Which PDA For Memory Map?

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Guys,
I'm new to the forum and new to PDA use. I have a trusty old Garmin GPS12XL, and I want to add OS mapping without spending ludicrous amounts of cash on a fancy GPS. I already have Memory Map (which doesn't seem to be useable on any of the dedicated GPS systems, but please shout up if I'm wrong) so i think I may just buy a used PDA and install Memory Map Pocket Navigator on it. I'm not yet sure whether I will plug my GPS into the PDA or keep them separate. Could anyone offer advice on which PDA I should go for? I don't want anything fancy as I'd be concerned about getting it wet etc, so cheap is the way to go I think.

Below is what Memory Map says I need. None of it means anything to me as I've never even looked at a PDA.

Pocket PC: Microsoft Windows Mobile, Pocket PC 2003 or later with ActiveSync connection. 16Mb RAM. Additional storage card recommended

All comments and alternative ideas welcome

Thanks
Leigh

mikealder · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 1:42 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum, you could consider one of the older XDA mobile phones such as This one, its got a much larger screen size than the more recent XDA devices which is great for Memory Map, larger screen means its easier to see the detail on the map.
You might need to consider a Bluetooth GPS device to pair up with the phone, and if you don't want to use it as a phone simply don't install a sim card, it will work fine without the sim.

I used a phone like this one for various tasks a few years ago, it runs Memory Map very well, if you want a different unit with integral GPS they are available but will cost considerably more - Mike

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. That's a great bit of advice. In fact, I just bought that very phone. 50 quid delivered (with a warranty) has got to be a great way to get started. Can I connect to a bluetooth PC wirelessly for Memory Map transfers or not? I ask as I'll buy a lead from the same guy if I need to

Thanks v much

Leigh

mikealder · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

I cannot see a data lead on his e-bay shop but there is one listed that will work with the IIs from Here

You will need the sync cable to get the application from your PC on to the phone, for map transfers I would use a card reader and put the maps on to an SD card, this makes life much easier.

I got an extended capacity battery for my IIs which offers around 13 hours continual use such as This One, consider it only after using the device if you find the standard capacity inadequate as this puts the weight of the phone up by quite a bit! - Mike

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Wow. Thanks for your continuing help!

Ok, bought the cable & a reader/writer. Does it matter what capacity SD Card I get? Don't want to just get the biggest incase the phone doesn't recognise it or whatever

Sorry to be such a dumb arse :o(

Leigh

mikealder · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject:

Go for a 2GB SD card as these definitely work with the IIs any larger than this and the card will be SDHC which the IIs won't support - 2GB is plenty for a few maps, keep the map sizes on the PDA down to around 200MB each (or smaller) otherwise the device might lock up with massive map files to load up - Mike

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Ok. Ordered that. Did u interface yours with a GPS or not?

mikealder · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject:

Yes, in the car I had a wired GPS that also provided power to keep the phone charged, for walking I used a Holux GPSlim 236, whilst this Bluetooth GPS unit is still a very credible performer there are better units available these days, mainly the newer units such as the iBlue/ qStarz units which can offer 30+ hours use from a single charge - Mike

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Thanks Mike.

I note that GPSlim 236s are quite cheap on ebay so may try one

Doing great so far. My cable & card reader are here. My VPx came without PC software. I've searched everywhere I can think of but can't find any. Any ideas?

mikealder · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject:

The only software you need on the PC is MicroSoft ActiveSync which can be downloaded for free by following the instructions/ links on This Page.

The 236 is a great unit and worth considering but these days I would be looking at the iBlue or qStarz units due to the better battery life from a single charge - Mike

aj2052 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 1:02 am Post subject:

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

In which case I'll need both.

Thanks guys

Leigh

mikealder · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

If your PC is running Vista you should have the "Windows Mobile Device Center" on the PC, you don't need to have Active Sync as well.

Active Sync is only any use for XP or earlier operating systems on your PC - Mike

Leigh_at_ch9 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 29, 2009 Posts: 18

Wow. The Active Sync thing was a doddle and I've now got Memory Map on my VPx. I've just got 1 x 12.5MB map on it at the moment and I'm really impressed by how fast it scrolls / zooms etc.

Thanks very much for all your help!!

mikealder · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 7:05 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you have the software sorted out so well done, remember to keep the map size down when sending them to the device but a 200MB map will cover a huge area and should load fine on the IIs you have bought. Have you got a GPS unit running with it yet? - Mike

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