Confused about GPS Systems

[purplesquare]

Hi,

This is going to read like many other messages here, but I am completely confused about the number of different options out there and wondered if anyone could give me some advice?

I was originally thinking of purchasing a dedicated GPS, however on further thought a GPS/PDA solution would be more beneficial since I could use the PDA for other stuff too.

My basic requirements are as follows:

• Portable between cars
• Usable on my motorbike (in a tank bag)
• Voice prompts
• Ability to download safety camera locations
• Colour screen
• As neat and compact as possible

and most importantly ...

• As cost-effective as possible! (I am currently budgeting up to about £350 for this but have no idea if this is an accurate amount for what I want)

I've been looking at solutions involving Dell Axims and also HP iPaqs but have concluded that I am completely confused. I have also looked at the different GPS software out there and think I like the look of Tomtom the most.

Can anyone give me any advice on what I should be looking at? I need to create a short-list somehow ...

Cheers!

[Stevie]

hi I use my GPS on my bike for short journeys, did my CBT going to do my full test in a couple of months, TomTom are going to be bringing out the tomtom rider which may be what your looking for. http://www.tomtom.com/products/produ...=80&Language=4

At preset I use a imate jam http://www.totalpda.co.uk/I-Mate-Jam...Pocket-PC.aspx (PDA/mobile phone and link to a Bluetooth GPS) this works fine for me on 2-3 hour journeys if your looking for over 5 hours + I would recommend something that would get power from your bike. I plug the PDA into my adapted motorcycle headset ( standard set of PC headphones cut to bits to fit as best as possible to the inside of my helmet and I just listen to the instructions, the GPS is either in my pocket or tank bag. This solution is ok for short distance but if your going to tour I would look for a bike designed system like the tomtom.

[purplesquare]

Thanks for the feedback Stevie. And good luck with your test!!

I will be using the GPS in the car too (as will my girlfriend) though, so although the Tomtom rider looks good, I don't think it's going to fit the bill.

I really like the look of you iMate solution, esecially the fact that it's one device for phone, PDA, etc but again it doesn't quite fit since sometimes my girlfriend will have it (so I'd lose my phone!).

I guess I have already mostly decided I need some kind of PDA/GPS solution, my real confusion is in finding one that is compact enough to be used on the bike as well. I'm a bit confused about all the GPS connection options - bluetooth, CF, wired - how do they all fit together? And as you say it might be useful to be able to make some kind of allowance for powering the whole lot from my bike.

Dunno if I'm asking for too much is the thing!!

[Stevie]

another option is the mitac 168 and tomtom
http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Mio-168-GP...-Software.aspx

You could leave this in your tank bag and go with visual or put in pocket and go with audio instructions.

[purplesquare]

Now that looks a lot more like it. Would you recommend this over a Dell or HP PDA based solution? What would I lose going for this rather than a Dell or HP solution?

Well at least you have given me some things to think about - I think a bit more reading on the web is required, but the Mitac looks quite good right now.

Thanks again Stevie, you have been very helpful!

[chancer]

Here is what not to buy as low memory and also this


The reason of the cut-down is the internal memory on a hp rz1710.
We do not have any updates to make features as traffic camera database and postal code possible.
The only reason why the 1710 navigation is a cut down version is because 1710 is a very
limited PDA and TomTom produced a version especially for 1710.
With best regards,


TomTom support team

Originally Posted by purplesquare

Now that looks a lot more like it. Would you recommend this over a Dell or HP PDA based solution? What would I lose going for this rather than a Dell or HP solution?

Well at least you have given me some things to think about - I think a bit more reading on the web is required, but the Mitac looks quite good right now.

Thanks again Stevie, you have been very helpful!

[Stevie]

The 1710 is a budget PDA which a lot of people find to be suitable for there needs. Due to the fact the everyone do not require to have every bit of new technology HP created a PDA's to cover the whole PDA market. If you simply want an organiser with GPS on top then the 1710 would be the prefect solution for you.

[garryn]

I use the Acer n30, currently with TomTom 3. Inexpensive PDA with long battery life (but no removable battery). Used with a Bluetooth Socket GPS, fast and accurate.

Garry