Best GPS Device for iPAQ 2215 please :)

Pepperami

I thought I had already posted this once, but it appears it didnt post correctly so here we go again Smile

I had my GPS nicked a while back, so I need to get another one for the iPAQ 2215, but things are a little different than last time in the world of GPS Smile

I own TT2, so software isnt a problem, but I would like to know the best GPS to use with the 2215

I have read about some of the devices on Bluetooth being a real pain to setup, and some the batteries last only a short time then the whole device has to be thrown away and replaced Sad

Can anyone recommend a good unit for me please? its only for UK use, and will be used regularly I hope Smile

Best Wishes

Chris

Dave · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 7:49 am Post subject:

The best wholly depends on the environment you are going to use it under, and your needs and requirements.

Some people think cabled GPS Receivers the best, because as soon as you switch on the ignition, it starts acquiring a fix without the need to plug it into a Pocket PC. Others think CF GPS is the best because it gives them the freedom to move away from the car, others thing Bluetooth is the best, it really depends on your needs and your requirements.

Firstly I would have to say I have not know any BT GPS to be a pain to setup. They will all setup within a few seconds.

Secondly battery support is an issue, some GPS have a battery life expectancy of around 400 charges (just over a year), before the battery becomes useless. But that is the same with mobile phones! GPS has become one of these throw away technologies where people change products within a year because they want the next best one that's on the market, just like mobile phones, so the chances are you probably won't see a battery issue.

Bluetooth wise, take a look at our reviews, the higher the rating, the better we have found the GPS Receiver.

Pepperami · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 10:57 am Post subject:

Thanks for the reply dave Smile

I will be using it entirely in the car, and its basically because I drive a fair bit and dont always know where im going Smile

I like to use it on holiday for instance to get to POI that i wouldnt normally go to, and to make getting to the holiday as stress free as I can Smile

I Will look out the BT Reviews and see what you recommend Smile

Chris

Dave · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 3:14 pm Post subject:

A cabled solution would probably work for you mostly, but if you do want to go outside the car which can be of some help sometimes then Bluetooth would be better than Compact Flash.

Checkout the reviews for the following BT GPS's as these all work out pretty good...

Emtac / Socket
Holux GR-230
RoyalTek RBT3000

Pepperami

I thought of this one Dave as I will probably do as you have done

Is this ok for the 2215?

I was interested in the Cradle convertion for this you did too, will the Brodit Active mount be ok with the 2215 as well?

Thanks for the advice too its much appreciated...... i decided for a Car power supply and permanent fix as this will not ever be used outside of the car enviroment as far as I (At this minute in time) know Smile

Chris

Dave · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 4:42 pm Post subject:

I haven't done a Brodit conversion, but Darren and Mike both have a Brodit mount, Darren has the Active Mount.

If you've got a little extra money to burn a little later you can always go for both. The one issue I find with Bluetooth is I always forget to charge the Bluetooth GPS, and although I like the Bluetooth GPS, I do run out of power now and again to the battery, so I tend to fall back onto my cabled solution which is permanently powering the iPAQ all the time.

That way you get the best of both works Wink

Pepperami · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:15 pm Post subject:

Ok so let me make sure I have this right before I select BUY IT NOW Smile

Active Holder (Hardwire-Ready) for iPAQ 3xxx/5xxx/22/19/41xx

This is the one?

I can then use the GlobalSat BR305 Serial Mouse GPS Receiver with that as well?

Chris

Dave · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 8:14 pm Post subject:

Yes, in theory this should work. If the GlobalSat comes purchased with the 38xx connector, then in theory you should be able to connect that to the active mount socket.

I'll check with Darren to see if he's tried something like this, I'm just wondering whether all the pins between the outer socket and inner plug are mapped one by one, or if any have been excluded.

Darren · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 8:38 pm Post subject:

Be careful, Brodit do a mount with pass-thru sync port connector which is what you require. The cradle replicates the sync port so that any accessory that would normally plug into the PDA plugs into the port on the cradle.

An 'Active' mount is one that has a built in power/charge circuit. These do not have a pass-thru connector and so will not suit your needs.

Brodit Part No. 848574 is the 2210 mount with sync port, see the Brodit page here.
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Darren Griffin

Pepperami · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 10:19 pm Post subject:

Hiya Darren Smile

Ok so if i buy the Pass Thru Mount thats what I need, and that will work with the GlobalSat BR305 Serial Mouse GPS Receiver ??

I did have one more Q as your both here now Laughing Out Loud

I buy the above mount, I buy the GlobalSat BR305 Serial Mouse GPS Receiver and thats all I need to setup GPS on the iPAQ 2215 as I already have TomTom2 correct?

I do not need any of the special mounts for my car like on the site that Dave gives links to in his Brodit review (I see they do a LOT of combos!) so im just making sure I have everything I need Smile

Also will I need to buy a Cigar Lighter charger for my iPAQ or does that come with the Globalsat BR305?

Thanks again guys!

Chris

Dave · Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2003 11:27 pm Post subject:

The charger cable should come with the Globalsat, basically it powers the GPS and charges the Pocket PC at the same time. Nothing else should be required. :D

Darren · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2003 9:56 am Post subject:

Actually one more thing Embarassed

In addition to the cradle you will need a ProClip specific to your car, this allows you to mount the cradle to the dashboard without drilling any holes and is car specific. Handnav can advise on which clip or take a look at http://www.brodit.com to identify what options are available for your model as for some vehicles they have a choice of mounting locations.
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Darren Griffin

Pepperami · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2004 2:24 am Post subject:

AHHH thats what I wondered ;)

Chris

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