GPS Newbie -- Best Starter Set?

ek778 · 07-03-05, 09:32 AM

Hi Everyone-
I am new to the world of GPS and I was very interested in getting a "starter" kit including receiver / decent mapping software (preferably with voice guided directions.) Of course, I would want it to be compatible with my Axim, specificially an Axim x50. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a GOOD, but INEXPENSIVE GPS starter kit?

Thanks,
ek778

TDCDemo · 07-03-05, 07:39 PM

I would also like some ideas on this.

Kevin

scottb1 · 07-03-05, 08:15 PM

I just got the AVL BT-15 form Storagemedia.com for 94.00 and I am using Mapopolis Software, which is free and you can use selected maps for 9 days for free to try out. So far I like it a lot. It was only a 100.00 investment to get started.

Scott
x50v
Sena Leather
BT-15 GPS
2GB CF

Qwikm · 07-04-05, 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by scottb1

I just got the AVL BT-15 form Storagemedia.com for 94.00 and I am using Mapopolis Software, which is free and you can use selected maps for 9 days for free to try out. So far I like it a lot. It was only a 100.00 investment to get started.

Scott
x50v
Sena Leather
BT-15 GPS
2GB CF

Sorry I could not understand : Does Mapopolis software comes free with the order or do you got it from somewhere else ?? I understand it is a great software that comes with a subscription ..

ps: what do you think about Holux GPS CF Card, it is a PDA attachment ...

cherrylee14 · 07-04-05, 04:29 AM

Mapopolis' software is free, but they sell maps. The program won't work without maps. 9 day trial gives you how mapopolis suits for your demand. It seems that additional $50 is pretty big now, but I suggest you get a nicer than AVL BT-15. I personally own that model and now I wish I paid more for a different. BT-15 works well on regular interstate and a wideopen area, but I'm having a hard time getting a fix in a big city (whiling traveling in Paris).

If you order your gps from buygpsnow.com, you get a free 30 day trial of destinator. You can get a lot of info about mapping softwer both in aximsite.com and gpspassion.com.

Qwikm · 07-04-05, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by cherrylee14

Mapopolis' software is free, but they sell maps. The program won't work without maps. 9 day trial gives you how mapopolis suits for your demand. It seems that additional $50 is pretty big now, but I suggest you get a nicer than AVL BT-15. I personally own that model and now I wish I paid more for a different. BT-15 works well on regular interstate and a wideopen area, but I'm having a hard time getting a fix in a big city (whiling traveling in Paris).

If you order your gps from buygpsnow.com, you get a free 30 day trial of destinator. You can get a lot of info about mapping softwer both in aximsite.com and gpspassion.com.

OK Thanks for the info. One more basic question. Is a PDA with a CF GPS Card (like Holux GPS) provide the same functionality as a standalone GPS unit.

JakeRich · 07-04-05, 09:22 AM

Yes, pretty much all the GPS units have the same functionality. They differ on interface (Card, BT, Serial) and chipset. The sensitivity of the receiver is related to chipset. The latest and greatest is the SirfIII chipset, which is very sensitive. You'll also hear the term WAAS, which stands for Wide Area Augmentaion System. WAAS receivers listen for an extra signal from ground stations or geostationary satellites that provide correction data to improve your fix from 10M accuracy to 3M accuracy. You can't always get the WAAS signal, and the improvement in accuracy isn't really critical to most GPS usage, so it's not practically critical to have WAAS.

Qwikm · 07-04-05, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by JakeRich

Yes, pretty much all the GPS units have the same functionality. They differ on interface (Card, BT, Serial) and chipset. The sensitivity of the receiver is related to chipset. The latest and greatest is the SirfIII chipset, which is very sensitive. You'll also hear the term WAAS, which stands for Wide Area Augmentaion System. WAAS receivers listen for an extra signal from ground stations or geostationary satellites that provide correction data to improve your fix from 10M accuracy to 3M accuracy. You can't always get the WAAS signal, and the improvement in accuracy isn't really critical to most GPS usage, so it's not practically critical to have WAAS.

OK Thanks JakeRich. I really appreciate your guidance above. I am planning to order a CF GPS Card that should work with my DELL Axim for a turn by turn diplay of the route with voice navigation. Can you advise a good GPS CF Card that I may use on need basis (btw what do you think of NEW HOLUX GM-270 ULTRA CF GPS PDA Notebook Pocket PC currently available for 49.95 from EBAY)? I understand that Mapoplis software is one of the better ones from navigation perspective (pls let me know if you have a better software idea as well).

Thanks in advance !!!

07-10-05, 11:31 PM

Here is a link to one of my replies to a similiar question raised elsewhere on the "GPS Talk" forum: http://tinyurl.com/cfve4.

You may want to check out these GPS Bundles offered by BuyGPSnow.com: http://tinyurl.com/7pvxd- keep clicking to get all of the product details. The OCN4 (with free upgrade to OCN5) and iGuidance 2.1.1 bundles deserve special attention. The bundled pricing will save you $30 to $50 over purchasing the item separately elsewhere. Here is a link to the (just published) review of iG 2.1.1: [http://tinyurl.com/ay27o.

This link to another of my replies my provide useful info: http://tinyurl.com/8q3hm.