Re: Ultimate GPS unit everyone should have

From: Jason (J_at_PleaseReplyInNewsGroup.com)
Date: 01/20/05 

Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 17:26:34 -0500

Ouch this sounds like it's getting personal! :P

*sigh* I should probably stay out of it by I'm actually looking for a system
somewhat like that.

There are some definite problems with convergence: eggs in one basket (if it
breaks), can't upgrade just one part, and getting more features than you
might need.

There are advantages to convergence as well: cheaper than buying everything
separately, it'll work together, and it usually has a smaller form factor
than all the components separately.

I'm a GPS newbie but I've worked with PCs/PocketPCs for quite a few years.
I went over to one of the outdoor stores to check out some of the GPS
systems there (I had my heart set on a Garmin GPSMap 60CS). I wanted to use
it for camping and light/moderate hiking. The first thing that struck me
was how small it was (the screen! I don't know what the rest of you guys
were thinking!). It's ~ 3.8cm wide and 5.6cm long (That 1.5" wide and 2.2"
long in American :p ). I pulled out my IPaq and the guy behind the counter
started to feel inadequate. Hey what do you do.

I had to rethink things. I figure my best bet would be to find a handheld
GPS with Bluetooth. Yes it would drain the battery faster but on most
machines you can turn it off if you don't need it. I'd envision the
handheld with the ability to turn off the screen as well under certain
instances. Failing that I'll get

And yes I've taken my IPaq camping/hiking. I use it for my writing, reading
(I've usually got 10-15 books on it), and listening to music.

Battery life's never been too much of a problem with me at the moment. I
slow down the CPU to squeeze out an extra couple of hours (6-7). If I find
a handheld GPS with Bluetooth I'll probably get a portable solar charger
too(either that or a power sleeve it should double the battery life) . (My
evest is getting old (V2.0). It might be time to upgrade I'm looking at
this one: http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/30p_finetex_shell.shtml )

Do I have a point? Nahhh. :p

As of last year Bluetooth was down to 6$ a chip. If Garmin had a GPSMap
60CS/70CS with it I would be first in line. That way I'd have a bigger
screen and custom apps (Among other things I'm a PocketPC developer) and if
something happened I could disconnect and use the handheld GPS by itself.

If I really wanted something rugged I'd get a Symbol PPT 8800. What do I
use when it rains? A Ziploc. :D

J
=:)

"Andy" </dev/null@localhost.net> wrote in message
news:7x_Gd.2841$8Z1.1466@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com...
> OK. Let's ignore the minor detail that it doesn't have GPS built in.
> Not very rugged is it? I wouldn't want to take that out where it could
> get wet or dropped.
> And the battery life isn't too good either and replacement batteries
> aren't cheap if you can't take a charger with you.
>
> So yes, the ultimate hand held GPS other than breaking too easily, not
> lasting long enough and not having GPS.
>
> How about you going and spamming some PPC group instead?
>
>
>
> Daniel TONG wrote:
> > This is what I would call an ultimate held-held unit with gps ,mp3,
> > camera, pim, word, excel & cellular phone unit.
> >
> >
http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1195420834.1105971971@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadddimijkfecfngcfkmdflldfgg.0&landing=null&category=handhelds&subcat1=ipaq_phone&product_code=901327&catLevel=3
> >
> > Its gps has to be obtained through a blue tooth device.
> >
> > Anyone shopping for a gps cannot afford to ignore this one.
> >
> > BTW gps use is free courtesy of the US government.
> >
> > Daniel

Relevant Pages

  • Re: using GPS locator on Pocket PC
    ... Bluetooth GPS units have an internal battery that power them. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: CF GPS are they any good?
    ... The CF will do a good job draining your battery as well. ... I have both a Bluetooth GPS and the CF card. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: GPS 76 very early comments
    ... That's within reason. ... and the battery indicator appears to be just as ... was able to use the GPS as a digital voltmeter to check any power problems. ... the satellite page because the satellite numbers are so tiny. ...
    (sci.geo.satellite-nav)
  • Re: CF GPS are they any good?
    ... > The CF will do a good job draining your battery as well. ... > I have both a Bluetooth GPS and the CF card. ... I have a CF GPS - A Globalsat 307. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)
  • Re: Cant find a PDA to meet my requirements
    ... I would suggest that a bluetooth phone would better cover the GSM,GPRS ... As its battery is likely to last days and not hours like the PDA. ... For GPS, there are heaps of bluetooth connectable units. ...
    (microsoft.public.pocketpc)