Matzoh Man

I'm shopping about for a new gps for my Axim x50v. So far the Holux M1200 is high on my list. Following are some questions. Ideas and suggestions welcome:

1- the holux website says prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight will damage the Holux M1200. How suitable is it, then, to leave the thing on the dashboard for hours on end?

2- does the unit need to direct exposure to the sky in order to get a fix? Can I keep the M1200 in my pocket and still get a fix?

3-is there a best way to orient the unit on my dashboard to get the best signal?

4-how fast can one generally get a cold-start fix in an urban location?

5-finally, is there any reason to prefer the SIRF Star III chipset over the Media Tek chipset, vice versa?

thanks!

keet

1. It's probably ok if it's not too hot. You could probably just leave it on your seat if you're worried about it. Just make sure it's not overheating.

2. From my experience, you can keep it in your pocket, in a pda case, wherever, and get a fix. I've sat on a bus with it in my pocket and still gotten a reliable signal.

3. I have no idea. You're probably fine as long as it's not buried under your seat or something.. I think..

4. It takes about 30 seconds in my experience; I turn the M1200 on, wait about ten or fifteen seconds, turn on my X51v, activate the GPS, and the fix is there within a few seconds.

5. I don't know. I've heard the Media Tek is better, but naturally I've read much that's good about the SIRF Star III. Someone more knowledgeable can answer this better.