Hi everyone does anyone have a recommendation for a PDA to go with memory map? I don't have a gps yet so I am looking for ways to use my memory map whilst out walking.
Dean
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 I'd recommend the HTC Touch, or any of the latest HTC range with integrated GPS.
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Hi Dave have you used/seen it working? I am trying to get as much info as possible but my head is starting to hurt 
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Some disadvantages of a Mobile/PDA combination solution are: 1. battery time is dramatically short when using memorymap software on a mobile handset. 2. Small screen A standard PDA with integrated GPS is a better solution, but still not better than a dedicated GPS. But if you choose for a PDA because of the proprierity software on dedicated GPS-es I totally understand it. I personally like the Siemens and Asus PDA's
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It just seams a shame that I have Memory Map now and not able to use it when I go out other than in printed form. Dean
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Hi Dave have you used/seen it working? I am trying to get as much info as possible but my head is starting to hurt Yes I have used the HTC Touch, along with HP iPaqs, Siemens, Asus, Mio and other PDAs and smartphones. What specific info are you after?
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Hi Dave I was doing a bit of reading on the Touch last night and it didn't look that straight forward to get the gps working, also I don't have any data download with my mobile phone contract so would you have to pay to use it? I might just buy a standalone gps and use it with my maps.
dean
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 I have to say that I have followed the great advice offered by Dave Mycroft in the past and have had brilliant results. I now use a HTC TNTY 11 (kaiser) with memory map and whilst it is true to say that the battery life is a bit of a let down when using the GPS function, that is easily remedied by carrying fully charged spare "extended" batteries. I went over from a HP ipac PDA and I have to say that the HTC smartphone is a vast improvement and much easier to waterproof/protect in the field due to having EVERYTHING (phone/GPS/PDA) in one compact unit. The screen is not that much smaller and I have no problems reading from it even without my specs which I now need for age related close work these days!
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Dean, I am sure that the touch has the same function as my Kaiser, in which case you DON'T need the GPRS network to use it as a GPS, it is purely that, a GPS unit using the same satellites as a dedicated GPS unit. The phone network is a completely separate function and doesn't even need to be switched on to be used as a GPS unit. I have also found that my phone doesn't have so many "black spots" as my old set up and rarely loses the GPS signal.
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| Edited: 06/07/09 11:35 |
OK thanks allot of my reading yesterday said you had to run a custom firmware to get the gps working. I starting to think it's not such a good idea after all! Will they give you an actual grid reference like a gps or show you where you are like say Satmap? Sorry if these are really silly questions without seeing one running I am a bit unsure how they work. Thanks Dean
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Will they give you an actual grid reference like a gps or show you where you are like say Satmap? Sorry if these are really silly questions without seeing one running I am a bit unsure how they work. Thanks Dean
Yes your position is shown on-screen, on the map and with a full grid reference.
I spend most of my working time testing and reviewing GPS/PDA/Satnav equipment for magazines and websites. My personal preference is the Satmap Active 10, but maps are soooo expensive and the charge for using the planning software is outrageous. If I haven't got the map for the Satmap I take a smartphone with ViewRanger software - the most cost effective solution and doesn't add an extra piece of kit to the pack as I'd have my mobile anyway. If money were no object I'd switch to either the Nokia N5800 with ViewRanger or an HTC running Quo 2 (though it would run Anquet and MM just as well). HTH
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I run MM on mine which gives me a slimmed down version of the one running on my computer. It gives you a running position on the OS map with a track (position lockable) and you get pop up boxes that give you any combination of speed/position (GR)/heading/altitude/course/averages/satellites etc you desire. All tracks/routes are transferable/planable to the computer version too.
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| Edited: 06/07/09 11:55 |
I was trying to do the most cost effective way of getting MM on to a pda. I think I will stick with a GARMIN eTrex LEGEND HCx @£118. I think I was getting ahead of myself with the ease of doing it plus the cost, never mind. Thanks Everyone
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Hi Dave, What is your take on using Viewranger instead of Ozi Explorer? I sometimes use my Asus PDA with Ozi in the field and it works just fine.
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Hi Zuma, They're totally different. Ozi Explorer is primarily a Windows based non-commercial application for PDAs where you source your own maps through shared libraries/self scanned maps, while Viewranger is a Symbian 60 based application for mobile phones and uses commercial authorised maps (eg OS maps in the UK) as you can't scan/produce your own. I'd have my mobile with me anyway, so having Viewranger on it means I don't need a seperate PDA.
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I've got the original O2 XDA which is made by HTC, not sure which model, though. Getting MM working was simple. The port for the inbuilt GPS receiver had to be changed, but it only took a few minute in the garden to get it all running. The battery lasts about 4 hours with the GPS on, but with it requiring standard minu USB, I bought a small battery pack from eBay for under a fiver. A freeloader solar cell will work too.
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Aha viewranger is a symbian 60 based application doesn't run on a HTC which runs on windows mobile.... In what format are the maps supplied, a protected proprierity format then I guess? Yeah since three months I have also a smartphone, a HTC on windows mobile but no GPS in it.... and the hassle to use a loose GPS unit with bluetooth too much hassle to my taste. Maybe the next phone in two years...
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Aha viewranger is a symbian 60 based application doesn't run on a HTC which runs on windows mobile.... In what format are the maps supplied, a protected proprierity format then I guess? Yeah since three months I have also a smartphone, a HTC on windows mobile but no GPS in it.... and the hassle to use a loose GPS unit with bluetooth too much hassle to my taste. Maybe the next phone in two years...
Yep, a propriatory format - as dictated by the terms of the OS licencing.
It only takes a couple of minutes to connect a Bluetooth GPS the first time, and you can have it set to auto-connect thereafter.
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