Choosing the right PDA/GPS combo ...

Sorry guys, yet another "which one is right for me" type question.

I have been toying with the idea of getting a PDA predominantly for use as a GPS but I could also now use one at work. I have done quite a bit of research and read all of the FAQs I can find, and just wanted some sanity checking of my thoughts.

My requirements from a PDA are wireless connectivity (for work), bluetooth connectivity (for GPS) and enough power to be able to run GPS software (TomTom) while driving and general office productivity apps at other times. I am keen on the iPaq range, and the idea of 'persistent memory' appeals, so I think the one for me is the 2490, since it's a middle of the road model with all the functions I need.

With regard to GPS I have been investigating the best Bluetooth GPS receiver. I have been doing so as I assume that Bluetooth is now the 'best' way to go for a GPS receiver, rather than cabled or via a card - is this the case?

If it is then I have seen various reviews and am currently looking at either a Rikaline, Holux or Globalsat device. Anyone have any thoughts on these?

Finally, I was wondering about car cradles. I would like a built-in speaker, and to have as few cables as possible, but I won't be able to hard wire the cradle because my girlfriend will use the GPS as well. Which ones are 'the best'? Does the cradle generally power the iPaq as well as the internal cradle gubbins (speaker, etc)?

I have read various references to the Bluetooth receiver being able to be powered from the cigarette socket at the same time. To my mind this would involve TWO cables from the cigarette socket - one to the cradle and one to the BT GPS box. Is there a neater way to do this?

All input gratefully received!

Thanks,

Mark

[Martin Laverty]

The 2490 is a good choice as it covers all the requirements you gave below.

For the GPS side you could go for something like tomtom bluetooth.
http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Tomtom-Nav...tooth-Kit.aspx

I would say bluetooth would be a better option option than a CF GPS as it give a better performance in car and is just as portable. The main difference between wired and bluetooth would be whether you want to use the gps outside of the car.

If you want a cradle with built in speakers then you would have to go for a Seidio mount like this.
http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Seidio-Amp...2400-2700.aspx

I can also get you an adaptor that lets you charge the GPS receiver from the cradle rather than have two separate chargers. Unless you hard wire the cradle into the car electrics you will always have a cable going from the cradle to the ciagarette lighter. The GPS receiver would only need a cable when you are charging it.

If you give me a call on the number below i can go over this in a bit more detail.

Originally Posted by purplesquare

Sorry guys, yet another "which one is right for me" type question.

I have been toying with the idea of getting a PDA predominantly for use as a GPS but I could also now use one at work. I have done quite a bit of research and read all of the FAQs I can find, and just wanted some sanity checking of my thoughts.

My requirements from a PDA are wireless connectivity (for work), bluetooth connectivity (for GPS) and enough power to be able to run GPS software (TomTom) while driving and general office productivity apps at other times. I am keen on the iPaq range, and the idea of 'persistent memory' appeals, so I think the one for me is the 2490, since it's a middle of the road model with all the functions I need.

With regard to GPS I have been investigating the best Bluetooth GPS receiver. I have been doing so as I assume that Bluetooth is now the 'best' way to go for a GPS receiver, rather than cabled or via a card - is this the case?

If it is then I have seen various reviews and am currently looking at either a Rikaline, Holux or Globalsat device. Anyone have any thoughts on these?

Finally, I was wondering about car cradles. I would like a built-in speaker, and to have as few cables as possible, but I won't be able to hard wire the cradle because my girlfriend will use the GPS as well. Which ones are 'the best'? Does the cradle generally power the iPaq as well as the internal cradle gubbins (speaker, etc)?

I have read various references to the Bluetooth receiver being able to be powered from the cigarette socket at the same time. To my mind this would involve TWO cables from the cigarette socket - one to the cradle and one to the BT GPS box. Is there a neater way to do this?

All input gratefully received!

Thanks,

Mark

Thanks Martin. I'd already placed my order before I read this, however I went for the 2490 anyway - good to know my research was correct. I also went for the Seido cradle, but opted for a Holux GPS - do you know if there is a charging cable availble for this model which will connect to the cradle?

Thanks again,

Mark

[Martin Laverty]

This is what your looking for.
http://www.totalpda.co.uk/Mini-USB-t...tor-Cable.aspx

Ive got the holux Gr236 myself and still havent used the car charger as the battery life is tremendous only ever used the the AC charger to give it a quick charge at night.

Originally Posted by purplesquare

Thanks Martin. I'd already placed my order before I read this, however I went for the 2490 anyway - good to know my research was correct. I also went for the Seido cradle, but opted for a Holux GPS - do you know if there is a charging cable availble for this model which will connect to the cradle?

Thanks again,

Mark