GPS best way to do...

[Ivanpeci]

Hello to everybody! I would like to know the best way to use my ipaq 3970 in GPS. I knew of gps on cf card but my ipaq doesn't have the cf . I knew of gps on sd card and this could be better. I would like to spend less and obtain max!! ( like everyone.. )
Is there someone that could help me in this question
?
Thanks a lot for spending time for me ....
p.s. does gps will be used in the car or walking around by foot
?!

[Skip63]

Go for a Bluetooth GPS. It can be in your pocket or backpack with no wires...

[Rubberhead]

You might want to consider getting a stand-alone GPS. They are waterproof and much more rugged than a PDA. In addition, if the battery on your PDA goes, you'll still have GPS functionality.

Garmin has a couple of sweet 256-color GPS units coming out soon:

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap60cs/

[Hoploholic]

I will second Rubber's suggestion. Also, a functional Garmin or Magellen will cost you less than an addition to your PPC.

[Skip63]

But the question was, what can he do with his 3970...
I think a cheap Garmin & a map & pencil is a good idea - but mapping on a PPC is great! Gives you a record, something you can post on a website, email the map to someone from the summit you just climbed etc. Come on guys, use your imagination, this is a PDA forum isn't it??!!

[Rubberhead]

My reply was "You might want to consider..." I knew I wasn't answering his question. I wasn't trying to. I was trying to get him to consider other options.

A GPS is a PDA.:D

If I use my imagination, would tell him to get an iPAQ camera sled and a liquid filled magentic compass.

Use the camera to take a picture of the compass so he will remember what direction he was heading.:)

[Skip63]

Ah. Best you don't use it then. ;)

[TeddRi]

I anot remember the exact name of it, but Radio Shack was cleaning out all there old GPS's and they have one with a serial interface that works fine with the HP. Plus the best part is if you can find one, they are only $60 ! Its not the worlds fastest GPS as it uses a single channel sequel. receiver so when its cold or "lost" will take about 3 mins to lock on.
The second choice that works perfectly, but a little pricey is the HP Bluetooth GPS. One of the nicer designed units out there, is very fast and is a real life "plug and play" no "praying" required :-)
Hope this helps
Tedd

[Nhpatriot]

There is a SD slot GPS out there. I saw it in a pocket windows buyers guide about two months ago. sorry I don't have the name.
I agree with the other posts a true GPS with blue tooth is a better answer.

[TeddRi]

You might have been thinking about this SDIO GPS

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iodata.jp%2Fprod%2Fm ultimedia%2Fgps%2F2003%2Fsdgps%2Findex.htm&lp=ja_en&tt=url


Photo of it at the link below
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/multimedia/gps/2003/sdgps/img/sdgps.jpg

Info from the web site, it looks like a nice unit and its a 12 channel receiver, so it should connect fairly fast

""SDGPS" built in the high sensitivity GPS antenna, it is the SDIO card type GPS receiver.
HP iPAQ and NTT DoCoMo sigma Lyon III etc., SDIO Now! You can use with PDA which corresponds. Buying with the GPS correspondence map software attachment, it is the convenient package which directly can utilize GPS Nabi."

Only Problem....I have no idea if this is available yet in the USA. This site is a Japanese site and it does have ordering info, just not sure if that includes International. I am surprised that one did not come up at the recent Comdex show.

Anyway, if I find any other units, I will post it here.
Hope this helps a little bit
Tedd

[Skip63]

Try: www.pharosgps.com/products/hp/iPAQ5450/PSD80.htm

[paulb2]

Personally I use a CF card type - OK I need the sleeve to operate it but then the extra battery power is nice.

Also, I use my SD card for the maps - that way even if i do not have the GPS receiver plugged in I always have the maps with me for use as a map book.

The BT version sounds nice, but CF versions are pretty cheap these days.

PAUL.

[Skip63]

That's a good point about leaving the slot free for maps Paul.
My feeling about the CF or SD card is they are spot-on for walking or cycling, but if you get a new car where the GPS doesn't operate well where you want the screen, what do you do?
With a BT model it can sit on the back shelf...

[TeddRi]

Skip63,
Hey very nice GPS find ! The Pharos stuff looks really good with a ton of options for connecting and not bad prices at all.
I kinda like the Smart Navigator Services, Smart Traffic series of traffic info, I logged in for the Seattle traffic and that is great, will for sure help out my commute. The Ostia GPS Software looks pretty good also.

And...a 6 GB CF card ! Yikes....althou the $5000 price is a little steep...think I would get two of the 3 GB for $1000 first.

Thanks alot for the link, I am always looking for good GPS stuff and sure found another one. My sailboat "survives" with its GPS support and have been using the Garmin StreetPilot in my car, but really like the looks of the PDA goodies. Oh well, Know where my ext check is going to !
Thanks again
Tedd

[paulb2]

Skip63.

I made sure I picked up a card that came with a free wired antenna. The antenna sits in the front dash of the car, the wire is tucked down in the gap between the screen and the dash and the plug just slips in the side of the card, easy. Supprisingly, the unit works pretty well even if it is being held by a passenger though.

Incidentally, what do you do about powering the BT unit? batteries or wired in to the car electrics?

PAUL.