Need help

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

Hello everybody,

I've been doing a lot of research during the last week and I still can't decide which bluetooth GPS/Navigation software I should buy. I'm between the TomTom, the Fortuna Clip-On and the Socket. What do you guys think? Anyway, I'll explain my needs and hope that someone can give me some advice.

- I live in Canada (Vancouver, BC)
- Have an iPaq 4150 w/ built in bluetooth
- Will use it mostly for car navigation (point-to-point, offline planning) so, accuracy and fast "update" speed is crucial
- Occasional use in my pocket so, it needs to be small/cool loking
- Want voice directions
- Want a cool looking navigation interface
- Data logger would be a nice feature, but not if it means getting a bigger device.

My Priorities on choosing the device folow this order:
1- accuracy
2- device size/look (wanna take it with me on my pocket sometimes)
3- Battery life
4- Price

I was also considering the HP branded one but I think that's basically a more expensive Socket/emtac, isn't it?

Thank you in advance for your help

Malencar

Darren · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:56 pm Post subject:

I prefer the TomTom interface and maps but each to their own. The Royaltek has a superb datalogger built-in so well worth considering.

The HP branded receiver is a Globalsat BC-308 rather than an Emtac/Socket. Although similar in design it is slightly larger and has a 20hr battery compared with the Emtac's 6hr one.
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Darren Griffin

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

Thanks Darren. But isn't the Royaltek too big? Also how does it compare to the Fortuna Clip-On in terms of performance? Between the Fortuna and the TomTom, which would YOU buy?

Thanks a lot for the help!

Malencar

Darren · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:11 pm Post subject:

It depends on how small you want it to be! The Fortuna is very small but the Royaltek is only 10 x 5 x 2 cm which is pocket sized!

If I were choosing between the Fortuna and TomTom BT GPS I'd choose the TomTom. I like the in-car cradle which ensures the receiver is constantly charged and switches on/off with the ignition. The receiver can be quickly removed from this cradle for use on foot, it is small and nicely designed and it works perfectly with TomTom Navigator as you would expect!
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Darren Griffin

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

Sorry to bug you with all the questions, but here go a few more:

I locked my decision down to Fortuna/Belkin, TomTom and HP.

Will the Fortuna/Belkin and the TomTom work as good with my 4150 as the HP one?

Here are the best prices I got for the three devices:

Fortuna - 239.68 (ebay)
TomTom - 259.95 (ebay)
HP - 287.94 (amazon)

Do you know if these are good prices?

Thanks A LOT for the help!!!

Malencar

Darren · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:22 pm Post subject:

Are these prices for the receiver only? All will work equally well.
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Darren Griffin

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

I think they are receiver only.

Hey Darren, thanks again for all the help.

Thumbs Up

Malencar

Darren · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:33 pm Post subject:

I only ask because I thought the HP and TomTom receivers were only available in bundles with software. I guess the seller is seperating the two to sell at a greater profit.
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Darren Griffin

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

BAck to the HO/Globalsat... Are they exactly the same? I found the globalsat for 184.95 while the HP costs 325.00!
If I buy the Globalsat will I have the same experience?

Darren · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:18 pm Post subject:

Except for the HP Screenprinted logo they are one and the same, 1--% identical Thumbs Up

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Darren Griffin

malencar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 10, 2004 Posts: 9

I'm going nuts!!!!!!!!!!

I can't decide between the Globalsat and the Fortuna. I found great deals on both (165.oo on the Globalsat and 200.00 on the Fortuna) but I just can't decide which features are more important.

Globalsat:
- A lot cheaper
- Power supply compatible with iPaq
- Might be easier to set up/ more compatible considering it's the same device as the HP

Fortuna Clip-On
- Smaller (Not sure how much, though. The Fortuna looks quite thick)
- Supposedly better signal due to the Xtrach mode
- Uses Nokia batteries
- Kinda cooler looking

Please, Oh Lord Darren, Laughing

tell me what you think based on price and functionalities of these two devices.

Thanks again!

Malencar

Darren · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 8:46 am Post subject:

Were I spending my money I'd go with the GlobalSat. Compatibility with iPAQ Chargers is very handy, Xtrac is only really useful when walking under tree cover etc as the delay it produces is hopeless when in-car.

Even were they the same price I'd still go for the GlobalSat.
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Darren Griffin

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