Can't find the right PDA, found it!

The only two real options right now for you are going to be a mini computer/laptop or a smart phone.

The standalone pda and one with gps is a dead idea.

I do have a Delorme bluetooth gps unit that I can connect to. So any bluetooth device that has navigation software could use that.

Decent PDAs seem to have disappeared.

I'm using a BlackBerry now.

"One step" and "Spider_elliott", I am listening to all the advises I can get. Have any of you tried Oziexplorer CE?

Des Newman's website:
http://www.oziexplorer3.com/ozice/oziexplorerce1.html
seems quite convincing. But I agree with "Spider_Elliott": Decent PDAs seems to have disappeared.
"Spider_elliott" are you using Black Berry for navigation purpose?

.

It seems lately that every time I find a device or a tool I like, in short order it becomes obsolete and its replacement doesn't always live up to its predecessor. An option for a PDA that seems pretty good is the iPod Touch. Like many a nüvi, the user can't easily replace the battery, but it's pretty cool. It is extremely limited in its ability to be used as a GPSr, but PDA functionality is high in my opinion.

The OziExplorerCE looks pretty interesting, but since the iPod runs on a version of the Mac OS, I doubt the possibility of running it on even a hacked iPod Touch.

"Onestep" followed your track :
http://www.htc.com/www/product.aspx seems like I found a possible solution in the touch serie.

Keep coming with your advises!!

LOL...............I haven't seen one in awhile. I'm using a Samsung Blackjack.

Using Oziexplorer?

I really like this option!

http://archive.laptopmag.com/Review/Sony-VAIO-UX-Premium-VGN...

And it has Sony guts!

But a little bit too big for hiking!

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=103728

looks like a couple PDA's pictured

Spent all morning on the link, great and thanks!

HP might have what you're looking for.

http://tinyurl.com/cphcf6

The HP ipaq 111 and 211 have the functions I need, but I bought an HTC touch pro yesterday. Thanks anyway

Let us know how it works.
features & benefits, etc.

I'll come back after playtime and inform the site. Going to New York on friday wmw, one week vacation

My apologies for my late reply.

No, I'm not using it for navigation purposes. It has its own map function, and Google Map is available for download. But Verizon Wireless phones (including Blackberry) seem to use triangulation instead of GPS. The location is inaccurage ("within 1300 ft" on good days) and often way off by several miles.

I've never tried their VZ Navigator, but if this is the technology they use (I hope not!), I shudder at the thought of its accuracy.

Just before my vacation I have been able to calibrate on old cadastral map from my area. Works fine with the smart pone. Funny to see where the old roads were. Wet areas that does not exist any more... farm roads which you actually still can see traces of on Google earth. THIS IS FUN!! Come back next week!

I always Do! Take pictures.

I promised to come back telling you about my experience with map-making to be used on PDAs or smartphones. It’s only going to be a short summary, it’s a long story as for example the use of Garmin GPS as you can see of the extent of this website!

Making your own maps to be used in combination with a GPS has mainly interest for off-roaders, hikers, fliers, boaters and that kind of people! Routable maps are useless in the wilderness, they don’t have the details you want.

PC laptops, small computers like PDAs and Smartphones using WindowsCE as the OS, can be loaded with digital maps, either bought as such or scanned paper maps. These maps have to be calibrated (geo-referenced) and that is done with Oziexplorer, http://www.oziexplorer.com/. Very easy!

Oziexplorer is installed on your PC laptop and with a GPS connected to your PC, you have a moving map system. Magellan, Garmin, Lowrance, Eagle, Silva/Brunton and MLR GPS receivers producing NMEA data can be used.

If you think your hiking is going to be a little bit difficult using the laptop, you can transfer your calibrated map to your handheld (with WindowsCE) with the help of OziexplorerCE, found on the same website as mentioned above.

Both programmes can be downloaded for free and used with very few limitations. Try it and buy it!

I have used the maps on both my laptop (Garmin GPS 18, with Garmin spanner software, http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=1627 ) and on my smartphone (SonyEricsson X1 with build in GPS).

I am using it on old reliable maps than can be georeferenced, means you have to be able to recognize points in the landscape still existing. It is really fun to see how the landscape has changed since for example 1800. Streams are gone, farms and fences are gone etc. The use of these kind of maps for hiking is invaluable. Not all topo maps are accurate enough for hiking, often missing details useful for you.

But, try to check the website, it’s very informative. And, it’s always fun to see something new!