What should i buy?

[Becky]

Please can I have some advice.

I need to buy a device to access email while away (both in UK and abroad), and would also like it to be a sat nav system that does not have to be mounted in the car (again for use in UK and abroad). What should I be looking to buy?

I don't have lots of time for research, as I am going away soon, so am on a steep learning curve on this.

Any advice from clever/knowledgable people much appreciated! In the words of Manuel from Fawlty Towers "I know Nothing"

Thanks

Becky

[MDACompact]

Originally Posted by Becky

Please can I have some advice.

I need to buy a device to access email while away (both in UK and abroad), and would also like it to be a sat nav system that does not have to be mounted in the car (again for use in UK and abroad). What should I be looking to buy?

I don't have lots of time for research, as I am going away soon, so am on a steep learning curve on this.

Any advice from clever/knowledgable people much appreciated! In the words of Manuel from Fawlty Towers "I know Nothing"

Thanks

Becky

Becky

You've got a lot of options unfortunately! I only know about Handheld PDA/phone combinations on contract so i'll tell you what i know!

To fit your requirements as above, you can get a few devices:-

o2 - XDA2i or XDA2s (direct)
Tmobile - pda2k (direct)
Orange - spv range or pda range (direct)
imate Jam (on Tmob, Voda or O2 via this site or others - a google search will suffice).

All of the above devices will allow you to connect, via GPRS, to any internet or pop3 based email (you'll need to know your pop3 servers etc for proper set up (except hotmail which from memory doesn't have that sort of access)).

Additionally, you'll be able to make and receive calls on the device so wont need to carry around a seperate phone.

All of the above devices can run Sat Nav software (although you may have to purchase map databases to cover where you are going) and don't necessarily have to be mounted in a car - although it makes it easier if you have a removable cradle and power supply so you can change vehicle if you require. This has the additional benefit of allowing you to place the device at a convenient line of sight position (so you don't have to keep looking down at it and therefore increase the risk of accidents).

All (I'm pretty sure) of the devices are bluetooth enabled so you can remain hands free whilst driving.

O2 and Orange traditionally have the cheapest GSM (voice) and GPRS (data) roaming charges whilst abroad but it is worth a few phone calls to the operators to check with the specific countries that you are visiting to ensure coverage - i.e. Vodafone have the best coverage but its the most expensive.

So if cost is a concern its worth spending a little time to make the calls into the networks.

I personally use the Imate Jam on T-Mobile which is small, has sat nav software on the device so doesn't matter what method of transport i use (walking, cycling, car etc) and allows me to get all of my emails wherever I am via the GPRS modem built into the device. It also has good battery life and can be charged off the car battery, assuming relevant add on is purchased, or off the mains.

I know that there are other options you can get, like IPAC's and Dell devices - but i know nothing about them so can't really comment.

Hope that helps some.

Cheers

Andy.