GPS Newbie heading to Europe - where to start?

nevf · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 25, 2005 Posts: 2

Hi all,
I'm heading off to Europe in a few months time from here in Australia and am just starting to do some research on GPS. I have an iPAQ 2210.

I'm mainly interested in using GPS to help us drive around France and Italy. So I'm looking for suggestions on Maps+Software that gives you routes and tells you where you are and where to go. So far I've found Michellin and Destinator and PamPam (or something like that).

I'm also looking for suggestions on a GPS receiver. Should I go for a SD/CF Card one or a BlueTooth unit?

I'd like to keep the total expenditure reasonable otherwise we'll just stick to paper maps. Sad

Today is day one of my quest for knowledge, so excuse me while I get up to speed. Looking forward to your replies.
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Neville Franks, Save anything you see on the Web with Surfulater, http://www.surfulater.com

StevenGourlay · Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 11:03 am Post subject:

Lo there are a few different options available to you i have listed below the features of my recommendation TomTom.

TomTom 5 if they get the Euro Maps released then this would be a possible solution. TomTom 5 consists of:
What's Included in the Box
- Bluetooth GPS Receiver Sirf 3
- Tomtom Navigator 5 software, pre installed on 128SD card

Features

TomTom PLUS
Requires Registration
- Traffic Reports
- Safety/Speed Camera Detection
- Weather Reports
- Map Updates - download the latest Map information
- Map Downloads - download single maps for specific cities as needed
- P.O.I - download more specific hand chosen Points of Interest
- Voices - customise your GO with a collection of humourous voices
- Colour Schemes - Change the colour of your GO interface with a variety of skins
- Community: Share Photo Albums, Tips and Tricks, General Discussion and Feedback

The 2 problems that i see with this setup is that there is a known issue with the iPAQ 2210 running TomTom with Bluetooth GPS and reading the data from a SD card. This problem might be resolved i just dont have a iPAQ 2210 to test. The other is if TomTom will have the Euro Maps out in time for your trip. TomTom is i would say the most popular GPS navigation at present, its very user friendly and easy to install.

Another option would be to go for Navman 4420 running Smart ST v3
You can find out alot more @ http://www.navman-europe.com/product_details.php?id=AA005420

You can double check the compatability of your PDA here
http://www.support.navman-europe.com/FAQs/PDA_Compatibility/index.html
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Regards
Steven Gourlay
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nevf · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 25, 2005 Posts: 2

Steven, Thanks for the info. I'm a bit confused about what TomTom maps are available. Reading their site it sounds like Europe is available but I can't find any clear reference to what Maps they have.
_________________
Neville Franks, Save anything you see on the Web with Surfulater, http://www.surfulater.com

StevenGourlay · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:21 am Post subject:

TomTom 5 Euro maps are not out yet i am affraid. Due to tomtom 5 only being released a couple of months ago.
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Regards
Steven Gourlay
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