Ipaq 3630 - Queries & Help !!!

[AdebenChris]

Hi,

Much the same as everyone else on this forum I'm just considering my first GPS purchases and would welcome some impartial advice !!

This forum has already been invaluable ( thanks to everyone that contributes and the moderators ) but I still have some queries about what is the best setup.

I currently have an ipaq 3630 and am keen to use this as the centre of my system. As I am a little deaf I would also like use a powered mount with speakers. Do I :

1. Buy either a Seidio G2500, Arkon or Haicom powered mount ?

2. Get an expansion jacket and mouse style gps receiver or a GPS receiver with inbuilt CF card reader?

3. Whether using a expansion jacket or GPS & CF Reader - which size CF card should I get?

4. I'm looking at Tom Tom as the software - most reviews seem to be favourable- is this the best option? I presume I load the software on the the PDA and maps on to the CF card ( I'm only interested in travelling on the UK

My apologies for all the questions but I'd rather know now than buy a lemon !!

Any help gratefully received.

[Darren]

Firstly I ought to start by saying that, good as the 3630 was, it is getting a little long in the tooth now and some newer applications will not run on it (it has only 32Mb Ram for applications).

Having said that, there are options worth considering, TomTom Navigator 3 will run so long as you have little else installed. In asnswer to your questions:

1. I'd go with the Seidio mount or Arkon as a second choice.
2. Get a GPS Mouse (this needs 12v power bit in-car it's not an issue and a CF Jacket for memory card storage.
3. 256MB CF, maps consume a little over 100Mb up to a max of 150Mb with some packages, you need the extra space for things like the UKPostCode Plug-In etc so 256Mb gives you room to grow a little.
4. I covered this above, I suggest TTN3, yes the application goes into internal memory and the maps go onto the CF card.

I hope this helps,
_________________
Darren Griffin

[Pc-Mobile]

I would echo with Darren but emphasis that you would be better off with a new PPC.

If you just need basic software that can just load into the main memory (Tom Tom 1 and small region map will fit), that is OK. Other than that you need to get at least a CF jacket, which cost money and it is still too slow to run Voice navigation software.

If you have to buy a jacket (I do not know how much they cost, if you can find any. They used to be expensive but I suppose you can get one for next to nothing now) you might as well spend the money on a 2nd hand 1-2 year old PPC such as 38/39xx series, which could not cost much, and will give you more options.
_________________
Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

[AdebenChris]

Thanks for the advice from both of you - really helpful. Your responses have generated a couple of extra questions.

If I go for the GPS mouse - any recommendations on make/model ? I've seen the Tom Tom and Haicom which both seem to get good reviews or some cheaper options on ebay?

Sorry for my ignorance but If I upgrade my PDA what are the advantages ?? Won't my 3630 run voice navigation?

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!