GPS Options for the Hitachi G1000

[NYCNative]

I use the Hitachi G1000. It's a monster but it works with my mobile phone company (Sprint) and has a lot of tools that, thanks to it's near obsolescence, come a lot cheaper than other alternatives for someone who needs integration between phone and PDA.

In the spirit of economy, instead of just plopping down no less than $125 US for the Pharos PK042 Pocket GPS Portable Navigator for Hitachi G1000, I am trying to piece together what I can and cannot use.

From what I can see, I need software on the unit, a GPS reciever and a way to connect the reciever to the unit. As such, here are the limitations of my device and maybe you can tell me what options I have...

SOFTWARE

The G1000 operating system is Pocket PC 2002 and that cannot be upgraded so the software has to run on that platform.

The G1000 only has 32 MB of onboard RAM. However, I can use an SC card to load most software (I currently own a 1 GB SC card with a lot of room).

I am in the United States and would need software that reflects trips in my country.

CONNECTION

Anything that connects the G1000 to the reciever has to allow charging through the automobile cigarette lighter, of course. The G1000 can be charged through an AC Adapter or with a sync/charge cable through the proprietary serial port. I currently charge it through the serial port however I would purchase an AC Adapter if needed.

As I said, the G1000 has a proprietary serial connection and Pharos does have two available items that will charge the phone while connecting it to the GPS reciever - one has a built-in charger and one that allows for the use of one you provide yourself. As far as I know, they are the only company that makes something like this for the G1000 specifically although I am open to correction.

While the G1000 SC slot initially was just for memory cards, here is information about the SDIO Driver Upgrade that is available (and installed on my unit). Of course, anything that connects through the SDIO slot will also mean I cannot have a memory card in the device which means RAM is severely limited (barring a combination data/memory card option, should one exist for GPS).

Although the G1000 has a USB Port, it is unable to be used to connect items as far as I can tell.

GPS RECIEVER

I have no idea what is compatible with my unit although the limitations of the G1000 do not seem to make much of a difference with regard to a reciever. I will be using this for car trips exclusively - no hiking or camping.

Can anyone offer any suggestions so I can start Frankensteining?

[NYCNative]

A little help, please?

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