MarcG

Good day all,

I have read and read and read many different threads and site about the best i.e. most reliable, stable, easy to use and lower cost) possible option for adding GPS capability to my X51v Axim.

GPS is for me more a of an interesting device than a necessity to me so I want something easy to use, trouble free as much as possible and fun to use.

So far, I have reduced my choice of receiver to 2: I-Blue High Sensitivy GPS reveiver (Nemerix based Chips) and the BT-339 and family SiRF III based chip.

From what I can read and understand, I have to choose the software to best match the receiver cause not all software talk easily to these 2 type of chip set GPS receiver. For example, based on a review on this site, the combo IGuidance and I-Blue receiver is not the best since the I-Guidance will not wake-up the I-Blue and will show a lost connection if the Axim is moved outside the receiver distance and brought back within distance. This is exactly what will happen when I will go inside a store with my Axim and come back to car where the receiver will have been left. This is the kind of annoying pain I do not want at all.

I also would like a software that will allow me to install on both laptop and my Axim (like the Iguidance offers). I would like to stay away from license software based on unit (like the OCN and MN5 do).

I would like to add maps as I need like. For instance, the GPDDash2 allows you (seen to) create maps from whatever source (even Google earth) and use then with the software. This is cool especially if you go to 1 place only once in your life time (Bermuda, Australia, etc).

So, to make this thing short, I am confused about my options.

I like the I-Blue low power consumption and what seems to be very transparent to occasional user.

I like the overall software package the I-guidance seems to have with both PC and PPC application but it does not seem to be very friendly with the I-Blue receiver.

Mapopolis is free but you have to buy maps.

OCN5 seems to be very tought on the minimum memory requirement under WM5 and it is license to hardware.

I know there is nothing perfect.

Right now I think the Iguidance BT338 combo looks like the best choice.

"Confused man should take a little longer before forking $$ on toy"

Any experience and comments to share are mostly welcome.

Thanks for reading

Marc

romicva

I pretty much followed the same steps as you have (lots of reading before took a plunge). I bought IGuidance with BT-339 about a month ago. I am using it every day - not a single crash (x50V 2003SE). I bought it as a bundle from buygpsnow.com - they are a very good company. Good luck with your GPS.

The_Penguin

I'm in the same boat. I'm leaning towards Iguidance, and a BT-338
from gpscentral.ca lucky for me they're a short drive from the office

The_Penguin

Originally Posted by The_Penguin

I'm in the same boat. I'm leaning towards Iguidance, and a BT-338 from gpscentral.ca lucky for me they're a short drive from the office

Hmm decisions decisions.

gpscentral: IGuidance + BT338 = $294.90 Canadian and I pick it up.

buygpsnow: IGuidance + bt338 = $263.73 with shipping
plus possible brokerage fees (fedex, UPS, dhl), and I wait.

For the extra $30.00 might just be worth it. No shipping hassles if I need to return it

Imagineer

Originally Posted by The_Penguin

Hmm decisions decisions. gpscentral: IGuidance + BT338 = $294.90 Canadian and I pick it up. buygpsnow: IGuidance + bt338 = $263.73 with shipping plus possible brokerage fees (fedex, UPS, dhl), and I wait. For the extra $30.00 might just be worth it. No shipping hassles if I need to return it

Wow. Something I actually know about and can respond to!
I just received a BT-339 and Iguidance today (I'm installing it as we speak)
I found a 5% discount code on here, with that, and the credit card conversion from US to CDN $ it came to $226.55 CDN including USPS shipping.

Canada Post and Customs added PST and GST, and a handling charge of $8 = $25.08

Total = $251.63 CDN

It took 8 business days to arrive.

hope this helps.

bigdave240

I have an x50v with iguidance and just got my bt339. worked perfectly and so far, every time. even works in the house. the sensitivity of this receiver is amazing. i put it in thr console box in my truck and it keeps on working. no need to put it on the dash.

__________________
Big Dave

Upgraded to X51v ROM L11 Successful
AS 4.5 and also Vista
Extended battery
Innopocket Magnesium Case - Sweeeeet
PPX3k Rocks! I wish they would get back to work on it.
http://www.ppx3k.com/index.php?page=home


X5 (now belongs to my wife)
PPC2002 Upgraded to WM2003
AS 3.8
3800mAH Mugen Power Battery

The_Penguin

Originally Posted by Imagineer

Wow. Something I actually know about and can respond to!

LOL, well we all know *something*. Well ok almost all of us...

So how's it performing? How is the map data?
I'm always concerned about that, as Canadian map data isn't near as easy for these software companies to get.

The_Penguin

Well I just picked up the BT-338. Wow, what a great unit!
Easily configured on my notebook,and X51v.
And holy crap is it sensitive!
I'm getting 10 satellites in my living room!
I have to walk 10 steps from my front door to get 3 on my GPS18, or Etrex.
Now I just need IGuidance software...

chong67

I got my Holux GPSlim 286 two days ago. I love it. Its small and tiny. I dont have to put it on my dash.

I use with iGuidance.

I love it. In fact, its the only reason I get a PDA.