Novice & Idiot Guide & Advice Needed

[kristian]

I've just started a job as a Courier and am sent to very isolated premises like farms, named houses etc.. in the most remote places, where you would never think somebody lived there, let alone a van accessing these lanes.
I haven't got a clue about any of this GPS, Tom Tom, HP41240 etc.....
However I know I need a device, which allows me to enter a U.K postcode and direct me to these isolated locations.
Can someone please direct and advise me on this, from the start to the complete package ?
I see on Pc world, Currys web site, they selling Tom Tom with a HP 2 something PDA for around £399
Basically I looking for the following
(1) Can be updated, at a much later date.
(2) You can use t straight away, no need to use phone as well, as calls are costly.
(3) Costing less than £300

As you can imagine questions, questions ? look forward to your feedback, thanks.

[Charlie]

Welcome to our forums.
Are you comfortable with PocketPC technology with Satnav accessories or are you looking for and all in one device?

[kristian]

I think it would be the pocket Pc, as there is more scope, variety to perfrom tasks.
I am looking for something, that once bought, you can use, meaning no use of the mobile phone all times as this will be costly.
So am I correct in saying "That the equipment is only good as the software is, once loaded ?"
Regarding these isolated locations, note I tried Auto Route, which recognizes the postcode, but basically shows it in a blank space, because its so distant from any A or B road.

[Charlie]

Full postcode navigation is limited in most navigation applications for PDAs at the moment but you can get a 3rd party addon for TomTom that allows you to navigate to full postcodes. You are correct though that the system will only be as good essentially as the software. Thankfully TomTom (IMO) is excellent at its job and coupled with the many 3rd party applications and addons available makes it a top system.

[kristian]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm still confused as to what equipment I want to buy, looked at the "TomTom Navigator III with iPAQ 4150" you advertise postcode on the picture, however when I read the description, I could see no mention of located directions to an address via postcode. Process of elimination, I'll start my questionswith this one, if I purchased this,
1. Is it as simple as just plug in to cigarette lighter, turn on and go. ?
2. Enter a postcode and will direct you to that location anywhere in the U.K ?
3. Because its a PDA (mini computer) it can be updated at later date ?
4. Can play movies, MP3 at you leisure time ?
5. Most of the PDA advertise Microsoft Operating System 2003, can the operating system be upgraded to new versions ? to keep pace with technology.
6. I see maps are stored on these wafer cards SD, like the digital cameras,
How many maps can be stored on a card ?
7. How much do these maps (software) cost ?

As mentioned before I travel to very isolated places, an idea of the place is Brecon Becons, Wales. No mans lands. These are the places I would need to use this equipment.
I've also been told, if theres is overgrown trees, that a satellite signal will not travel to
you.
In the Beacons mobile signals is fatal, I've found O2 to be the most efficent out of the lot, as the scenery is very hilly.
Does the mobile provider play a part when chosing your PDA, GPS equipment.

Looking through the forum, people ask the same the question, about postcodes, it only makes sense, as a postcode is allocated to a group of 14-16 premises. Therefore narrowing down your destination point.
Just out of curiosity, if any, what does the Royal Mail use ?

Can you set my mind about this query, The web site advertise Tom Tom Navigator with HP IPAQ, just under the warranty warning, by the picture, the web page advertise Tom Tom Navigator - pocket PC + HP IPAQ.
I thought the IPAQ was a pocket PC ? as it does the functions of the PC, word, excel, media player etc...