kevink1

I have a vacation in southern California next month, and I was thinking it would be convenient to have a navigation system for the trip. (I decided it was too far to drive, even though my car has builtin navi).

When I saw that it would cost $200 more to rent Hertz with it's navi, I thought that maybe I could just buy a GPS attachment for my PC and X50v, and still have one I could use when I don't have my car. My existing 6 year old handheld GPS isn't supported by my software, and can't connect to my Axim anyway.

I saw references to Dell's GPS system here.

When people here are talking about a bluetooth Dell GPS, are they referring to the Pharos (Pocket GPS Navigator with Bluetooth Wireless Technology for Axim X50/X51)?

Another, the Dell GPS Navigation System for Dell Axim X51/X51v, dell part# 310-7304, is confusing. It supports powering the GPS unit and Axim at the same time. But doesn't say it supports Bluetooth (or whether it will also support X50v). There is another Dell GPS that explicitely states it is Cabled.

Or are these references to a GPS addon that Dell doesn't sell anymore?

I see that Delorme sells a cheaper unit that also has their software. The main benefit I can see with a Dell one is if it comes with cables that power the GPS and Dell so I don't have the battery running out just when I need it.

The standalone portables, which don't use a PPC or laptop for the map and display, seem too expensive for my tastes for occasional vacations where I fly and rent a car, though they would have the advantage of my being able to loan it to my family when THEY go on trips.

ihateacid

Dell's GPS system is actually a rebranded system from someone else. the current latest GPS model i think is a Pharos system
Dell has two systems: Bluetooth or Cabled. if your axim has bluetooth, i recommend the bluetooth GPS system

the bluetooth Dell GPS System can be powered by your car's cigarette adaptor[the cable provided allows powering of both GPS and Axim together]

jackb_guppy

Dell's software and hardware offering is but one version of many choices in this area.


1) Hardware for GPS

1a) Wired / Async - to me the simpliest of the GPS. Directly attaches to Axim via a cable that will both power the Axim and GPS unit. Normally 2 cables actually. An adapter that plugs into the bottom of Axim and to the GPS Unit and another that plugs into the adapter to the CIG Lighter. I personally use a iGPS 360 with wires all over the front seat and SEIDIO G4850 which is a cradle/mount for Axim with built in GPS and Speaker.

1b) CF card / SD Card - This option the Axim supplies the power to the GPS directly. To keep the Axim powered use the in-car cables that came with Axim. Most do not like this option, becuase of how thin the these slots are and stress that the unit may put on the Axim. Other like it because you can walk around with the Axim and the GPS.

1c) BT (Bluetooth) - This option the Axim power itself and GPS powers itself. For longer drives there are Y-cables that allow the Axim and GPS unit to share the CIG Lighter for power. BT units though tend to have 5-8hrs of battery life, so charging at night is normal. Most like these units for the ability to place on the dash (fornt or back) or even in glove box and "forget". A few have problems setting up the "pairing" but normally that works out quickly. Since the unit is small , it can be placed in your pocket if you want to walk around with GPS.

1d) Combos. There are BT "shoes" for CF Cards. There are cradles with wires to supply power to external GPS units. Some GPS Units have interchangable adapters (iGPS 360 can be wired Async, USB for laptops, CF plugged in, and BT)


2) Software for GPS

2a) iGuidance - the parent or cousin to Dell's. This software comes with 3 different versions for Laptops, PPCs, and UMPCs. And the choice is yours when you need it. I use this software mainly for long trips, the only big wish I have it would give more turn notifactions per turn. Otherwise you are looking at the screen to much while driving. Maps for all of US take 2.2G, maps are only down the state level.

2b) Mapopolis - simplest of the GPS Map software. Not to say that it is below par. Just that interface is not a "finger" pushing interace, just a standard Window style. Foot print is small, uses counties to keep maps sizes small. Issue to me is long trips, you need to use the state highway maps, then load the counties maps along the way for stops. Not big issue when you run around your home town area, but can be on long hauls. Nice side is you can you-can-try-before-you-buy for 10days. I also like the programable turn time (more later)

2c) Tom Tom - my understanding it is right up there with the single use units.

2d) There are more GPS Maps... Desinator, Route66, and....


3) Other hardware

3a) Memory Cards - Eiither choice will be needed because maps of US (whole) can run into the 2.4G range.

3a1) CF Card - I place my maps on where because it is harder to change then the SD cards. If you use a CF card then the CF GPS are out.

3a2) SD Card - I place my music here because it is easier to change.

3b) Some to keep your Axim safe while driving.

3b1) Cradle - Mounts to Window, AirVent, CupHolder or Hardpoint. Allows the Axim to be seen while driving. Again I like SEIDIO units, others like Akron Units. Issue here is besure to know the limits of the Cardle. Like Axim only, with extended battery, with Silcon or other protector.

3b2) Silcon protectors - works well when you do not have see the screen - My wife likes this choice with iGPS and Mapopolis - since she is wearing the Axim like a pendant. Mapopolis can be setup to start telling about a turn 75 seconds before the turn and then every 15 seconds until the turn. Helpful in new areas.

Look around some more before buying - look at BUYGPSNOW, there bunds that come with software and hardwares. Key is to think about the how you are use the Axim while driving. Example my wife wears as pendant so Axim volume is enough. I use the SEIDIO for longer driving, with radio and kids, and I place the Axim on passenger side of car (so it visable but not where I play with while driving) I need a sound boast so internal speaker is helpful.

Other useful sites:
ProClip - Mounts and Hardpoints
SEIDIO - Cradles, w/ GPS, Speakers, Extra Power Points
INav - iGuidance product
Mapopolis - GPS Map

kevink1

I'll take a look at the buygps site. My vacation is in 3 1/2 weeks, so I still have time.

I don't want something too tied into the Axim. What if, in a year, the Axim breaks, and I decide to go the smartphone route? Plus, a bluetooth one can be used with the laptop.

Though 8 hour batteries would suffice for most days, I was doing some 9+ hour days earlier this year (though most of those were in my own car with builtin navi).

Essentially, the extra money spent on a Dell system is partially wasted when I replace the Axim in the future, in the short term I would have a more convenient power situation. Without something that integrates with the Axim, I have to carry a AC transformer to power the Dell.

I would just use my laptop, it is only a 4 1/2 pound unit, but with the bigger size I probably would end up not using it. I tried in the past once and with the big unit, it was a worry on trips. Harder to "hide" the laptop when you stop at rest areas, etc.

jackb_guppy

TREO730 is also a WM5 machine so the software like iGuidance and Mapopolis will work on it.

BT is one way to go, but so is wired. With wired the adapter changes not the equipment. BT is just a wireless adapter.

Then also look at 4G SD cards since this should be most transportable between equipment choices.

Laptop to me is at best is backup. Leaving it open on the front seat while driving is a little scary. More so then leaving on seat when getting out of the car. But again iGuidance is a good choice since with one purchase you get both Laptop and PPC software.

kevink1

My laptop is a convertible, so I can hide the keyboard.

kevink1

I ended up ordering the WBT-100. Review here was decent, considerably cheaper than the Dell branded bluetooth unit, minus the builtin powering of both the GPS and Dell.

I'll just bring the y power splitter I have, since on vacation I will need to power a phone, the Dell, and the GPS (though with batteries, probably not all at the same time).

I'll look into software next, there are reviews here.

I decided that spending too much money on a Dell specific version is probably not cost effective. My X50v is out of warranty (and is the 2nd warranty replacement anyway), and with Dell seeming to be getting out of the market, who knows. I could drop and shatter my Dell at any time.

Thanks for the help,
Kevin

diducmeb4

I have a Holux GR271 compact flash (Ebay $65) and IGuidance V3; works great. I have also used Mapopolis with no problems. I like the compact flash because there are no additional components, cords, etc. Plug the CF in, start up IGuid and off you go. I do have a car charger for the long trips but can easliy run the GPS for a couple of hours before completely draining the battery.