GPS General Questions

[ArmsTom]

I've been thinking about getting my TH55 connected to some kind of GPS unit. However, I know jack about anything GPS related and I'm having some trouble finding any "straight-forward" information.

Here's what I want to do with something GPS:
* Car navigation (my sense of direction is beyond terrible :) )
* Track my speed @ distance whilst riding my bicycle
* Create my own maps (for those dirt paths or paths I create myself that aren't on any CD or website)
* Any maybe I'll give a go with geocaching

Because I'm using my TH55 as the AV part of the GPS unit, do I need something something that just receives the signal or something with an interface on the unit itself? The "duh" answer would be: just something that receives the signal.

If I need a visual unit, have any recommendations? If not, have any recommendations? :D

Now, is software like Mapopolis any good and is there any software that allows me to create my own maps?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Insider]

If your TH55 has bluetooth (european models) then you can interface with many GPS devices, if not then you can just buy a special cable that connects to your clie, from what I've seen those cables ain't cheap...

[ArmsTom]

Aww crap.. I didn't specify my model.. her name is.. Well, I wish I could tell you a name and it be the truth.. I've got the US model, so no BT..


<falls to knees, shaking fist at sky> Damn you Sony! Daaaammmmnnn yoooouuu!

[Insider]

The required cables costs around $30-$50 USD, I don't have any experience of linking up a GPS device with a PDA so can't tell you more but I do know you could get a decent entry level GPS device and the required cable online for around $100 plus the cost of the PDA link up cable.

I guess it's cheaper to go that route than to pay something like >$400+ for a fully featured unit with the same features you can get with a portable GPS unit linked up to your PDA. :)

You should checkout the Garmin Etrex GPS unit, I think the cable you need for connecting to the Extrex is the "Combo Sony Clie T/NR series to Garmin E cable" for $33.50, it's more expensive if you purchase the cables separately.

Note that these cables are purchased in two parts, the first half of the interface cable connects to specific GPS units, and second cable is PDA specific and connects to the first GPS cable in one end, and the PDA on the other end.

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


Not sure about the software side of things... :(

[lateshift]

Anyone check this out (http://www.edgereview.com/ataglance.cfm?category=handheld&ID=451)