The Big Decision

[Cinisello]

Firstly, what an excellent site! Very informative and professional. This is probably one of the reasons why I have decided to buy a GPS system...but which one?



I already have an IPAQ 3870

I would like the EMTAC Bluetooth GPS

Software? I've seen TomTomII in the shops - seems good but...



I live in Milan, North Italy. My new job will soon have me driving up to Switzerland and Austria, plus most of Italy. I'd also like UK maps.



And when I'm not driving - I love walking. So I need some advice as to what software would best suite me.



Any advice gratefully received - for software and the GPS receiver.



Many thanks



Cin.

[Darren]

Hi Cin and welcome!



TTNav2 could still fulfill your needs, with a the Italy main package and the additional Western Europe CD Set you'd have map coverage for the greater part of Europe available to you, a large memory card (256MB+) should allow enough capacity for the whole of Italy plus sectional maps of the areas of Switzerland and Austria.



Alternatively Navman's SmartST package is available with European map sets.



As for the GPS itself, you will not be disappointed with an Emtac, they are superb units, good sensitivity and portable.



For the walking side of GPS'ing you'll obviously need a non Car Nav software product which is not my area but Fugawi, Memory-Map and OziExplorer are the popular choices but there are more.
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Darren Griffin

[Cinisello]

Many thanks Darren,



That's what I wanted to hear! I can feel a purchase coming on!



Any suggestions for retailers - or should I just buy it from the internet?



Many thanks again



Cin.

[MikeB]

Cin,



Living in Italy you will find that either OziExplorer or Fugawi will suit you needs as far as hiking software goes, but you will be short of digital maps.



I am going to Lake Garda in a few weeks time. The best maps (paper) I have been able to find are Freytag & Berndt, but they are very difficult to scan and calibrate.



As far as your hardware selection goes it is difficult to beat. I have been using an Emtac now for over 6 months, I havent found anything to match it yet.
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Mike Barrett

[Darren]

Cin, as far as purchsing goes, the best advice I can give is to shop around, find the best price and then confirm they actually have stock before placing your order. TTNav2 has been a huge success, TomTom had great difficulty meeting the demand and so whilst many retailers may advertise a great price it's of little benefit to you if they can't supply the product!
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Darren Griffin

[Cinisello]

Many thanks for the replies,



I had a good search around on the internet and I think I have found the combination I want, but I have noticed a large difference in price between the 'kit' for TomTom II (Includes the GPS plus Euromaps), or if I buy it seperatley with the Emtac plus maps...about £100.



Still, I'd then have the ability to use it out of the car, or in different cars as the case may be (I'm persuading myself!).



I hope to make the 'plunge' next month.



Cheers



Cin.

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