I am looking for a PDA/GPS combo device. I don't really need the PDA part but those seem to be the smallest and most portable available so I wont mind it. I just need it to have good gps features. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

I've owned the Garmin iQue3600, which is Palm-PDA based, for almost a year now. I've owned other Palms and prefer their OS. The GPS functions are nicely thought out and easy to operate. In the MINI there aren't too many mounting options beyond the Garmin "beanbag", which looks kinda clunky but works well. My primary reason for choosing the Garmin was to have a portable GPS that would travel well - read "rental cars" - without having to carry around another black box.

 

I use a Dell Axim X30H (634mHz), OnCourse Navigator V4 (soon V5) software with NAVTEQ maps, and the Globalsat BT-338 Bluetooth SiRF III GPSr. It is mounted on a Kuda MINI-specific base and rests in a Seidio 2500 powered cradle with a built-in amplified speaker.

The combination is fantastic. OCN integrates with Windows Mobile contacts (like the iQue), has incredible routing/rerouting function/speed. A big technological advantage is that because the GPSr is a separate wireless module, I can upgrade it to the latest technology in the future.

Photos:

This is the MINI-specific Kuda base that attaches to the dash. It is easily removed. The flash shows a color difference that is not noticeable in normal light.



Here is the driver's view of the PDA mounted on the cradle and attached to the base. I personally prefer this location since I don't have to take my eyes too far off the view ahead and the OCN (touch screen) controls are within a finger-extension of my right hand. The BT-338 is on the dash directly behind the PDA. It usually lives on the forward ledge of the rear sunroof.



This is a closeup of the main OCN navigation screen. I have hidden all the control buttons to maximixe the map view. A 3D view is also available. Directions are announced by a very pleasant American woman's voice though, curiously, she refers to traffic circles as "roundabouts"! Seems only proper in the MINI, eh what?



Here is the Globalsat BT-338 Bluetooth receiver. It has the very latest GPS technology (SiRF III) and can pull in 5-6 satellites in my living room! When driving, I usually have a lock on 8 or 9 satellites. The BT-338 has a removable 1700 mA lithium-ion battery and lasts about 15 to 17 hours on a charge. It is very small as shown in contrast with the MINI's cigarette lighter.


The whole modular package cost me about $550-$575 and it works phenominally.

FWIW,

Theo

 

I have the Nav installed in my car so no, I don;t use it in the MINI... But I do Have an Ipaq and the Navman sleave. I used to use the Navman software but it would take me on really round about routes. I upgraded to TomTom software and it worked much better.... unfortunately I bought their upgraded software and it won't work with anything but the TomTom stuff


I still use the Ipaq combo when I travel or use my Camaro.....It works well and I am happy with it.

 

I've had a Garmin iQue M5 for a couple of months now and it's great. Comes with everything you need (desk cradle, windscreen mount, etc.) to be up and running out of the box.

Over the last few months I had been looking at MP3 players (i.e. iPods) and dedicated GPS systems. With the M5, a 1GB SD card and a free MP3 player I get the best of both worlds for half the price of most dedicated GPS units with similar features. Hooked up throught the aux adapter so both nav and music plays through the head unit.

And though I didn't buy it for the PocketPC functionality I've found several useful programs that have just added to the value.

 

Chip,

Did you use the M5 to find Area 51?

Theo

 

Absolutely!



I'll have to swing by there (Area 51) and jot down the lat/lon for the 2006 YC & Area 51 website!

 

I'd skip the PDA portion and invest my funds in a better GPS. The TomTom is very popular and offers great features but is a little expensive (around $1,000). Garmin offers several hand-held sized units with color or grayscale screens. They're portable (for biking, hiking, etc.) and offer upgradable maps and memory. There are plenty of mounts available to keep it in front of you and in view of the sky.

 

I have been using a Palm Tungsten T3 for quite some time. I am interested in your mount. Does it come with a cradle? I just picked up the same globalsat gps as you have and it came with an Arkon cradle. I wonder if it can be fit to this mount.

The globalsat with SiRf III is a really hot little unit. It gets 5 or 6 sattlites in my house. My older SiRF II never got any.

I use Mapopolis software on the road, and Outdoor Navigator on the trail.

 

That Kuda base looks nice. How did you get your PDA mount to attach to it?

I'm using a window mount, which I really don't like. I'm using a Dell Axim X5 with Iguidance software. Works great, except the mount in my MCSC is not secure. I'm interested in getting more information about that Kuda mount.

 

The Kuda mount merely provides a flat surface to attach the mounting plate found in your cradle kit. You can drill through the Kuda and secure the mounting plate with screws.

In my setup, I'm using a Seidio 2500 powered cradle with a built-in amplified speaker. This seems to hold the PDA very securely as long as you work in "portrait" mode. The PDA tends to fall out when it is place in landscape mode. The Seidio also include a pivoting mounting plate so you can adjust the angle of the PDA to eliminate in-car reflections.

Theo