Arnir

Howdy folks.

I have some questions for you, but first some background. I currently own a Garmin iQue 3600 that I'm pretty happy with. However, I'm getting that new gadget itch that strikes me from time to time. I primarily use my current unit for automotive navigation (never off road) and as a back up data center. I'm a university lecturer/prof. and having the pda is quite helpful. I also absolutely hate getting lost in the car.

I'm looking at the Dell Axim 51v gps package. ($582) I was wondering if anyone could help me compare the two units. I'm satisfied with the gps reception of my iQue with the external antenna on my dashboard. (I have one of those old GM minivans with the huge sloping windshield and patio-like dashboard. It makes most windscreen mounting options not work).

I'm wondering what the reception is like on the Axim packgage. Also, how is the screen display. If anyone has seen both of the units, I would be happy to hear your thoughts. Which is a better GPS display and which is a better lcd display (easier to read)? Anything a newbie should be aware of?

This would also be my first foray away from the palm OS so I'm kind of curious about the differences.

Thanks for reading a rambling message. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Arnir

Edit: The GPS system that comes with the package is a wired unit, not the BT one.

jimbo32

Hi,

I use a Garmin GPS10 (bluetooth) delux package with my Axim X50V and am very happy with it. It should be very similar to the software on your Ique. If you have an option, I would highly recommend the bluetooth receiver over a wired or even the CF type. The price you mentioned seems a little high, in light of the fact that several people have been able to buy new X51V for less than $300 by watching the Dell coupon sites and the Garmin GPS10 delux only cost me $219 several months ago and can probably be had for even less now. My main hesitation about the X51V is that it seems that Dell still has some significant bugs to work out of the WM5 OS. I also came from the Palm community and it took me a little while to warm up to the Pocket PC OS, but I now use my X50V almost exclusively. I like the WIFI, the bluetooth and the two expansion slots, as well as the VGA screen.

XPLORx4

Probably the first thing you'll notice about the x51v vs the 3600 is the screen size. The 3600's screen is physically taller (although a bit narrower) than the Axim's, with a 2:3 aspect ratio (320x480), which makes it quite nice for GPS use. The iQue software on the Axim pixel-doubles the Axim's 480x640 resolution, so the effective map display is smaller on the Axim. See the attached image to see how much map displays on the Axim, compared to the iQue.

When I purchased my x51v and Garmin GPS10, I strongly considered other Garmin PDAs, such as the 3600, M3, and M5, but in the end what swayed my decision was the Axim's overall flexibility. With built-in BT and WiFi, full VGA resolution, 2 storage card slots, and a fast processor, the Axim is a much more robust device than the 3600, and not as likely to become obsolete anytime soon. I'm already spoiled by the Axim's wireless capabilities.

Another thing you should note that if you get Dell's Axim/GPS solution, then you will probably have to learn a whole new GPS software user interface, since Garmin's iQue software only works with Garmin hardware. On the other hand, other GPS software programs may natively support VGA resolution, so you might see more map than iQue software displays.

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Axim x51v
Garmin GPS10 -+- AutoEnginuity ScanTool

Arnir

Thanks for all the information. I do appreciate it.

Arnir

I decided to go ahead and get the 51v. I like to tinker with electronics so I think that the WM5.0 shouldn't be too bad. I hope. Thanks again for your help.