Extremely New GPS Geek

Philo360 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Posts: 3

Hello all
I'm just starting my research into GPS and would like alot :D of guidance and recommendations.
I live in the US and am planning a one month backpacking trip through Europe one year from now. I would like to do as much as possible with a PDA and GPS receiver.
I own a HP iPAQ 2210 and interested in compact flash receivers (maybe blutooth receivers if I determine that they work well); I think I like the Haicom 305III
http://www.haicom.com.tw/hi_305III.shtml
Any experience with this one?

Also I would like to learn about software (Garmin Navigator, etc.) and hardware compatibility-do they all work together or are there issues?

Any guidence on where to start (including web links Smile

) and recommendations concerning PDAs, compact flash receivers, Europe traveling & maps, and current info and reviews would be extremely appreciated. If all goes well I would like to become a member of this community, especially contributing after returning from my trip.
Thanks in advance

Pc-Mobile · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 2:16 pm Post subject:

A year from now?

A lot of things will have happened in this period which will change all your planning.

It is a good idea to get hands on experience before the big day. But things you buy now may not be the ideal one later. If you plan to buy later, it is a little too early to consider.

I would not count on buying add on for your PDA. It may even be out of service a year from now!

In any case I strongly suggest a PDA/GPS all in one. It is ideal for travelling.

As for software, there are always good deals on ebay such as Destinator P/N for $30-50 including maps for whole Europe. I am not saying it is the best software but merely it suits your situation and is cost efffective. But you should look for it nearer (3-4 months) to your leaving date.
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Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

Philo360 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks for the relpy Pc-Mobile :D

I would like to have my setup many months at least before the trip so I can learn what I need to know to get alot out of my system. Buying the maps a month or so (?) before leaving seems like good advice, so they are current I assume.

Skippy · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:27 pm Post subject:

Philo360

You should have a serious look at the new generation of phones from HTC. They are a phone and PDA in one - new ones have WiFi and GPS built right in.

Ahh, waaaay too expensive I hear you say. They certainly are today, but what's the price in a year's time? Pick one up second hand and you have everything you want in one unit. GPS for finding your way around strange cities, WiFi for mobile internet access and a phone if you need it. Just watch for the call charges.

In the meantime, get a cheap BT GPS. Any SiRF III Bluetooth unit is recommended and should give a couple of years of good service. Look for something with a long battery life if you intend to take it travelling. Also look for a 110/230 volt autosensing mains adaptor! Some GPS units/PDAs charge using a Mini-USB style power connector - you charge them from any PC with a USB socket. Nice.

As Pc-Mobile points out, a year is a long time technology wise so if you get a CF one and upgrade/lose/break your PDA then you are out of luck. A BT one can be thrown in your rucksack and communicates wirelessly.

Bear in mind that you will have two gadgets to charge up (and potentially get lost/stolen), but you should get better battery life because your PDA isn't powering a GPS unit as well as itself.

Software? Hmmm, don't know really. TomTom seems to be popular.

Good luck with your trip planning! Thumbs Up

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Gone fishing!

Skippy · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:05 am Post subject:

New HTC phones are here
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Gone fishing!

Pc-Mobile · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:40 am Post subject:

CF is definitely the worse solution though it is very cheap.
Separate units can have connection issues so I recommend an all in one PDA/GPS.

A GPS/PDA/phone is very expensive. Very few people need it unless using it for connecting internet with GPS software. Some people use it because of wanting to carry less devices. You definitely do not want to use the phone much (expensive) while you are travelling. A small phone tugged inside the pocket/bag is much better.

You can certainly get a decent new PDA/GPS for less than $300 now (without software) so you can get one even better for less a few months from now. You can find information on this site or internet on many such devices. There are plenty.

Battery life on the PDA/GPS may not be an issue. You will need external battery source. An AA battery extender will take care of that and is a must.

You can get an external GPS, cabled or bluetooth to go with your Ipaq, which is cheaper solution. It is OK if you are driving. As you will not be driving you cannot get one powered by car.

One other solution you can consider is to get a cheap new or used handheld GPS (Garmin/Magellan) now which you can play with and can connect to your Ipaq via cable. A handheld can be used on its own and there are many situations you do not need to use PDA/software. As you hardly need any navigation, this may be the best solution. You just power it up whenever you need to just to know where you are and if necessary, connect it to PDA. The battery on the handheld can last you a couple of days if used sparingly.
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Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

Pc-Mobile · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:49 am Post subject:

One other thing when considering a new PDA/GPS.
Get one with wifi, which can cost up to $100 more.
There are more and more free wi-fi hotspots all over the world, particularly in many hotels.
With that you can check emails and keep in contact with home, or even chat on skype or something like that. If that idea appeals to you.
So you can leave your laptop at home.
That is one other reason to consider a new PDA/GPS.
_________________
Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

Philo360 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 20, 2006 Posts: 3

Awsome!
Awsome!
Thanks for the GREAT information. All the issues and considerations are staring to come onto to focus.
The bluetooth option looks like a good canidate; I like the idea of the reciever in my pack and the iPAQ around my neck on on a shoulder strap.
Thanks again

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