Want GPS but not PDA - advice please

[bk240]

Hi,



Totally new to this. I would really like a GPS system and like the idea of a portable GPS system, eg. IPaQ + jacket or IPaq + bluetooth connection. Although getting an IPaq will be cool to start with, I know I won't use it as a PDA. Is there a cheaper way of getting a portable GPS system for the car without having to splash out on an Ipaq. I would definitely want to upgrade the software as and when I could, as I like to keep upto date.



Any recommendations, looking at less than £500



BK

[Dave]

It depends. If you want the full maps of the UK going down to street level, voice navigation and colour maps, for a standalone unit you will be looking at more. The Garmin Street Pilot III comes in at £850 and the Navman iCN630 at £999.



If you don't mind not having voice navigation or colour maps then you could go with a Garmin GPS III Plus for around £300 or a Garmin GPS V Deluxe for £450.



Check out GPSW for more info on these Garmin's.

[Darren]

But bear in mind that a GPSIII does not offer any routing features, it can display maps uploaded from Mapource but the routes need to be created manually on a PC beforehand, pretty pointless for car navigation!
_________________
Darren Griffin

[bk240]

Many thanks. I would not get it without voice directions so thats a must. I would want it fully featured. Guess I will have to go for a PDA option.



Whats the advantage of getting an Ipaq rather than other makes such as Toshiba, HP etc. Will I lose out on quality , software , upgradeability??



Thanks

[bk240]

Another quick question. Would it better to go for the separate bluetooth option rather than a jacket for the PDA? I have a colleague who uses his ipaq with jacket and used bluetooth via his mobile to get live traffic updates. Would that still be feasible if I bought a PDA / bluetooth GPS option?



Thanks,



BK

[rav2b]

You might want to consider the Garmin V. It doesn't have voice, as such, but does beep to indicate upcoming turns. And you can route either on the unit itself or on the MapSource software.

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!