Newbie Questions

[Ralph Tomaccio]

As someone who has just developed an interest in a GPS, I thought it may be a better value if I combined it with a PDA. Through some inital research I think the Garmin M5 offers a substantial package. If you would kindly bare with me, I have a number of questions, some general in nature, others maybe specific to the M5.

1. Between the Palm OS and Microsoft's PDA version, is one better than the other?

2. Which do you prefer?

3. Why do you prefer it over the other?

4. In addition to using the GPS while driving to a specific address, I would like to use the GPS feature when I go flyfishing. If I find a location on a map within the GPS mapping software, obviously without an address, can I somehow indicate the location as my destination and have the GPS provide driving instructions?

5. Similarly, If I find a location on an external hard copy map or some other source, can I input, say, longitude/latitude as the destination and get driving directions?

6. Are there other ways to input destinations?

7. Once at a location, and also in the above 2 scenarios, can I save the locations to use in the future?

8. In product reviews, I have read that many people wish the M5 had built-in WiFi. Have you found this to be a very desirable thing?

9. Is the only way to add WiFi through the purchase of a memory card with it pre-installed?

10. Can it accidentally be erased?

11. I get the feeling that a 1GB memory card is a good thing. Would a 2GB card be ideal?

12. Is one memory card sufficient, or is there any reason why I would want two?

13. The GPS will probably be my primary use of the unit. Do you feel the M5 is the best choice?

14. Do you feel there is a better option available?

15. How important is a spare battery?

Thank you for your patience! I appreciate any answer you may feel you would like to provide from my list of many questions.

[XPLORx4]

None of your questions seemed to indicate anything relative to actually using a PDA, so a PDA may not be the best GPS device for you. Palm vs PPC differences are like Mac vs PC in many cases. It has a lot to do with user preference and how the PDA is used. Most Garmin GPS devices can do everything you asked about (find a lat/lon destination, etc.). It also sounds like you might like using the GPS outdoors. You should know that PDAs aren't as rugged as dedicated GPS receivers, either.

Because it sounds like you mainly want a GPS device (do you have any intended purpose for using a PDA?), you might try looking at the Garmin GPSMAP 60C/60CS, the Quest/Quest2, or the StreetPilot product family.

Garmin link (http://www.garmin.com/mobile/products.html)

[Ralph Tomaccio]

XPLORx4,

You're right - none of my questions had anything to do with a PDA because it's of secondary importance to me. I thought that I would try to "kill two birds with one stone" and put the PDA portion to use, but my primary purpose is the GPS, and that's what I'm most unfamiliar with in regards to capabilities.

I had not thought about the "ruggedness" factor so, thanks for bringing that up. I'll have to consider that. I'll take a closer look at the models you mentioned.

As to my questions on batteries, WiFi, etc., anyone have opinions to share?

[XPLORx4]

Ralph,

Regarding the "secondary importance of PDA functions", let me give you some background on my own research. I've been using GPS devices for about 4 years or so. My first GPS was a Garmin GPS III+, and I later upgraded to a GPS V, which I'm using now. It's generally been a good unit for both outdoor use (i.e. hiking, mountain-biking) and vehicle use. I'm actually not in a big hurry to replace it because it does essentially what I need it to do.

However, I want to buy automotive diagnostic OBDII scan software to help troubleshoot "check engine light" and other driveability problems on my vehicles. The software is available for PDAs (and laptops). So I thought, "Why not combine GPS and PDA together in one unit, since I'll be primarily using it in the car?"

I first looked at the Garmin iQue 3600, then started comparing it to newer devices, such as the iQue M5 (which brought me to this forum) and the new iQue M3. But I also started to learn about the other potential uses of a PDA, so I then checked out the Dell Axim x51v, which I would pair with a Garmin GPS10.

Talk about ultimate flexibility! But the Axim is first and foremost a PDA. I don't know to what degree I'll actually use the PDA functions outside of GPS and OBDII. However, I hate not having options later down the road.
If I didn't need OBDII, I'd probably choose a Quest2 to replace my GPS V when I got around to it. I've never needed or wanted a PDA before, but I want the OBDII software.

Anyway, I'm still undecided between the iQue M3 (latest stylus-free UI, but no wireless), iQue M5 (BT included, but UI requires stylus), and an Axim x51v/GPS10 (VGA, BT, WiFi, CF, SDIO... the full monty, except no stylus-free UI). Each has advantages and disadvantages for my primary needs. The issue is how much my "needs" will change once I become a PDA user...

[Ralph Tomaccio]

XPLORx4,

Much of what you said echos my feelings exactly. I, too, like maximum flexibility whenever possible, and don't like to be limited in the future because of a poor choice in purchasing now.

I can see where separate PDA and GPS units would offer a lot of flexibility, but I think I am willing to give up a little flexibility for the convenience of not having yet another separate item to carry around when being used for outdoor/on-foot use. In a vehicle it really doesn't matter, except when traveling or on vacation and you want portability and ease of use as as when on foot.

I, too, am not sure to what extent I will use the PDA features, but I know I will. Do I like having the biggest and the best? Yes, without a doubt. But I have learned over time that sometimes the "whole package" is more important than feature overkill. I don't feel I need a high end PDA, nor do I feel I need the maximum feature laden GPS. This is why I feel something like the Garmin M3 or M5 is ideal fo me. Compact, portable, pretty full set of features in both the PDA and GPS, and at a reasonable price with all considered.

After reading your post, I went back and compared the M5 to the M3. I find that, except for Bluetooth and a slightly faster processor, I think I lean towards the M3 now. Except for Bluetooth and slightly more safe storage, I think the 3D feature and custom POI's are features I would use more frequently. Both, for me, I believe offer more than the 3600. Besides, from what I understand, I can always add WiFi for connectivity through the memory card.

I'm curious to hear which way you decide to go.

[thetransportguy]

XPLORx4,

I had not thought about the "ruggedness" factor so, thanks for bringing that up.



It just so happened today that I dropped my M5 on concrete. I just about freaked out. The battery cover popped off, the battery went flying, the SD card got ejected out and the antenna opened. I thought that for sure I was up the creek. I put everything back into place and viola.. .Everything working! I am sure that I dodged a bullet, but its good to know that the M5 is not a totally fragile piece of machinery.