Looking to get GPS. Suggestions?

smeg36 · 09-30-03, 10:18 AM

I know this is a much discussed topic and all, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for my specific situation about what to buy, where to buy it, etc.

I am going to be moving across country this Dec., so I decided to get a GPS unit for my Axim. So far, that is the only definate thing I know I will be using it for, but I am sure I can figure out other uses.

First off, should I get a CF or a mouse? Second, where? Third, what software is the best, and where is the cheapest place to get it (man the GPS software is expensive!)? Lastly, how much space does the software take up? I have a 128 SD, and a 5 GB hard drive for the CF slot, so if it takes up a ton of space, I would have to either get the mouse, or a larger SD card.

aaziz1975 · 09-30-03, 02:06 PM

I guess mouse is the way to go... I never want to block my CF or SD and specially in your case where you have SD and CF storage cards.

I have ask the map size question in this forum and the reply I got was little over 1GB for entire US. So with your 5GB HD you can cover all that... but I don't know what performance hit you will encounter while running the maps from HD. On the other hand you can load recently used maps from SD...

As for the GPS receiver you have two choices
1) Mouse
2) MMF (Multi Mode) i.e. both CF and Mouse

(2) is expensive but gives you everything you need while (1) is cheap and can fulfills most of the requirements but not all.

Recommendations:
(1) GlobalSat or i.Terk Mouse GPS
http://www.semsons.com/itmousgpsrec.html

(2) Haicom H1-303MMF
http://www.semsons.com/haicmulgpsre.html

For Comparative Analysis
http://www.gpspassion.com/en/hardware/gpslist.htm

Check the rating GlobalSat/i.Terk Mouse and Haicom MMF both got 'A'

Software
1) Routis / iGuidance
2) Mapopolis

If you can buy a bundle then you can get good deals like
Mouse
http://www.semsons.com/itmousgpswig.html

MMF
http://www.semsons.com/haicmmfgpswi.html

Plus you can get a 10% discount coupon if you become a member of GPSPassion.com (Which will cost you $10) this $10 will be well spent for support as all the software providers have their forums in GPSPassion once you become a member

Buy everything from Semsons.com they are good. Excellent service I ordered mine yesterday and looking forward for its arrival.

Lets do the math then
Mouse Bundle: $199.99
Discount: $20
Shipping: 4.99
-------------------------
Total: $184.98

Support: $10

Your Total: $194.98 (if you buy iGuidance you will get one map update free first year)

I hope this helps!

Good Luck

smeg36 · 09-30-03, 02:47 PM

Thanks a lot! That was very helpful. It seems like the mouse is the way to go if I am going to be crossing multiple states in a day, and would need to have all their maps loaded.

GMCullan · 09-30-03, 03:15 PM

I've been running a Pharos CF card GPS on my Axim. Bought it direct from Dell at only 65% of the Pharos list price. I went with the Pharos as I used to use one with my iPAQ 3635 and never had any problems. I also used to use a Navman GPS sleave with the iPAQ. That did have some problems.

The built in Axim speaker is not adequate for use with the GPS voice prompts. So I bought a multi-media mount with built in speaker and amplifier. The whole system works well.

I did have to modify the plug end of the cord that plugs into the the speaker out on the Axim, as the supplied plug had an interference fit with the GPS module.

As a side note, my Axim died due to a failure of the touch screen. I called Dell yesterday afternoon for a replacement Axim. Airborne delivered the replacement a short while ago. Yes, getting though on the phone and being able to talk to a "live" person was a challenge. But they did make quick work of taking care of my concerns.