mpbasher52

im 15 and that means that i will be driving soon (WATCH OUT) however i am very bad with roads and directions, and i am a complete newbie to gps.

What is the average setup i am going to want a car stand thingy for my ax and i know you can get cf gps cards like the haicom (which looks good) but what is with all this bluetooth setups, how do they work, what do i need to set one up, and which method of gps is cheaper/better?

also i am going to want to listen to music from my ax through my car sterio, i dont think that has todo with anything but o well

o ya and is there any specific gps brands i am going to want to stay away from (like the dell truemobile for wifi)?

kittymark

I heard there are problems with bluetooth setup (I guess the technology still a bit shaking) so your best solution might be CF GPS (might need external antena to wired to outside the car), mouse GPS (just an external GPS reciever to put on dash board), or handheld GPS to attatch to your AXIm. You may want to get a package, CF GPS with map, or mouse GPS with map. Currently from what I know there is no handheld GPS (act as mouse gps to connect to your axim) with map package, but u can always buy different parts (serial cable from handheld GPS, null modem adapter, serial cable from axim) to put them together.

Often a map cost $80 to $100 USD in avg., some may cost 180 to 200 USD (like tomtom which offers unlimited upgrade and map downlading, correct me if I am wrong). Few like Mapoplis would cost you a lot less since their application is free, you just have to pay and downlaod the map you want to use ($20 something), but they also offer you $99 to get the whole maps (US and CAN).

Often a or any GPS reciever would cost around $100USD at least. Therefore, you are probably looking at $100 to $300 for an average GPS price. I would say, a guess, less than $200 would be what u need to spend.

Compare to typical Car GPS which is $1,000 to $2,000 this is so much better. ;)

mpbasher52

im confused but i dont need to figure this all out right now all i need to know is, is it reliable and the price, and so far the price sounds really nice

thanks kittymark

larrysabo

You can pick up a GlobalSat BC-307 for $65 - $100 on eBay (I paid $96 USD + S/H), and Mapopolis Navigator (the application is free) with the map for your city for another $13 USD. If you want all US/CDA maps, it's $99. The GobalSat is terrific and usually comes with an antenna and adapter so you can use it with a laptop. Mapopolis is also terrific, IMO. I found the Gomadic mount an excellent value at $35 USD; it includes a power supply for the Axim, which you need when using GPS.

However, as a new driver, you might find it dangerous to be distracted by a GPS while driving. Perhaps you should consider waiting a year.

__________________
Axim X51V 624MHz A12 ROM, Innopocket Magnum, Haicom 303III SiRF GPS, OCN6, Gomadic mount

kittymark

hehe he needs to know the basics, reading a normal map and plan ahead. It is very important because what if your GPS isn't working because of bad weather or like few days ago solar storm? :)

poppajon

he's right. gps units are more of navigation helpers then autopilots. i've had more than one time when i couldnt completly rely on it. there are still kinks in the system that you have to get used to, and occasional Axim problems to contend with as well. having said that, my Axim gps package is INVALUABLE to me. and if it were to ever break, it would be replaced immediatly. Also, my bluetooth setup works perfectly, and i'm even running the dreaded WM2003, Belkin bluetooth card setup. However, that is the most expensive option. i've been looking into a setup for my girlfriend for as cheap as possible, and heres what i've come up with. it has been reported that iGuidance version 1.1 (which is the software that i use) has been running well on Axim basic models when installed properly, and all memory is allocated for program use. iGuidance is about $99. i've seen Axim Basics for as low as $129 on Dells refurbished site (and i have a refurbished advanced that runs flawlessly). next you need your gps reciever. a "Mouse" or serial reciever (one which plugs into your axim in the bottom port) is usually the cheapest. Brand new they are about $99, but probably less on ebay. Finally, you need a storage card for your maps, and possibly the program itself. A 128 MB Compactflash card can be had for as little as $25, however I would suggest a 256 MB. So there you go. your looking at spending about $350 total. Also, remember this PLEASE!!! It may be very tempting for a 16 year old driver to play with the Axim while driving. Looking for Points of Intrest and changing the destination and stuff. Its tempting for me... but trust me its a bad idea. Unless its something like just touching one thing quick... PULL OVER. hope this helps!

poppaj

wannahave

poppajon

did you check www.storagemedia.com to see the price for their 303e haicom receiver!

I am sure you will like the price of this on!

mpbasher52

poppajon im kinda confused by ur post, i already have my axim, refurbished advanced for $200, so that besats ur deal, and i already have lots of accesories, your post is very confusing, and dont worry i am a very careful driver, i have lots of golf cart experience, lol

thanx for the info guys

poppajon

if you already have an axim, and a card, then all you really need is a gps reciever and mapping software.

mpbasher52

how much memory will all this software and all these maps take up?

kittymark

not much, usually just maps takes just more than one 700MB for all USA and some cananda. Although still depands on your need POI, and street, guide...etc., but just to give u a rough figure.

wannahave

heheheh I guess kittymark means 70>??????

not sure though!

mpbasher52

it better be 70 or else im pulling over at ur house to ask for directions for the rest of my life

kittymark

hehe sorry getting a bit out of fingers ;)
Right now I am still debating if I should spend 50 bucks for a custom made cable (connect from my magellan to axim and with a cig. adapter all in one to power and transfer information on both of them in car)sigh.... :(

Do u think 50 is too much?