Dell Axim and GPS software questions

[kamaboko]

hello,
i'm considering a dell axim and some form of gps system. if you have a dell and a gps setup, i'd like to read your thoughts and opinions on them. i'll be starting a new job in the washing dc, virginia area that will require a lot of travel. i don't want to mess around with thompson guides anymore....if i don't have to. :-)

thanks,
k

[suemccartin]

I used to have a audiovox maestro with pocket pc2002 and I ran mapopolis navigator on it--worked pretty good but the unit really didn't have enough memory for it as it was only a 32/32. Now, thinking I'd get better performance from the mapopolis navigator software I've ugraded to a Axim advanced with pc2003; only to find out that pc2003 is different enough from 2002 that some packages don't run right on it. I've also heard some statements that Dell's implementation of the OS may have some problems too.

First of all, I'm pretty hot that mapopolis wants everyone to pay again because they aren't going to support version three of the navigator software (that works with the mapset I have paid for)on the new os. I've got six months left on my subscription and now I can't use what I have because three is apparently "undependable" on pc2003. Version four of the mapopolis product is out but of course it uses different maps so right now I'm not really happy with that company although I think it's a pretty good product. (i.e. to use four I've got to cough up another hundred dollars, I just have a problem with that).

I have a Holux gm-270 (original version) CF gps and so far it seems to be working ok under 2003 it's just my map package that I apparently must replace. I've had several "heated" discussions on a few forums about this and everyone seems to think I'm crazy because I feel that I've paid for a years worth of map downloads that are now worthless because mapopolis isn't going to support the software for them under 2003! Apparently this is a pretty common attitude from these companies, they all want to take your money and put their hand out for more later when you upgrade to a better machine. If motherboard companies took this attitude we'd all be buying new computers every time microsoft released a new operating system! (better not give them any ideas :eek: )

Anyhow, I've heard a lot of good things about Tom, Tom, Navigator and while it doesn't use the supposedly excellent Navtech Maps that mapopolis Navigator uses it does offer such functions as road block route around and alternate routes and the ability to avoid major traffic arteries if you so choose (useful at rush hour). Tom, tom unlike mapopolis includes points of interest, even though it's a great deal more expensive than mapopolis ($165.00 cheapest I've found for it) I think that's what I'm going to get rather than give mapapolis more of my money for the latest version and the new maps.

[kamaboko]

thanks for the comments. i was beginning to think that i was the only one considering this given the number of views and no responses. in any case, i'm looking at the pharos gps system. you made some good points about the map updates. i'll ask them about those charges.

thanks,
k