PDA vs TOMTOM

ace2109

ace2109

ace2109

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28 Dec 2002
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Northern Ireland
hi guys,
i want to buy a gps device as i do allot of travelling. Which one do you guys recommend a PDA or TOMTOM device?

I have been looking at the tomtom go 700 and also the dell x51 gps pda and i cant make up my mind? I travel a lot in Ireland and i dont think the tomtom comes with those maps, am i right in saying this?

Also can you download maps for free or do you have to buy them?

Any advice is much appreciated guys as i want to hopefully buy this today online, one last question, how long does dell take to deliver?
 
not sure if it would help but I was in a similar situation a few months ago. I already had a PDA (hx4700) and was looking to get it sorted for GPS. But after a while looking at all the bits i needed, (amplified cradle for my quiet pda, tomtom software, a SiRFIII capable bluetooth receiver etc...) it all added up. The TomTom ONE just came out and was having sells (got it for £210 from carphone warehouse in decemeber) and altho its just UK maps...i actually prefer it over the PDA. Its just more convenient u could say...instead of setting up the PDA, loading up tomtom, plugging in all the GPS and so on.
 
the dell pda comes with a bluetooth gpsreciever so i dont really have a lot to wire? or is there?

im knew to all this, but if i got a tomtom 700 could i download the maps of ireland?
 
You have to buy the different TomTom Maps, wether for the TT Go or the PDA version.

I personaly prefer the PDA version since I can also load other GPS routing programs on to it like Automapa which covers Poland exceptionaly well, TT only cover about 16% of poland :(

A PDA will always be more flexible than a dedicated system and is smaller so you can put it in your pocket when you leave the car, and you can use one of those one eared headphones and have the unit give you directions whilst walking, as far as I am aware, the TT Go can't do this.
 
Chocki said:
You have to buy the different TomTom Maps, wether for the TT Go or the PDA version.

I personaly prefer the PDA version since I can also load other GPS routing programs on to it like Automapa which covers Poland exceptionaly well, TT only cover about 16% of poland :(

A PDA will always be more flexible than a dedicated system and is smaller so you can put it in your pocket when you leave the car, and you can use one of those one eared headphones and have the unit give you directions whilst walking, as far as I am aware, the TT Go can't do this.
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not sure about the TT Go, but the TT ONE u can. One other plus about the PDA tho is its faster if u got a speedy PDA
 
I've used both and find the PDAmore versitile (use it to play mp3's, audio books etc) but a bit more fiddly to use. It also can direct you to contacts from your address book which is handy.
 
so its looking like pda then, is there much trouble with the bluetooth gps attachment? does it loose connection or anything with it?
 
ace2109 said:
so its looking like pda then, is there much trouble with the bluetooth gps attachment? does it loose connection or anything with it?
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its just one extra thing to think about i.e not all in one package like a tomtom device. But if u do go the PDA route, make sure the bluetooth gps is atleast SiRFIII...last i checked (last year lol) this was a must...perhaps theres newers stuff now but doubt it
 
Hi,


Once you've got your gps receiver setup then there's no problems with it losing connection etc - the connection on both of my systems is rock soloid (I have an h2210 in one car and an HX4700 in the other). Personally I went for a PDA because I wanted a multifunctional device - however the new GO units (310,510and 710) which are either just out or about to be released do a bit more than just route you - the list of possibilities includes TMC, mp3 play and use as an hands free caller (note AFAIK only the most expensive unit does all of these). I would still probably go for the PDA but thought I'd let you know what's coming..

As for which gps reciever to go for - try and get a sirfstar 3 chipset such as the Global sat 338 or the Holux 236. Howevr if you're pushed for cash a Sirf star 2 chipset would be fine too.

Basically the sirfstar 3 is the latest chip thats readily available and has enhanced sensitivity it allows use inside cars with coated windscreens which previous generations had problems with (although to be honest all you have to do is place the receiver on the rear parcel shelf or at th ecorner of the windscreen. What sirfstar 3 does well though is keeping a good gps lock in areas like central london where there's a very poor line of site to the sky.

Hope this helps,

DinAlt
 
I had a GO300 and while it worked great it started to become a pain carrying it around - now have the mobile version stronger signal and nothing to carry about, gps unit is tiny.
 
Can you get a PDA mount that includes speakers AND GPS built in? (or am I being silly?)

I've already got an iPaq 4700 but want a neat solution without loads of wires hanging around or having to worry about if my bluetooth GPS is charged etc.
 
eidolon said:
Can you get a PDA mount that includes speakers AND GPS built in? (or am I being silly?)

I've already got an iPaq 4700 but want a neat solution without loads of wires hanging around or having to worry about if my bluetooth GPS is charged etc.
Click to expand...

'thinknavi' - sirfstar II only though.
 
Mason64 said:
just got a TOM TOM 300 and its briliant! best thingi have had in years!
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Nice, my dad was on about these, and my mum said she'd get him one, i said everyone gets the TOM TOM's so we went for a look, and i said the 300 would be a good un, as she was thinking about the 100 one. :D
 
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