leading brands. Just that this may be a Hyundai or a Kia rather than a Toyota or a Honda, but even the Hyundais are working great these days. As products become more generic, they just become like boxes anyway (look at how laptops have developed over the last few years). And Staples has a lot riding on it's success and so would not market an inferior product just to capture market share. In case, you still have doubts you can always buy it, try it for some days and return it if not satisfied. Hope this helps.

Source(s):

Personal experience

Answer 3

Shaan,

I also purchased this model, but I have one question. It appears that the SD card must be inserted in order for the unit to work. Is this correct? None of the software is pre-loaded.

Thanks,

Answer 4

Thanks everyone for the Q&A, I'm going to buy one now.

Answer 5

I just bought one a few hours ago and I am quite impressed with its performance. It is very quick to acquire the signal, easily tracking 8 satellites. It is also quite fast at recalculating the route if you miss a turn. I like the "you are exceeding the speed limit" voice prompt feature! The unit appears to be well made, very solid feeling. The mounting bracket looks somewhat bizarre but incorporates a suction holder and not an adhesive disk making it a better choice if you want to use it in more than 1 vehicle. It comes with several accessories (carry case, 110 volt wall charger) that are extra cost options from other brands. It also uses a removable SD memory card data base so upgrades to the maps should be as simple as replacing the card.
Overall, I would rate this unit 9.5 out of 10 (I never give anything a 10 !!!).

Answer 6

Do they have the option that you can choose the routine with freeway or not? I mean I want to get to some place not too far away and don't wanna drive freeway, can I choose local option? Thx

Answer 7

I just bought the Omnitech Gps unit today and after setting it up I took it outside and in a minute or so it found right where I was and when I began to drive away from my house and drive down some roads it tracked me and when I exceeded the area speed limit I received a audible verbal warning.
I have had Garmin and MIO Gps's and this one has a larger screen,more features, and at a lowere price.
It has the ability to program your route from and to your destination.
This is a great bargain and buy it before Staples are all sold out

Answer 8

I was looking for 4.3" GPS and was set on the Garmin Nuvi 200W. But, while browsing the GPS units at Staples, I noticed the Omnitech gps. It is ~$80 cheaper and has everything I need. I didnt need MP3, Photo, or Currency converter that comes w/ the Nuvi since I ve an iPod and BB for those things.

I even got it w/ a 12% off coupon. Cant beat the price for a 4.3" GPS w/ Text2Speech (TTS). Out of the box, it has all the kool functions that come w/ high-end GPS, TTS, 4.3" screen, Walking mode, Night mode, Speed limit warning etc. The SW is average and usability can be better.

While using the GPS, the addresses and POIs that I entered were all avail. in the unit. And, the graphics (street names, direction etc) are easily viewable and directions easy to follow.

I plan to test it a little bit more this week. And, if I dont see any major issue, I plan to buy one or two more as Xmas presents. For now, my vote is a Strong BUY.

5-Dec-07 update: after using the unit for 3 days, I ve not experienced any problems and it directed me to my destinations flawlessly. I will buy 2 more; one for my brother and one for my brother-in-law while the 12% off coupon is still good.

Answer 9

check out this link

http://xsasi.blogspot.com/2007/12/are-you-temted-to-buy-irresistable-deal.html#links

Answer 10

My unit arrived yesterday and I'm suprised that even inside my house the GPS signal is strong. Highly recommended !

Answer 11

Just purchased one for our car. After owning Garmin, Lowrance and NAVMAN GPS units in my boats, I have found that all produce comparable products. If you are not concerned about MP3 or Pic capabilities (which is probably not your priority in a GPS unit) The Omnitech 4.3 is a very good buy. SD expandable memory should ensure future updates for new POI's and future maps.
I have an iway 500c in my truck and feel the Omnitech does a better job at route planning and voice prompts. A very good price @ $169.99

Answer 12

I bought this unit from Staples and have used it for 3 days The unit has worked flawlessly and far exceeded my expectations.

As others have pointed out - the user interface could be better but with "practice" you get to navigate around easily. I would rate it a strong buy and pleased with the product.

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Update Question on Dec 7, 2007:
Do you know how to back up the 1GB SD card onto a 2GB one and use it on the device? Is there a way to update the points of interest easily

Answer 13

Bought one today and looks great so far. Anyone knows where to update the map on-line?

Answer 14

Thanks for the question - and the answers. Like you I was searching the internet for this GPS but couldn't find a thing. Based on the answers here I thought I'd give it a chance as well. Since there's not brick & morter Staples around here I had to order it. My office uses Staples, so using the company account I got it for a total of $164 which includes tax. Can't wait to get it. The larger screen and battery life did it for me. Thanks again.

Answer 15

I have this baby and it works very good. I am not sure what's the specs on this but I think I has a 1GB inernam RAM. I also backuped the SD card to anotehr 2GB SD card just case the original one gone bad. I was able to hacked into the desktop following instructions on this site: http://www.techsmarttips.com and I believe it allows you to run other 3rd party applications such as media play and TomTom...but I haven't try to run other apps yet.