Re: PDA and GPS

SBH wrote:

Anyone use a PDA as their navigational provider? Could you tell me what
system you are using and how well you like it?


For "classic" hardware, I am using two iPAQ's (3630 and 3765) with mouse style GPS receivers (one Altina, one Rikaline). I'm also using a Palm Tungsten T3 with the same receivers.

For software the iPAQ's were running the Dell Navigation software package that comes with the Axim X30 and X50 series. I recently shifted to Tom Tom 5 and that is now running on all three of them.

The iPAQ screens are usable in daylight (I can use them laying horizontally in the tank mounted map case on my motorcycle). The T3 screen darkens up in direct sunlight and becomes unusable but it still works fine in the car (it lays on the console, out of the direct light).

I am considering a PDA purchase and using a wireless Bluetooth GPS
receiver with Streets and Trips Pocket Streets software.

I use Streets and Trips on a laptop but found the Pocket Streets implementation to be nearly useless. As near as I could tell, the only practical way to use it is to make a map with a route on a PC and then upload that to the PDA. I found severe limitations on map size/route length and it was terrible in use compared to the other packages I've used. But it is a good package for PC/laptop and can be bought online for $15-$20.

DeLorme's Street Atlas HandHeld 2005 and earlier (2006 is probably just as bad) is also nearly useless on issues such as storing maps of any size and especially on the time it takes to generate a route (think hours for a 500 mile route). DeLorme should be ashamed of the fact that they are advertising and selling SAHH 200x as a functional and useful software.

My opinions on the PDA softwares from M$ and DeLorme are a little dated, I'll defer to objective opinions from users who have had better results.

I've not messed gone to Bluetooth, I want to run mine off of the available 12V DC power instead of internal batteries and the cabling runs are tolerable where I am using it.

I like the
idea of a PDA so I can play MP3s as well as use the GPS, especially
with the Ipaq 5555 model. Any input on this set ups is appreciated.

Try to test the software first if you can. You'll have to have a MP3 player that can run and play in the background while the nav software is running at the same time. You may find the voice prompts unintelligible with music playing because the player will combine the audio streams.

I don't use the voice prompts with Tom Tom 5, I have them turned off. For the most part, I can't hear or understand them over the radio and ambient road noises. I consider that a minor issue, I'm aware when a turn is coming up, what it will be, and I use my eyes and brain to decide when to turn.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)
.

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