newbie: PDA, GPS, Equipment

[toybox]

hi,

 

as I mentioned in another thread I'm new to the whole caching thing. So first is to get a proper GPS device. I think about using my Ipaq 3670, so can you recommend any compact-flash-GPS' for this PDA?

 

also, which other PDA-software do you recommend me to get (fe. utilities for calculating coordinates...)?

 

and finally, are there any websites like mapquest which work in the pocket explorer internet browser?

 

thx & bye!

[+Hillbilly Cacher]

I would not use a PDA as a GPS. It can get broke easy. I use a Palm V in a hard case to save a copy of the cache's page. I save the page to a text file (about 1k), then use quick office to copy it to my PDA. The only time I take my PDA out of my backpack is if I need to check the the clues, and to write out my log.

[+TotemLake]

You'll probably be better off getting a separate GPS receiver rather than an add-on for your PDA. The PDA batteries are pretty short-lived when you start including add-ons versus the average battery life of a GPS receiver by itself. Taking advantage of the PDA with the GPS then becomes a matter of a simple cable connection between the two.

 

Others more informed than I about the software add-ons will chime in soon.

 

Cheers!

TL

[+DBleess]

http://members.cox.net/dmbleess/geocache/benchmarks.htm

 

Modularity rules. Separate GPS. A dedicated gps will perform better. Research all you can and read at least the "Losing Sattelites" thread before you buy a gps. A lot of information out there to digest.

 

SA / PP-ASEL-I

[+Renegade Knight]

Your PDA is fine.

 

Now get a Garmin GPS V Deluxe and you are good to go.

[+TotemLake]

Actually toybox, if you want to do your homework first, you might want to go to www.gpsinformation.net for some really great info on most of the brands and models, or if you're looking towards the Magellan line, this is a good place to go to compare the Magellan units' features.

 

Cheers!

TL

[toybox]

thx for the links... think you all convinced me... a seperate gps seems more practical... both battery-life and stability are real downsides of the pda...

[+Searching_ut]

As others have mentioned, the PDA's are fragile things. Not necessarily the greatest for field use. For vehicle use to get to the cache area however, or just roadtrips in general, they're hard to beat. You get options like very accurate and up to date maps, plus voice commands, auto routing/re-routing etc. I got a Globalsat BC307 CF unit from semsons a couple weeks ago, and so far I love it, especially in conjunction with the latest version of mapopolis. The 307 comes with external antenna and pcmcia adapter for about $140. It's by far the most sensitive unit I have, and works far better in tree cover than my handhelds like the sportrak. Probably a 20 to 30 percent sensitivity improvement. Of course that sensitivity comes at a cost, and it appears to have even more quirks than my magellan, which is pretty bad to begin with.

 

GPSpassion.com has some great information type of setup.

 

The link to Joe and Jacks site mentioned by TotemLake is a fantastic place to start looking for stand alone units. The great thing about them is that they can also be used in conjunction with your PDA for use on the road. This can be especially beneficial if you get a Magellan unit, as their maps for the US are pretty bad in areas. With the combination, you can get the best of maps and routing functions.