Sabre 2/3rd Tiger v3

This Papago R5800 (RM899) device goes head to head with top end Garmin Nuvi 765 (RM1299)  on features. It has junction views. It has lane assist. And it has the main advantage that Garmin devices  held so long in Malaysia/Singapore, that is free regularly updated maps from local mapping community such as Malfreemaps.

I had a “wait-n-see” stand on R5800 all this while. But after this whole hearted endorsement for Papago maps/devices by Antyong, I’ve moved that stand to “buy-with-spare-fund”.

See also, sabre23t’s papago Bookmarks.

On 31 Oct 2005, malsingmaps KL-R v3.27 map has filled up a bit in Klang area, especially around Taman Gembira and Taman Chi Liung. Now it’s getting to be more respectable.

On 27 Jun 2005, malsingmaps KL-R v2.67 map looks quite bare around Klang. Only the main roads are in the map. :-/

This is one seriously nice toy for a mapping junkie. It’s “only” USD534 (about RM2029) in the US, but you can get it for around RM2400 from the local Malaysian distributor. Key features …

• Electronic compass, barometric sensor
• Color 2.6″ LCD
• 56MB internal RAM for maps
• 20hrs usage with 2 AA batteries
• Weatherproof casing

The dealer installed for me “KL Routable v2.61″ and “Singapore Malaysia Phuket 2003 V mal 42B” maps. Pretty detailed around KL, but less so around Klang and Meru. Gets about ±10m accuracy using about 4 satellites with the GPSmap lying in the centre console of the car. It manages to get better accuracy ±7m using 6 satellites or so when the GPSmap is held up to open sky.

• Garmin GPS Maps of Malaysia & Singapore – New portal, moved from old one at MSN.
  • Forums Index – Includes free GPS maps discussion, track uploadings, maps updating, technical and Garmin firmware discussions.
  • FAQ – Includes basic defintions, maps loading into GPSr, map authoring and contributing to Mal/Sin free mapping effort.
  • Kuala Lumpur Routable v2.65 – Updated 18 Jun 2005.
  • MAL47 – Updated 18 Jun 2005.
• MyPDACafe GPS Forum
  • Malaysia First routable map available in mapking – Kiding posted on 24 May 2005 about “Klang Valley Map for it pocketpc GPS software” at Mapking download site.
• Malaysian GPS Navigation Applications – Dr Azmi Mohd Tamil on 13 Feb 2005 reviews Mapopolis with VM maps, agisNavigator and PocketMV with GPSMapMySG. He found “Currently the best PDA navigation software available in Malaysia is Pocket MV … In fact Pocket MV is the only single reason for me to use a Pocket PC.“

This advertisement in The Star 17 May 2005 StarTwo pullout caught my eyes. These “engineers” seems to be very proud of their ability to design factories to be built at a very competitive price ranging from RM66 psf to RM105 psf. Though they seems to be a bit more reticent regarding their website, company name, company address or phone numbers. But they do give their email addresses in the advertisement.

The Mampujaya Sdn Bhd website does give addresses and contact numbers though. They included their portfolio of buildings including Low Yat Plaza, but no mention of “SIA Changi Airport Hanger” with 1000ft clear span …

• SIA Hangar 2 – Changi Airport – has no mention of Mampujaya, only “Architect: Swan & Maclaren, Structural Consultant: Steen Consultants Pte Ltd“
• World’s Biggest Stretched Arch Aircraft Hangar Takes Shape At Doha International Airport – “Construction work started on the project in June 2004 and is scheduled to be completed in two months’ time. The hangar will measure 155 metres in length, 135 metres wide and 35 metres high at its highest point when fully completed.“
• Large Aircraft Hangars

Construction works have been going on Persiaran Raja Muda Musa since February 2005. Currently, most of the palm trees, shrubs and lamp posts in the center median have been removed. I understand the first work will be to move the utilities from the center median. This earlier article by Elan Perumal in The Star 29 April 2005 about this RM120m deferred payment project, gave a bit more details. Excerpts …

The Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Klang-Port Klang Federal Highway, will be upgraded to six lanes under a RM120mil Federal Government project.

Upgrading work on the four-lane road which started in February is expected to be completed in August 2007.

The project will include the construction of a flyover at the Taman Chi Liung traffic light junction and several pedestrian bridges.

Public Works Department senior chief assistant director Mohd Zahari Mansor said the project covered the whole 6.5km of the highway from the Simpang Tujuh roundabout in Klang to the South Port jetty in Port Klang.

“The project will be undertaken by Dua Medan Sdn Bhd without collecting any advance payment from the Government.

“We will pay half of the construction bill and the full amount of the financing cost upon the completion of the project while the balance will be paid a year later,� Mohd Zahari told the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) full board meeting during a briefing in Klang on Wednesday.

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