Hema have just announced a brand-new navigator, called the Hema HX-1 Navigator. It’s a new, slick-looking unit, which boasts more powerful internals and a few new features over the older HN7.
Of course, the best thing about this unit is the maps. over 1.2 million kilometres of bitumen-free 4WD nirvana is contained within the Hema HX-1, which we think is the gold standard for 4WD mapping in Australia.
One big addition on the Hema HX-1 is the addition of a camera. This means you can log your tracks, waypoints and POIs from one device, as well as take geotagged pictures along the way. There’s more powerful electrickery inside the unit, and the 7″ display is protected by tempered glass for good durability.
The Hema HX-1 is quite powerful for your day-to-day use, as well. Street navigation, with turn-by-turn voice directions for both Australia and New Zealand are available through ‘Drive Mode’. When the bitumen disappears in the the rear-view mirror, flick across to ‘Explore Mode’ for 4WD navigation.
It looks really promising, and we can’t wait to test it out in the field. The $699 asking price is the same as the now-usurped HN7, despite the increase in features and power. We have used the HN7 extensively throughout Australia over the past few years, and have always been impressed with their performance. Hema’s offroading maps have always been on point, and the increase in processor power will make for a more seamles experience with the new HX-1.
The Specs:
7-inch multi-touch, 1024×600 pixel display, which is reinforced with a tempered glass
5,000mAh battery, up to 6 hours life without charge.
5-megapixel camera, with geotagging and video (480p, 15fps) ability
Wi-Fi connectivity – download and share tracks and routes
45,000+ Hema, Caravan & Camps Australia Wide POI
40,000+ Hema-verified points of interest
Price: Hema HX-1 Navigator: $699
The HX-1 isn’t available yet, but you can pre-order a unit from the Hema website.
For more information: www.hemamaps.com/navigate/hx-1
4 comments
Can anyone explain why these are a better option than a much cheaper regular tablet with better specs and the Hema app installed?
I cant. I use Hema 4WD maps on my iPad to show me where I am. Even the inadequate maps on my car’s GPS navigator give me turn buy turn instructions in the bush for most roads. Then the Hema maps for when I’m lost, or want more detail.
For a start my tablet (iPad mini ) realises on a 4g signal to operate the gps I suspect yours does too once out of range no more pics. You get what you pay for that’s life.
This post has comments and questions.
Comments: “Robo”, your iPad will have a functioning GPS if it is a “cellular” model (Wifi-only models don’t have a GPS). That WILL work when away from a source of mobile data. However, your basic app (e.g. Google Maps / Apple Maps) won’t as they rely on an internet connection. You can download maps that will show lat / long etc and they’ll still work as your GPS within the unit is working.
If you were a keen user and installed the HEMA explorer app, you’d have a fully functional mapping option to run from your tablet when in remote areas (away from mobile data coverage). You may find this useful, it is old (refers to HN-7) but explains options: https://www.hemamaps.com/navigate/hn7/hema-digital-product-comparison
QUESTIONS:
I’m very interested in responses to Ryan’s question. The large screen size of a 13″ tablet would be awesome for map reading compared to a 7″ HEMA Navigator. I don’t know details of the GPS unit in iPads compared to Navigators, but I think the iPad has a 12 channel GPS and the Navigator a 64 channel GPS. I’d be interested in people’s experiences getting GPS signal lock in dense forest, cloudy days etc with an iPad GPS vs a Navigator.
Also people’s experiences with pre-trip planning (including entering route notes) and comments from people who use the TOPO end of things (1:25,000 maps, 1:50,000 maps and 1:100,000 maps) for bush navigation in NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS and QLD forests. I’ve not heard good things about the iGO / HERE mapping software on the HX-1 and am happy to use an alternate GPS for on-road nav. I look to HEMA as off road specialists and want a good way to plan trips and navigate on-track when in dense bush with multiple track options and no signposts 😉