Axim GPS vs. Standard GPS

Jer4359 · 03-31-09, 01:43 AM

Hi,

Could anyone give insight onto how a GPS system on an Axim compares to a standard GPS (one that you buy only for GPS features)?

Thanks.

03-31-09, 09:32 AM

Which standalone system are you referring to. A unit like Tomtom that goes in a car or a portable unit like a garmin used for hiking, geocaching etc.

bigtsr · 03-31-09, 12:59 PM

Zacksba is right,it depends what your end use or objectives would be.
If you want something simple and compact a TomTom or Garmin
dedicated unit would be what to buy.
The Axim with Dell/Navteq is good and works well,I have also on mine
TrekBuddy (which is free)and uses the same BT332 gps rcvr that came
with the 51v.I also have the 2gb version of OCN8 which is very elaborate
both in presentation and facilities again using BT332.
All work equally well.

jadesse · 04-01-09, 08:17 PM

TomTom 7 works great!

Jer4359 · 04-01-09, 11:49 PM

I was thinking of a car unit. It seemed like the price of adding a GPS receiver and maps to the axim may approach that of some GPS systems. Yet, I wasn't sure how the quality of the two would compare.

jadesse · 04-02-09, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Jer4359

I was thinking of a car unit. It seemed like the price of adding a GPS receiver and maps to the axim may approach that of some GPS systems. Yet, I wasn't sure how the quality of the two would compare.

The TomTom software is pretty much the same between the PPC & standalone units.

rlichtefeld · 04-03-09, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jer4359

I was thinking of a car unit. It seemed like the price of adding a GPS receiver and maps to the axim may approach that of some GPS systems. Yet, I wasn't sure how the quality of the two would compare.

In most cases about 90% of the code is the same between the PDA and Stand Alone (All in One) version by the same developer. The maps, routing algorithms, etc. all share the same code base.

Using your PDA adds the ability of having your Contacts readily available.

I'm currently using OnCourse Navigator 8 on a X51v. OnCourse Navigator : Portable GPS Navigation System for everyONE and everyCAR

It is a U.S. version of IGo8, which is one of the best GPS software companies out there right now (http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/e..._8_description).

Their software is used on several standalone and in-car systems. And, they have Text to Speech for road names, 3D buildings in larger cities, a range of routing options.

And the ability to "hack" it pretty easily with different layouts, themes, sounds, etc. that you can download from lots of places on the 'net. This is something you CAN'T do with a all in one unit.

The only downside of OCN8 is that is only comes on a SD card, that it is tied to. You can't run the software without the SD card in the slot. If you get it, go for the 4GB card, you'll need it if you want to "tweak" things. I had to take the documentation off the card (.pdf file), to give me enough room for all my additions.

Rob

Fred500 · 04-08-09, 05:58 PM

to be honest...take the stand-alone GPS

I have a proper GPS for a long time ( no navigation system as such ) anyway...but this does not help in cities where you want to find a specific street.

so I thought I just upgrade my Aximx51v...put in a lot of money and time and suoftware and frustation etc....still not working perfect!

next time I would just buy a normal unit ( Gramin/TomTom, you name it )...you switch it on and it works....if not, you return it and get another one

My axim really is just a GPS-gadget...good that my wife does not know how much money I have "invested" into this GPS

If you want to play around......Axim with GPS
If you really need the GPS working 100 %.....stand alone unit

...just my humble advise

Box · 04-08-09, 06:08 PM

I would have to disagree, I've used my X51v with a BT receiver for over three years in more than 10 countries, it has guided me door to door (almost) faultlessly by car, motorbike and foot.
In the same time a colleague has bought several stand alone versions (including Tomtom and Garmin) that have just never worked reliably.
Maybe luck of the draw.

Fred500 · 04-08-09, 06:33 PM

yes, Box,maybe you are right......

it is only remarkable to see all these "normal" people ( I mean people like my mother or father ) with their nav-system having no problems ( ok, mostly no problems), whilst on the other hand these "normal" people would maybe, but ony maybe be able to find out on an Axim which side is up and which side is down.

...and I thought I have passed the IQ-test for working with an Axim..but then maybe AximGPS is a different level

Fred500 · 04-08-09, 06:38 PM

Box, this is my GPS setup :
Axim x51v
GlobalSat SiRFStarIII CF-Receiver
Garmin mobile XT-software and map ( UK&Ireland ) on the usual SD-Card and upgraded to Garmin mobile XT for windows mobile, latest version
FransonSplitter progam

Box · 04-08-09, 06:48 PM

You are right Fred the standalone is a better option for the majority, I'm just so at home with my Ax I can't see past that.

I'm sorry to see you have had problems and not much help in your other thread.
I'm unfamiliar with, Garmin and CF GPS in general so I'm no help either.

You mention that you are getting a BT GPS, hopefully you will have success with that.

Jer4359 · 04-08-09, 09:34 PM

Yes, did my homework and bought a bluetooth GPS (BT-359). From the reviews it sounds like set up may be tricky but it should be a solid product.

Fred500 · 04-09-09, 02:26 AM

Jer 4359, it is definitively more fun to play with an Axim....

please let us know how you are getting on