Mapopolis GPS Hardware - Feedback

[fbclie]

Mapopolis sotware great. Has anyone tried the GPS hardware sold at the mapopolis site on NX70? Are there any other GPS hardware options?

[sebring]

With the right cable, most GPS receivers should work.

Here is a cable source.

http://www.pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

[EZCLIE]

Thanks for the link Sebring!!!! I have been looking for such an interface for my etrex. I was thinking about getting the new Garmin Palm OS device but I can just use this instead.

[ballistic]

I got this (http://www.satconsystem.de/sonygps2.html) GPS receiver from here (http://www.agnavigation.com/). He's getting his US business up and running, try the email link or use this email info@satconsystem.de.

I'm using it with Mapopolis on my NX70V, in my vehicle with an Arkon universal PDA vent mount. The cable goes into the T-series connector, and the unit has a power cigarette lighter that powers the GPS unit and charges your NX batteries at the same time.

It works very well, fast acquisition time (cold, warm & hot), very accurate. The antenna 'mouse' unit mounts on the dash under the windshield with a quick release bracket that can be velcroed or double-side tape to the dash, and it also has a magnet to be mounted externally if desired.

I have not found any shortcomings with this unit other than that it relies on a 12VDC power supply via cigarette lighter plug, so it is pretty much an in-vehicle solution (car, RV, boat).

The Arkon mount works well, it is the side 'vise' type with foam padding to grip the sides of the NX. It also has two adjustable lips on the buttom to support the NX, so you can use the hotsync port to plug in the unit's cable connector. I was concerned that the vise grips would activate the jog dial and/or back button, but this has not occured.

Summary: It works extremely well.

[OcellNuri]

I'm trying to surf the site but I keep getting Page Errors. How much did you pay for your setup? Does he manufacter the Bluetooth unit or does another company make that? I am VERY interested in matching up a Bluetooth unit with a TG50.

[ballistic]

No on the Bluetooth unit AFAIK. The unit was $230 USD.

I wouldn't go with a BT unit for a couple of reasons.

1. Battery Life. The solution I mention charges & powers your NX & the GPS. The BT will eat your batteries on the NX and the unit's batteries.

2. Using a BT MS leaves you little space for maps.

[OcellNuri]

I understand the battery issue, and there is a very good point.

As far as using a BT MS though, I was talking about the TG50, which has bluetooth built in :D

So how much did your rig cost? I'm looking at something every simmilar (I think it might even be identical) at mapopolis.com that is $200.

http://www.mapopolis.com/SMCO-002-PGN.jsp?s=1046138413187844&p=&q=40790.86978991726

[ballistic]

NX70V $599
GPS Unit $230
Arkon Mount $40
Mapopolis Platinum+GPS Maps $45
128mb MS $30 (that was a great deal!)

Driving around with the best PDA guiding me with gorgeous, color, Hi-Res+ maps and GPS accuracy, all the while charging my NX's battery- priceless.

When I got this unit the Mapopolis Holux unit wasn't available.

[OcellNuri]

Thanks ballistic. Does statcon do business out of Germany? I couldn't find much english on that website.

[ballistic]

Roger that. He's based out of Germany, but he said he's getting his US business up and running.

[Dripps]

Has anyone used the Holux unit?

[pcassano]

Has anyone tried this on the NR70 yet? With the price being 199. now sounds great....I travel for a living and it sounds like a great device to have with me???? Comments

[rikster2002]

has anyone tried the Memory Stick GPS??

[year1997]

Yes, I have MS GPS.

[robbee]

Does mapopolis, or anyother map software supplier, include VOICE turn directions for the NX.

Garmin are going to release the iQue 3600 soon that will do this specifically, but I'm not sure if you can get the software alone so that it will work in the NX. I have asked Garmin this question, and am waiting for their reply - will post when I know.

[khyasad]

Mapopolis will be releasing the PalmOS version of their Navigator solution in the next few months (certainly before the summer).

I wrote to them a while ago and they said that Navigator provides voice directions. At this time, this is only available for the PocketPC, but as I have mentioned, we will be seeing the PalmOS version soon.

With regards to the MS GPS, I read somewhere it only works in the Far EAst, not providing the necessary APIs or similar interfaces to work with third-party GPS solutions. Perhaps the person who posted the original mini-report on it could re-post it for our information :)

[kdn102]

Did everyone see the post on the NZ board about a bluetooth gps (looks awesome):
http://www.emtac.com.tw/products/bluetooth/index.html

If only someone would develop a CF bluetooth card for the CLIE! Or release a 'smaller than brick' sized CLIE with built in bluetooth...

It can be purchased here:
http://www.transplantcomputing.com/btgpspalm.html