TomTom iPAQ n' Bicycles...

[ChristopherPovey]

I have done a quick search on this forum but not found the answers I need. Basically I am on the verge of buying a HP iPAQ hx2410 and TomTom Navigator. I have some questions:

Does the TomTom part require a power source? Pictures I have seen seem to have a cigarette lighter connector. Is this just to charge the batteries in the GPS unit and iPAQ whilst in use? The reviews I have read imply that the hx2410 has better battery life than the lesser model (hx2110). Could I expect iPAQ and the GPS to run for around 4 hours on a full charge or is this not realistic?

As well as use in one or more cars, I also plan to use iPAQ and TomTom on a bicycle (hence the question above). I notice that there is a Bluetooth, and wired version of the TomTom GPS. What would be better for a bicycle? Does the wired version use the iPAQ’s battery, or does it still use its own juice as the Bluetooth one does (I assume)?

We mainly cycle on Sustran National Cycle routes. However the Sustran maps are how to put this, crap. Also the signs on the routes tend to fall victim to people that think it is funny to turn them round. Most of the cycle routes are on country lanes, with some off road elements. Does the TomTom software support roads down to country lane levels? Normally we arrive at a junction with a cycle route sign that lists the next town or village, so it would be good enough if I could turn it on and enter that town and the system should show my present location and a direction to head off too.

I see that a new version of TomTom Navigator is due out. When will it be available?

Thanks.

[SJ]

You dont need power if you go for a bluetooth setup as both the iPAQ and GPS have batteries. Power is generally better for in-car use however as running the iPAQ with the backlight on is tough on battry life. I find the backlight is not required for bike use.

Tomtom is a bit hit and miss on very minor roads and paths. For cycling I would go for a product that uses OS maps such as Memory-Map.

SJ

[MarkHewitt]

[MikeB]

Just a little clarification here. The wired version takes power for the GPS from the cat battery via the ciggy adapter. So to use a GPS on a bike it is best to go for the BT version.

I think that you would be better off using Memory-Map software for cycling. This is what I do despite doing most of my cycling on road I find it easier and more appropriate for the type of Leisure cycling that I do. If you were a delivery cyclist in London than that would be a different usage model and maybe TomTom would be more useful.

I have my iPAQ 2210 mounted on the handlebars using a HR mount. As I do a lot of cycling where the surface is a bit rough I have implemented some "Safety Restraints" (rubber bands to you and me) to ensure that I dont have any expensive accidents.





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Mike Barrett

[ChristopherPovey]

Thanks everyone for your help!

So to summarise, I would be better off going for the BT version of TomTom GPS system for the car(s), and looking into Memory-Map for my cycling. I have got the impression that the Memory-Map software works with the TomTom Hardware? Correct me if I am wrong.

Does Memory-Map work by showing a section of Ordnance Survey map plus some sort of you are here symbol? I will do more research on this Memory-Map software later.

I am off to order the iPAQ hx2410 now. I’ll keep an eye out for TomTom and get that as and when!

Thanks.

[MikeB]

Our Memory-Map review is here. For the sake of impartiality you might want to look at Fugawi and Anquet as well, bith of whom feature OS mapping profucts for the PDA.
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Mike Barrett

[ChristopherPovey]

[nigelw]

The setup I have is a Dell Axim X50v, Fortuna ClipOn BT GPS, TomTom Navigator for in-car and Memory Map for cycling/walking etc.

I don't know how the batter in the iPAQ compares to the Dell, but I reckon I should manage around 4 hours on a standard battery, and the X50v has a hungry 624MHz processor and a VGA screen to drive. The battery usage is very dependent on how often you need to refer to the map, the backlight runs the battery down, and if you don't need to look at the map it should turn off after a few seconds. The 2410 has a larger battery than the Axim so you will probably be ok for 4 hours.

You might be able to get additional batteries for the iPAQ to keep you going, or a plug in power adaptor which runs off dry cells. I know someone who has a Mio and does this (no removable battery).

You can download trial versions of Memory Map, Anquet and Fugawi to see how they work. Try them and see which you prefer. I think all 3 have the ability to lock your position to the centre of the map, and have the map scroll as you move.

The reason I chose the Fortuna is that it uses the SiRF chipset which can be switched into either normal or Xtrac mode so giving the best of both worlds, in car and off-road.

If you plan to mount your PDA on the handlebars it might be worth getting some protection. Otterboxes are very good, and with a RAM handlebar mount it's fairly safe from most offroad hits. I wouldn't take it over really rough terrain though.

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