Argghhh - too much choice please help

[dbs]

Wow - I ususally like to research throughly any purchases but I've spent so much time on this one and got nowhere.

My requirements are for a GPS system to use in the UK & France(maybe elsewhere in Europe but probably not)

I need to be able to get hold of lists of LPG stations in both countries which I can input into whatever software I use. So far I have seen this for Tom Tom in ov2 file format but no others.

I don't really need a PDA for any other use apart from GPS.

I also have an iPod in my car which I'm fairly attached to and this runs from the cigarette lighter socket so I would prefer a GPS system which is either permanently wired or with very good battery life.

I would definitely want voice directions - looking at pretty pictures on a screen seems like a recipe for disaster whilst moving.

I would definitely prefer to not spend too much although depending on recommendations I would consider waiting and spending extra if necessary.

I find it really annoying that Tom Tom only supply 1 country with their software so I have to spend and extra £140 to get the rest of Europe.

Ideally I would get this before end of May as I have a trip in France planned so I don't really want to wait for any products not quite out yet.

Your help would be much appreciated - I have the sense of this being a market going through great change at the moment....?

Thanks

David

[lbendlin]

The only other program that springs to mind which can satisfy your requirements is CoPilot Pocket PC 4. Live. . Have a look at that - we do have a review up in our review section.
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Lutz

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TomTom/TeleAtlas NAVTEQ

[dbs]

And what hardware choices would you recommend given my requirements(see previous message)

Thanks

David

[Darren]

I'd go with TomTom as their POI support is well implemented and has a large base of users creating them, you may find there is already a POI file for LPG stations available. You can always buy a single map country if that's all you need.

As for power, get a 2-into-1 cigarette lighter extension adapter from Halfords. Hardware wise I'd go with a HP 2210 Pocket PC and a TomTom Bluetooth GPS or perhaps a Wired GPS such as the Leadtek both of which can be bought in a bundle with the maps.

The market is not going through change at the moment, its a high tech sector and the devices and software are all cutting edge so you can expect much flux and innovation for many years to come, there is little sense in sitting on the fence here!
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Darren Griffin

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