Hey the GPS is also weather dependent. I have been using GPS from N82 around New Zealand with Garmin XT Mobile software. On a very cloudy day satellite signals may not reach the receiver.

Garmin XT Mobile is a very good software, just make sure you download the latest maps. I found it accurate 99% of the time.

Search for Garmin XT Mobile online. The software should be around 10MB. Then download your regional maps. Whole of Europe takes up to 2GB for the 2007 edition. New Zealand map used only 100MB.

Also if there are tall buildings nearby then the gps signal may also be affected

This post has been edited by SoloNg: Mar 28 2008, 04:53 PM

In term of road navigation, the accuracy was not a big deal. As long your GPS can received signal from satellite good enough already. But if you planning to draw GPS map then accuracy will be more important. That why some GPS tracker using external antenna for solution.

Speaking of accuracy, even the vKool (or whatever other tinting) plays a part... It's much harder to connect to satellites when the SatNav is inside my car, as compared with outdoors, as the signals are "filtered" when trying to reach the GPS in the car...

There is some GPS use put their BT GPS outside their car to get better signal. Or you can hook ot out with the external antenna

erm, like how? haha u PM me i'll edit and paste la?

Hmmm, how is this done?

Mine is actually enabled with BT, but the antenna is a short and stumpy block on top of the unit (its a Garmin nuvi 310, btw)... Like i mentioned in my earlier post, i have to wait outside the car for the SatNav to track the satellites and acquire at least five, before placing the unit on the vehicle mount... Very ma-fan, especially when it's raining heavily or in a basement parking garage!

I remember reading it at malsingmaps.com. One member use business card box (made from clear plastic). He stick it on top of his car roof and put GPS unit inside the box.

Wah, like dat also can? Interesting, but how will he see the GPS directions then, since the unit is on top of the car roof?

i think he meant the receiver or antenna onli dude. >.<

Like baronic says, I refers to BT GPS. For stand alone GPS you can choose to use external antenna.

Thanks for the tip... But how can this be done on a nuvi 310, with that short and stumpy little antenna?

I never use nuvi series. But if it can be connected to external antenna. It is better to get external antenna. Check unit manual for more info.

read a review on the samsung i-780 smartphone GPS function from mobile review.com , pls. enlighten me
whether it is advisable to ge this devices if I intend to use some free GPS software commonly available ?


Navigation(GPS)
The communicator makes use of the gpsOne chip, bundled in the Qualcomm MSM 6260 platform, supporting A-GPS technology (tracks your location through the carrier's network). However, this chip doesn't get along with third-party applications, as all GPS-enabled solutions, including the Samsung i780 are bound to deal with only one application - Navigon, also dubbed as Mobile Navigator in the Windows Mobile environment. While you can actually install some extra navigation software, rest assured, it won't be able to employ the built-in chip, and thus, won't track your location on the map.

We got our hands on the unit with disabled GPS, however Google Maps successfully identified the bundled GPS chip and tried to locate some satellites... for like 30 minutes, but sadly, to no avail.

My personal view, I will not choose this unit for navigation purpose. Availability of map and it details may be less in our region. For Malaysia, currently Garmin (map from malsingmaps.com) and Mapking was the best choice for road navigation (details road all over Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak).

hi GPS sifu

standalone GPS console vs PDA (with built-in GPS)
================================

do u think is advisable to get the separate GPS consoles ?
I saw a Holux GPS model GPSmile 53CL ..selling at RM799 only...(according to the
Seller...original price is RM1299 but not promotion !!!)...

there are so many brands...confuse lah...garmin, nuvi, alxxx..

here is what i feel:-

Standalone GPS
+ No interuption
+ easily recharge via car
+ big screen
+ cheaper than PDA
- no other useful function
- not upgradeable especially with new version or other maps available



PDA with GPS
+ multiples functionaility

- small screen
- expensive

which one is better for casual gps user...mainly while driving ???

If casual GPS user, using PDA just enough. You can get car charger for PDA to extend your battery life.

AFAIK, Standalone GPS's maps can be upgraded. Just need $$$. What do u mean no interuptions?

If casual, Get a PDA or Handphone with GPS. U can have other features in the phone. U can get car charger for the battery.

If i would like to update my maps it cost $$$ aswell ?
Let's say Malsing map is free right ? so there'll be no charges aye ?

I'm thinking to get Nuvi 200W as i travel alot , so do you think it's wise to get it ?


Ahh , just notice this is the PDAs and Mobile computing section.

This post has been edited by Andy0625: Apr 7 2008, 02:20 PM

For Malsingmaps.com you can download their map for free. But if you the most updated map you need to contribute a POI, track or give them error report in order to make the map better.