GPS/PDA combos

[+DEF Dale End Farm]

Does anyone have a GPS and PDA combo? I am more likely able to purchase a GPS if it comes embedded in a PDA with no monthly fee.

 

If this is a good possibility, what ones are recommended or sound good?

I will be able to purchase it new.

 

I am currently an active letterboxer (700 finds/60 plants), but looking to branch out

 

Thanks

 

Dale End farm

[+Miragee]

Welcome to the Forums!

 

There is no fee associated with GPS units and most people get rugged, waterproof GPSrs because they can withstand the rigors of Geocaching.

 

A PDA, like the Palm M500 I have, can still come in very handy because you can put all the cache information on it using a program like Cachemate.

 

There are some people who do use PDAs for Geocaching, but that wouldn't be my first choice.

[+DEF Dale End Farm]

Welcome to the Forums!

 

There is no fee associated with GPS units and most people get rugged, waterproof GPSrs because they can withstand the rigors of Geocaching.

 

A PDA, like the Palm M500 I have, can still come in very handy because you can put all the cache information on it using a program like Cachemate.

 

There are some people who do use PDAs for Geocaching, but that wouldn't be my first choice.

[+DEF Dale End Farm]

Welcome to the Forums!

 

There is no fee associated with GPS units and most people get rugged, waterproof GPSrs because they can withstand the rigors of Geocaching.

 

A PDA, like the Palm M500 I have, can still come in very handy because you can put all the cache information on it using a program like Cachemate.

 

There are some people who do use PDAs for Geocaching, but that wouldn't be my first choice.

 

Actually, for work, I can buy a PDA, which also happens to have GPS functionality. This makes it much less expensive than buying a standalone GPS.

 

I letterbox with my PDA cellphone, with no problem, so for me this is a matter of expensive vs. free.

[+Miragee]

Okay . . . then do a Search of the Forum for PDA and GPS. There are some who use that combination and I'm sure someone will come along to advise you about the best way to proceed . . .

[+Hynr]

I have tried the route of a PDA/GPS combination (Garmin iQue 3600); it is a powerful tool, but not rugged enough for geocaching.

[+SidAndBob]

I know there are a few geocachers in the UK that use the Mio Digiwalker P550 (and possibly P530).

[Blue_Stone]

I have tried the route of a PDA/GPS combination (Garmin iQue 3600); it is a powerful tool, but not rugged enough for geocaching.

 

I somewhat agree.

I use a Palm Lifedrive and bT GPS.

 

One thing I dont like about the PDA is it is NOT water proof, or even water resistant.

I have to carry a Ziploc in the pouch I carry the PDA in, in case of showers or water crossings.

I'm looking at an Otterbox for it, but more $$$.

 

Also, there are NO, I mean NO good hard cases that completely protect the PDA from a fall. I have a Rhinoskin hard case, and had it clipped to my belt. Well, the beltclip that came with it is a POS!....The mounting screw works loose with the motion of the case as you walk, and it came apart and fell onto my driveway as I was heading out the door to go caching. Of course, the PDA landed on the top corner, the spot that is NOT protected by the hard case. Gouged up the PDA body, but at least it still works.

[+rlridgeway]

I have used a GPS/PDA setup for over 3 years now. Right now I would not trade it for a stand-a-lone unit.

 

The upside of using this kind of setup: There is a variety of software you can choose from. Some of them really excellent which leaves the stand-a-alone units in the dust.

The downsides are they are not as rugged as the stand-a-lone units and the battery life is maybe half that of the Garmins and others.

 

I keep my PDA well protected in its case most of the time and during wet weather covered with a ziplock baggy. I use an extended battery which will run about 7 hours. I also carry a spare but never use it. I use my setup a couple days a week at work in all kinds of weather. The PDA has even been dropped a few times and so far has not had any ill-effects.

 

All this being said, I would not recommend a PDA with a built- in GPS. They are kind of expensive and the GPS receivers are a little clunky.

 

I would recommend a descent Pocket PC PDA and purchase a GPS receiver separately. The receivers can be purchased at BuyGPSNow. You can get good ones for about 75 dollars.

 

If you live in the US, I recommend Backcountry Navigator PDA mapping software. For thirty bucks you get all the topo maps and aerial photos of the US you wish to download. This includes the detailed 24K topos. You can record tracks and waypoints and import and export these as GPX files. Backcountry Navigator also handles geocaching files quite nicely for paperless caching. There is no monthly fee or additional charges.

 

Besides Backcountry Navigator, my setup includes a Dell Axim X51 PDA and an Oncourse BT-339 receiver. This combination has worked great for me.

Edited July 3, 2007 by rlridgeway

[+7Crooks]

rlridgeway,

 

I would like to thank you for such a detailed answer to the question. I appreciate you and the others that give time to help us. So, I have a follow-up question.

[+imajeep]

Another option is to get a Bluetooth-equipped PDA and a Bluetooth GPSr. Garmin makes a Bluetooth unit designed for use with a PDA. We use a conventional Garmin unit with a Palm Z22 that we got just for geocaching. That combination works pretty well, and we don't miss the fact that the two units aren't integrated. For one thing, most PDAs aren't very readable in direct sunlight; most GPS units are.

[+rlridgeway]

Okay, the follow-up would be???

[+7Crooks]

Okay, the follow-up would be???

 

oops, I posted a new topic instead.

[+sledgehampster]

I have a PALM IIIxe for sale. It comes with 1 metal stylus, leather case and one Hotsync cradle. Manual and Desktop Software can downloaded from PalmOne's website. I have used CacheMate and CacheNav on it with plenty of memory left over.

 

Also have a GPS module available for that PDA. It is actually for a PALM IIIc (getting rare), looks like top item on the linked page.

It includes windshield mount, cigarette lighter adapter, AC charger and Rand McNally Streetfinder Software.

 

Price is $25 for either or both for $40, shipping method will determine cost of that. Drop me an email if interested.

[+briansnat]

I have tried the route of a PDA/GPS combination (Garmin iQue 3600); it is a powerful tool, but not rugged enough for geocaching.

 

I somewhat agree.

I use a Palm Lifedrive and bT GPS.

 

One thing I dont like about the PDA is it is NOT water proof, or even water resistant.

I have to carry a Ziploc in the pouch I carry the PDA in, in case of showers or water crossings.

I'm looking at an Otterbox for it, but more $$$.

 

Also, there are NO, I mean NO good hard cases that completely protect the PDA from a fall. I have a Rhinoskin hard case, and had it clipped to my belt. Well, the beltclip that came with it is a POS!....The mounting screw works loose with the motion of the case as you walk, and it came apart and fell onto my driveway as I was heading out the door to go caching. Of course, the PDA landed on the top corner, the spot that is NOT protected by the hard case. Gouged up the PDA body, but at least it still works.

 

Battery life is also an issue. My PDA only gets maybe 3 or 4 hours of continuous use from a charge. My Garmin can run 24+ hours on a set of batteries.