Advice: For most of us, PDA+GPS is not the solution

Frenchie · Regular Visitor Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 136

If price is not an issue, PDA-based GPS is not the best solution.

If you want to avoid compatibility, install and other hardware or software issues, go for a DEDICATED automotive system.
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StreetPilot 2610 (Garmin)
VW Passat Saloon (2003)

Tim Buxton · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 4:52 pm Post subject:

Sure, when was the last time you used your Garmin to download your email, browse the web, keep a mileage record on Excel, watch a DVD, listen to an MP3 or check your $afety camera database, eh?
Question

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Tim

icsys · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 4:58 pm Post subject:

That's great advice... if you only want a street routing system!
You cannot beat the stability and ease of use of the dedicated unit. But...

If you want to use your GPS system for off road pursuits such as walking, hiking, cycling, boating, green laneing... then a dedicated system is of little use.
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Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

Frenchie · Regular Visitor Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 136

No, but a second DEDICATED unit is the best solution.

I understand that it will turn to be not so cheap as PDA + GPS though.
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StreetPilot 2610 (Garmin)
VW Passat Saloon (2003)

icsys · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 5:21 pm Post subject:

If money was no object then I would have the PDA system for walking etc.. and DIN size dedicated sat nav system with 5.8" screen, capable of playing CDs DVDs etc... but I can't afford one Sad

Not everyone has mega-bucks to spend so we have to compromise.
There is NOTHING WRONG with a PDA based system.
_________________
Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

Frenchie · Regular Visitor Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 136

If you want an affordable DEDICATED in-car system, go for the TomTom GO.
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/viewprod.php?product_id=2278
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StreetPilot 2610 (Garmin)
VW Passat Saloon (2003)

Frenchie · Regular Visitor Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 136

I have an iPAQ 3970 Bluetooth but still went for a DEDICATED unit and can only say I am very happy I did this choice.

No fiddling with bugs, crashes, cables, Bluetooth, incompabilities.

I don't even speak if you have to lend the car to the wife or somebody else.
Do you lend them your PDA also?
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StreetPilot 2610 (Garmin)
VW Passat Saloon (2003)

White_Fox · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 9:07 pm Post subject:

Everyone is different, or else we would all drive the same car, wear the same clothes, etc etc
GPS is great fun whatever system is used, each has its drawbacks and advantages.
Not worth getting into a flap on this one

Darren · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 9:50 pm Post subject:

The whole reason PDA GPS is so popular is because it's so adaptable. Most of us could not justify £500+ on a dedicated GPS Nav unit. However a PDA + GPS is both cheaper and provides many more functions. It's also easily upgradable and allows use of Topographical software in addition.

I use mine as for diary, web browsing, GPS , phone, email, note taking and much more.

I don't deny that units such as TomTom's GO are superb and will fulfill a gap in the market for users who don't want the hassle of installing software, keeping batteries charged etc but for me my PDA GPS Combo is perfect (oh and my wife uses hers with little guidance from me quite successfully!).
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Darren Griffin

bustupbiker · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 28, 2003 Posts: 28

Frenchie · Regular Visitor Joined: May 28, 2004 Posts: 136

Sorry if the tone of my message was a little caricatural, but it had to be to attract attention of newcomers who are looking for a nice and easy to use GPS and who finish buying a PDA + GPS package...

I don't deny it can be good for some of us.
But I do find that issues around GPS with Pocket PC environment are not often clearly stated by resellers (which I can understand) but also by users (which I try to change).

I know a few colleagues or friends who were deeply disappointed with their purchase of a PDA + GPS and ended with 2 components they do not use.
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StreetPilot 2610 (Garmin)
VW Passat Saloon (2003)

spectric · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:36 pm Post subject:

Hi all

It all depends upon what you want it for. The in vehicle systems are ok for getting from A to B and receiving traffic warnings etc but not when you need ordanance survey map coverage that shows a lot more detail. I use memory map products on 1:50,000 & 1:25,000 scales.

I must admit that I do have a lot of issues with my Ipaq 2200 and a Navman 4100. When it works it is really good, but the bluetooth seems to timeout on a regular basis and it loses sat reception. But this is something qwerky with the relationship between these two as it works a lot better on my laptop. Then we do have to suffer microsoft and windows, not the most stable or bug free enviroments for anythng to run under.
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all the best
Roy

icsys · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:42 pm Post subject:

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