NZ60/70 Owners: CarCradle Alternatives

[ballistic]

I know a lot of NX60/70 and NZ90 owners are frustrated and disappointed that the new PEGA-CC5 (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=-ErasWH_pi3aol7MeT3Qui7wzD0oge2jkEQ=?CatalogCategoryID=TqgKC0%2eN0XAAAAD22eAbuNFv&ProductID=V7AKC0%2eNGSkAAAD2dCEbuNF1&Dept=hp) is not compatible with their device, but there are options. You DON"T have to sell your current device and buy an NX73/80 and PEGA-CC5.

I've posted this info in a few other threads on the car-cradle, but I wanted to start a new thread with this title.

Please feel free to post your own vehicle cradle/GPS setup and ask questions.

Arkon Multimedia Mount (http://www.arkon.com/CM515.html) or Universal PDA Mount (http://www.arkon.com/pdamount.html).

Mapopolis GPS Bundle for Sony NX/NZ. (http://www.mobileplanet.com/private/mapopolis/product.asp?pdept%5Fid=900102&cat%5Fid=101&cat%5Fname=Pocket+PC+Devices&dept%5Fid=2310&pf%5Fid=MP731370&listing=1)

It doesn't offer the text-to-voice and finger GUI, but it does the job.

http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/data/500/8806nx70v_cradle.jpg

[kpilgreen]

Can you store the maps on compact flash cards? I could care less about the text to speech.:cool:

[ballistic]

Yes. I just downloaded Mapopolis 5.19 and it runs fine off of the MS or CF (on my NX70V using the hacked driver). The maps load about the same speed-wise, no real difference between MS or CF. I'm curious if MSPro is any quicker.

[gbh]

i use the globalsat bluetooth gps receiver (their u.s. distributer is www.semsons.com) with my nz90.

i have an akron windshield suction mount.

but i am going to buy the new powered mount (offered by both semsons and siedo for about the same price $50). this new mount (which includes suction, airconditioner, and dash mounts) has an external speaker - so that when mapopolis finally gets navigator going - you can hear the sounds loud. additionally, this mount allows mp3 playback. it also has a port to charge your pda or gps device.

for software, i use both mapopolis and gpstracker (gpsatlas is the cheaper version without the tracking ability). the great thing about this software is that you can both download maps on the fly with an intenet connection based on your location or where you want to go (i connect via gomadic cable to my verizon v60i), or you can use literally any scanned map image - all you need to do is plot at least 3 waypoints (and this is an easy exercise), and then you can use any map you want with gps.

the nice thing about gps with a pda is; you get a much larger and color screen generally than a standalone gps, and you have the ability to enter address on the pda - generally with standalone gps you need to do this with your computer before the trip.

i prefer bluetooth because who knows, i may end up buying a ux50, and i never have to worry about device compatibllity.

[gbh]

one more nice thing about gpstracker/atlas, since you can use nmea on a worldwide basis, you don't have to worry about getting maps for remote areas (e.g. asia where gps maps are generally lacking) and hiking areas or your own backyard/arial photo, something mapopolis really doesn;'t cover.

[ballistic]

bump

After reading the less than glowing reviews of the PEGA-CC5, the GPS mouse + Arkon/Seidio + Mapopolis solution sounds like it has more flexibility for GPS/Mapping/Route planning on-the-fly.

[stevejohnson460]

I cabled a Garmin eTrex (their cheapest $99 model) and an NX70V together.  I have been AMAZED at how well it works.  The eTrex has some simple features I enjoy: an electronic compass, current speed, etc.

I found connecting cables at www.pc-mobile.net (http://www.pc-mobile.net) that let you power your Clie from the cig. lighter AND connect to the Garmin device.  It's well worth the extra price.  I tend to run my GPS/Clie quite a bit, and I don't have to worry about the battery.  I also sprang for a simple cable linking the Garmin to my notebook PC thru the serial port.

The only minor frustration on the cables was waiting about a week for the shipment to arrive from Hong Kong.  Pc-mobile's web site is a bit daunting--there's a LOT of techno-speak, but it is thorough.  Their tech support was responsive to my questions. 

Mapopolis is my software choice.  I wish you could highlight the route of your choice and save it.  I understand that will be a feature in a future release.  Otherwise, their tech support usually answered my email questions in an hour or less.

For the budget-minded user who already owns a Clie, this is a great setup:


Garmin eTrex:                                   $99
Connecting cables and power supply      70
Mapopolis software                            45


____________________________________

TOTAL                                                    $214

 

[ballistic]

That sounds like a great, affordable, solution if you also want a good handheld GPS unit for hiking/camping/mountainbiking/geocaching, etc.

The cables don't make it unattractive, just look at soulreaver999's review. The PEGA-CC5's power cables and GPS antenna cables need some serious wire managment to give a nice clean installation.

[Orincarnia]

this is crazy they're charging 300 bucks for the sony mount and this mounts 70 bucks......i think the owners of older pdas are getting a better deal.........

[okmozart]

The Digitraveler GPS at Radio Shack is on sale for $39 including map software. PC-mobile.net has the cable for $21.80. Not too bad for a combo setup.

[boagie17]

The gps kit from mapopolis looks cool! I opt in and get this!

Great info!