| Author | Message | ||
     Andrew Clarke (Aclarke) Senior Member Username: Aclarke Post Number: 352 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm thinking about gettin a really cheap GPS unit that will work with a Palm Pilot. There are a couple models out there that are almost free they are so cheap right now. Mostly I want it to be able to keep breadcrumbs (that's that they're called, I think??) of a trail as I go on it, so that later I can download the trail co-ordinates to my PC. Obviously the more I can do with it the better, though. Here are the two I've seen so far for sale: Navman P-Series: http://www.navmanusa.com/land/p_series/index.html RAND MCNALLY PALM III STREETFINDER GPS: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3035557034&category=3728 Does anybody have any experience or opinions on either of these? Would you pay $15 for one? $25? $40? Not worth it for free? Thanks! - Andrew Clarke. | ||
| Greg Hassler (Ghassler) New Member Username: Ghassler Post Number: 5 Registered: 07-2003 |
I have the Navman M series for the Palm M130. It is a GPS and it does have maps, but that's about all I can say about it. I have a few other real GPS's (a DVD nav system in my DII, an old handheld and an aviation GPS), and the features of the Navman were somewhat disappointing. All it can really do is display a moving map - it doesn't even have utilities for satellite status, display lat/lon, etc. I can't remember if it has a track log (what you called breadcrumbs), but I don't think it does. You have to use the Rand Mcnally software to generate a map of where you will be, and download the (smaller) map to your Palm. The Rand Mcnally software isn't that great as far as PC map programs go, but I guess it gets the job done. Once you play with getting the proper size map for the area and get it onto the Palm, the moving map does work OK and even the directions work OK (the Palm will beep and a prompt is displayed of the next road you need to turn on). Also the Navman M series runs off of the Palm's batteries - and promptly kills them - you really need to run it on a 12v power source (which the Navman came with). A buddy of mine got the Magellan version, which was cheaper and actually had software that could do more "normal" GPS functions. Again I can't recall if it has the track log or not. I think the Magellan only works with the 500 series Palms though, not sure. The Magellan is WAAS capable and runs on its own batteries. Here is a link: http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/product.asp?PRODID=13 On that page they do mention "saving routes". As far as pricing, I think I paid around $180 for the NavMan (which comes with the 12v power cord and the useless suction cup mount), and the Magellan was $200 with a $100 rebate. I don't think I'd say either unit was really worth its price. Hope that info helps... | ||
| Greg Hassler (Ghassler) New Member Username: Ghassler Post Number: 6 Registered: 07-2003 |
another note - just pointing out that I have the M series and you were interested in the P series - I don't know what the differences are (if any). You also mentioned that they were really cheap and "almost free" if that's the case now it might be worth it for you (I purchased mine about 6 months ago). Otherwise I'd recommend a normal handheld GPS like a Garmin eTrex, which all have savable track logs and the ability to output to computers. Cheap handheld models are available for $100-$200. | ||
| Andrew Clarke (Aclarke) Senior Member Username: Aclarke Post Number: 353 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks, Greg. These things are pretty cheap. For instance, if you look at the eBay link above that one went for a little over $20 (plus shipping). So trying it out isn't going to be a big financial risk expecially as I can always pass it off to some other sucker if it's useless. I would like to know if anybody else has any personal experience with either of these though before I buy one. I wouldn't buy the Navman for $180 at this point as there are many other options in that price range, but for $20-30 I'd consider it (so far). - Andrew. | ||
| micky dee (Kincangokicker) New Member Username: Kincangokicker Post Number: 32 Registered: 06-2003 |
check out fugawi products www.fugawi.com . i use this on my boat and as well as four wheeling. | ||
| Ryan McDonald (Nursemcdonald) New Member Username: Nursemcdonald Post Number: 19 Registered: 05-2003 |
I tried using the SpringBoard Module for my Handspring Platinum... Im sorry to say that these GPS units are worthless and definately not as resilient at a separate unit. I now use the Magellan SportTrak-Map... I find it much easier to use than the Garmin series, and magellan's software is very easy to use, also note that their customer support is awesome! I would suggest saving a few more dollars and going with a separate GPS unit... | ||
| Andrew Clarke (Aclarke) Senior Member Username: Aclarke Post Number: 354 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thank you everybody for your thoughts. After reading here and doing some more research, I've decided these things aren't worth the time or money. I was considering bidding on the GPS at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34289&item=3034352854 because I thought it was a Navman P Series but it isn't. It doesn't sound like those are worth messing with either. I'd like to get a GPS to mess around with, but I'll wait until I can afford a "real" one! |
