GPS Jacket for HP Ipaq H5555 PDA

Booth345 · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 4:35 pm Post subject: GPS Jacket for HP Ipaq H5555 PDA

I have a HP Ipaq H5555 PDA which I purchased specifically to use with the NAVMAN Sat Nav jacket. However, this proved very unreliable and eventually after several attempts from NAVMAN to provide software fixes, I returned the unit for a refund. However, I still have the HP PDA and would still like to use it with some form of GPS component for both in-car and in-hand (hill walking etc) navigation. I also have digital OS maps on CD and would like to be able to download routes from these via my PC onto my PDA specifically for walking purposes.

Please can anyone suggest any appropriate solutions?

Many thanks

Jim Booth

DavidW · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 10:25 pm Post subject:

You don't say what software product you've got your OS maps in - but if it's something like Memory Map, Anquet or Fugawi with a Pocket PC component, all you need is a GPS and a suitable memory card for the maps on the Pocket PC.

For a GPS, I'd recommend something Bluetooth. If you don't want datalogging in your GPS, why not look seriously at the Fortuna Clip On - which is what I'm using.

If you want street navigation, you can buy various software products to use with the same hardware; indeed, you can buy Navman Smart St with a Navman Bluetooth receiver if you liked the Navman software but had trouble with the hardware. If you are going to buy Navman software, I recommend only buying Smart St version 3; if you can't get hold of a package with version 3 software, waiting a week or two until it's available is probably worthwhile.

David

Booth345 · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:05 pm Post subject: Reference HP5555 Ipaq

Many thanks David,

the digital OS map software is Fugawi. Is the Fortuna Clip-on a separate bluetooth GPS unit or does it clip-on as the name suggests?

The main use of the sat nav unit will be for walking so I'm looking for something easy to carry and protect from the elements. It would be an added benefit if it could also work in the car.

Thanks

Jim

DavidW · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:26 pm Post subject:

The "Clip On" refers to the accessories supplied - you can clip it on to yourself, as there's a belt clip on one of the supplied cases.

In the box you get the unit itself, which is a little blue unit that is powered by a Nokia type phone battery (supplied) and connects to the Pocket PC or similar over Bluetooth. There's two cases - one has a belt clip (very much like the "Ultra Clip" used with some of the better quality PDA cases), one is plain. There's a neck lanyard, a magnetic mount that's ideal for in-car use, and a screw and screwdriver to secure the battery door. Finally, there's the charger - a USB cable and both mains and cigarette lighter chargers for it.

There's lots of pictures in the Pocket GPS World review.

For use outdoors, you could consider an Aquapac if bad weather is a possibility - though the supplied accessories are very useful.

The Clip On sounds like a good fit to your needs - you can always buy an Aquapac (ideally one for your PDA and one for your GPS) later. If you're going into really rugged terrain, you can also check out the products from companies like Otter.

David

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