SO I was wondering if anyone has and uses a PDA with GPS in their runner. IF so, what PDA? and GPS software? I'm also wondering if its necessary to pay everytime you need an updated map. Thanks in advance. Oh yeah, Im also looking for recommendations on a PDA. Other then using in the car, Id probbaly just use it for note taking and surfing the net
GPS on PDA?
- Thread starter datrutan
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ShraderMan
New member
IQUE 3600
I use a Garmin IQue 3600 for my navigation. It is a pretty good package. I have the "bean bag" mount which is fully adjustable so that you can see it in almost any light conditions. The screen is larger than any other, non-permanent GPS that I could find. The antenna is a flip-out on the back of the unit and opening it automatically puts you in GPS mode. The power adapter with the mount has a built-in speaker which is plenty good enough. It is super accurate. I have never found a problem with getting from Point A to Point B in a reasonable fashion. The maps were just updated (2004). The cost of updating was around $60 us. As it has a cradle for the computer, the mapping software also works on your PC. Therefore, you can do all of your planning on the 'puter and then just load it up to the GPS and you're off. It helps to use the larger screen. There is a couple of drawbacks. The first is the battery life when in GPS mode and not in the vehicle is very limited. I'm guessing a couple of hours at best. The other drawback is that Garmin uses a field effect transistor to know when the GPS antenna is extended. On some vehicles (mainly older than 2002), when the vehicle is started with the unit plugged in, it will fry this transistor. Garmin has said that this is not a problem on later vehicles as the filtering on the power supply is good enough. I've used it in several vehicles 2002 and newer and never had a problem. My friend, however, has a 1999 Durango and he has.
All-in-all it's a good unit for the money if you want a good unit, Palm OS, and portability. Note that there are also some add-ins now for the pocket PC's as well. Good Luck with your search.
ShraderMan
I use a Garmin IQue 3600 for my navigation. It is a pretty good package. I have the "bean bag" mount which is fully adjustable so that you can see it in almost any light conditions. The screen is larger than any other, non-permanent GPS that I could find. The antenna is a flip-out on the back of the unit and opening it automatically puts you in GPS mode. The power adapter with the mount has a built-in speaker which is plenty good enough. It is super accurate. I have never found a problem with getting from Point A to Point B in a reasonable fashion. The maps were just updated (2004). The cost of updating was around $60 us. As it has a cradle for the computer, the mapping software also works on your PC. Therefore, you can do all of your planning on the 'puter and then just load it up to the GPS and you're off. It helps to use the larger screen. There is a couple of drawbacks. The first is the battery life when in GPS mode and not in the vehicle is very limited. I'm guessing a couple of hours at best. The other drawback is that Garmin uses a field effect transistor to know when the GPS antenna is extended. On some vehicles (mainly older than 2002), when the vehicle is started with the unit plugged in, it will fry this transistor. Garmin has said that this is not a problem on later vehicles as the filtering on the power supply is good enough. I've used it in several vehicles 2002 and newer and never had a problem. My friend, however, has a 1999 Durango and he has.
All-in-all it's a good unit for the money if you want a good unit, Palm OS, and portability. Note that there are also some add-ins now for the pocket PC's as well. Good Luck with your search.
ShraderMan
ShraderMan
New member
Basically the difference is the operating system. Palm OS has been around for years and years. Pocket PCs use a version of windows especially written for them. It's kinda like windows lite. They look and act more like your home computer. The downside to the Pocket PCs is that initially there wasn't much software for them. I understand that has changed although there's still not as much as Palm. The other downside was that early versions of the OS were not very stable so it kept crashing. The downside is that a comparable Pocket PC will run you $50-$100 more than a Palm OS unit. Uncle Bill Gates needs to get his cash after all.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
iFORCE
New member
I've used both the Plam OS and the Windows OS, and I find that the windows is so much easier to use.. (thanks to bill gates).
I have an HP IPAQ hx4700 and it runs great. I just love VGA screens. I've researched the products before I bought mine and hands down this has everything you need for one great price. It looks very stylish too.
For bluetooth, I've used bluetooth GPS. This allows me to connect to the PDA without having all the wires. There are alot of different bluetooth GPS out there but TOMTOM has been one of the best.
Research alot into what you need and what your willing to pay for. I opted for a PocketPC that has WIFi and Bluetooth.
PocketPC = minicomputer
PDA = mini daytimer
I have an HP IPAQ hx4700 and it runs great. I just love VGA screens. I've researched the products before I bought mine and hands down this has everything you need for one great price. It looks very stylish too.
For bluetooth, I've used bluetooth GPS. This allows me to connect to the PDA without having all the wires. There are alot of different bluetooth GPS out there but TOMTOM has been one of the best.
Research alot into what you need and what your willing to pay for. I opted for a PocketPC that has WIFi and Bluetooth.
PocketPC = minicomputer
PDA = mini daytimer
