GPS in Your Next Pocket PC?

[Darius Wey]

There were a few interesting ideas raised in the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/index.php?action=expand,40397">recent post</a> about rumours of HTC's next generation of Pocket PCs. This got me thinking - just how many of you would be willing to pay a whole lot extra just to get GPS in your next Pocket PC? If a company was to introduce a brand new Pocket PC into the market, would you like it to have (a) improved specifications without integrated GPS, or (b) improved specifications with integrated GPS (but also with a market price of say ~$200 more than usual)? For the geek with money to burn, I can imagine (b) being the more favourable option. For the average Joe who wants the right device at the right price, I can imagine (a) being the more favourable option. Let the poll begin!

[OSUKid7]

I would definitely consider a Pocket PC with integrated GPS for my next device, but only if it had all the features of my current Pocket PC. I'm fairly happy with the current features on my iPAQ hx4705, so GPS is one of the few things missing. I've considered Bluetooth solutions, and may get one when the prices come down, but having an extra device to carry around (or maybe leave it in my car) is never as easy as an integrated feature.

[Menneisyys]

Prolly a new poll option should be added: "I'd consider it if it didn't raise the price with more than, say, 100 US$ and didn't add much bulk to the PDA".

[MS Mobiles]

Skype requires Pocket PC with processor of 400 MHz or more. Unfortunately the HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger with built-in GPS has only 316 MHz... so it not fast enough.

I would buy Pocket PC phone with built-in GPS if it would have processor of speed at least 520 MHz...

[arnage2]

i dont need gps in a pocket pc because my phone (nextel i860) already as integrated gps. why have it in 2 devices

[Locksmith]

I'd prefer not to have it built in. Not because I don't want a gps, I have a bluetooth gps now. Just that I'd rather not carry the extra size and weight around with me constantly.

[sesummers]

If you can buy a CF card GPS receiver for under $100, why couldn't the manufacturers put these inside the case for that price or less? I'd pay up to $100 more, but otherwise, I'll make sure my next unit handles CF cards and get an external one. I do want GPS, and I'm willing to pay for it, but not twice as much.

[PeterLake]

I'd prefer not to have it built in. Not because I don't want a gps, I have a bluetooth gps now. Just that I'd rather not carry the extra size and weight around with me constantly.

Precisely.

[johncruise]

I'd still prefer dedicated GPS solution. Honestly... how many times do you have to use your GPS? You added extra bulk in your PPC for a feature that you use once in a while. I'm not totally ruling out with looking for extra stuffs on my next PPC purchase but manufacturers should focus first on battery life first before they start thinking about adding extra stuffs in their PPC (like this GPS and even camera). And for what's its worth... there's a reason why there's a built-in bluetooth in most PPC today.

[surur]

If I have to pay a lot extra I prefer a separate unit, in that it would be easier to transfer from one pocketpc to another. I replace my PPC every year, and I'm not going to be paying $200 every year when I can pay $200 once and use it for years to come.

Surur

[latinware]

I rather use a separate GPS, like my SysOnChip GPS CF Plus due to if there is an upgrade on GPS hardware I could buy it and not neccessarly replace my PDA. Also, like someone in this forum stated, how many times do you really need a GPS? I use an hx4700 + the CF GPS and I am very happy that way. :D

[Paragon]

Seperate unit, all the way, for me. I much prefer a Bluetooth GPS receiver for several reasons. It keeps the size of the device down. It keeps the cost of the device down.....I really only need to buy the receiver once, not everytime I upgrade my PPC. I can also use the Bluetooth receiver with multipe devices. I usually have 2-3 PPCs, plus my wife and son use it as well.

Dave

[Jon Westfall]

i dont need gps in a pocket pc because my phone (nextel i860) already as integrated gps. why have it in 2 devices

Ya know what would be really awesome... a phone with integrated GPS and BT with software allowing the phone to become a BT GPS unit for other devices... Anyone know if this is possible? has been done?

[PPCMD]

The HP mobile messenger 65xx is nearly the same size as a Treo650 with GPS built in and dual memory slots. The 67xx will have the processor power for Skype, GPS, WiFi and OS5 etc.

GPS built into a pda/phone would be the right way to go so you can have everything you need at your finger tips.

[Paragon]

i dont need gps in a pocket pc because my phone (nextel i860) already as integrated gps. why have it in 2 devices

ARNAGE2,

Are you sure about that. I could quite easily be wrong on this but I think your phone only has A-GPS. It can not be used for navigation, only for location based services.....next time you see OJ ask him about it. ;)

Dave

[Kevin Luzzi]

When I think of the weight it would add to the PPC I say no. Both devices can however share the same power supply. I seriously don't think the unique GPS components would add all that much weight if the power supply were shared. Just as the earlier posts mentioned, GPS is not used by most people as much as the data applications. I on the other hand would use the GPS and a camera function more than most. The GPS function would assist me in getting to and from jobsites. The camera function to record conditions and activity. In contrast I have only used the MP3 function only once. Would I suffer through the additional weight of a dollar or two of (coin) change weight in my pocket? I sure would!

I realize that systems fail. So it should be servicable, so that the individual GPS, Camera, or PPC components could be replaced as modules. Like cards on the mother board.

[Ripper014]

This already exists... there is a PocketPC that has built-in GPS... I believe its called a Mitac Mio...

Someone has already mentioned it... but I would rather have my GPS unit seperate so that it can travel with me in my upgrade process... Being that I have a BT unit... it is not going to hog the battery power on my PocketPC... and I will not have to spend the extra monies with each PocketPC upgrade... aka my keyboards... which is why my next keyboard will be a BT one.

[Darius Wey]

If you can buy a CF card GPS receiver for under $100, why couldn't the manufacturers put these inside the case for that price or less? I'd pay up to $100 more, but otherwise, I'll make sure my next unit handles CF cards and get an external one. I do want GPS, and I'm willing to pay for it, but not twice as much.

You could, but at the expense of half-decent specs. If you look at current GPS-enhanced Pocket PCs, some tend to be higher in price than even your high-end Pocket PCs, and the former tends not to even have comparable processor speeds, RAM or ROM when put head-to-head with the latter. The point I was trying to get across is: Consider the X50v. Nice Pocket PC, and stocked up with awesome specs. Would you be willing to pay ~$200 to have integrated GPS in the Pocket PC? I'm surprised how even the results are so far. It's almost 50:50. 8O

[Darius Wey]

This already exists... there is a PocketPC that has built-in GPS... I believe its called a Mitac Mio...

The Mio isn't bad, though if you look at the recent Mio 169 offering which I reported on not too long ago, the specs are anything but droolworthy. So I wouldn't consider it in its current form. Having said that, Mitac are actually going to be releasing a set of new Windows Mobile 5.0 GPS handhelds in the near future, so it'll be interesting to see where it all goes.

[Kursplat]

Considering the responses, I'd like to see a poll with choices such as:


I would pay ~$200 for integrated GPS
I want separate CF/BT GPS
Not interested in GPS
What is GPS?
That way, maybe only 50% of all responders want the integrated GPS but that may represent 95% of everyone intersted in GPS. Big difference.

[Darius Wey]

That way, maybe only 50% of all responders want the integrated GPS but that may represent 95% of everyone intersted in GPS. Big difference.

This poll wasn't about who was and wasn't interested in GPS, but who was and wasn't interested in integrated GPS. There's a difference, and it's the reason why I didn't extend the poll beyond those three options. If you preferred to use a non-integrated solution (i.e. SD/CF/BT), or you just didn't want it at all, you'd pick the "No" option. :)

[Muntasser]

how compact would the architecture of integrated GPS be is what I want to know?

a)How much volume would it add to the device?

b)how much extra weight?

[Darius Wey]

how compact would the architecture of integrated GPS be is what I want to know?

a)How much volume would it add to the device?

b)how much extra weight?

It depends on the build. You only have to look at the hw6500 series, Garmin iQue M5, and some of the Mio products to know that the added bulk and weight is minute. :)

[Kursplat]

This poll wasn't about who was and wasn't interested in GPS, but who was and wasn't interested in integrated GPS. There's a difference, and it's the reason why I didn't extend the poll beyond those three options. If you preferred to use a non-integrated solution (i.e. SD/CF/BT), or you just didn't want it at all, you'd pick the "No" option. :)

I totally understand that. We're both talking about who was and wasn't interested in integrated GPS. I wasn't trying to change the poll or say yours was wrong; only that I would like to see the same poll with an additional question to show two aspects of who is and isn't interested in integrated GPS.

I was just saying that by adding that extra question, you can see not only (a) what percentage of total users would pay extra for integrated, but also (b) what percentage of those interested in GPS would pay extra for integrated.

I think it would be an interesting statistic if only 10% said they wanted GPS and that accounted for 100% of those interested in GPS. That would be an indicator that not that many people are interested in GPS but ALL of those that are want it integrated. Or if the 10% interested in integrated accounted for 20% of everyone interested in GPS it would indicate that while half the users want GPS, only a small percentage is interested in integrated.

That was all. :D

[Darius Wey]

I was just saying that by adding that extra question, you can see not only (a) what percentage of total users would pay extra for integrated, but also (b) what percentage of those interested in GPS would pay extra for integrated.

It'd be hard to change this poll halfway through, but I'll definitely keep it in mind for a future poll. ;)

[Kursplat]

If the GPS were integrated into a PDA phone, I wouldn't be surprised to see the carriers disable it based on the way some of them neuter the PDA phones (at least in the US).

Because of the high cost, I think I would lean towards external so I could move it to a new PDA without having to repay for that feature.

If the price increase was not as much (say $100), the rest of the specs didn't suffer, and it could be easily turned on and off to conserve the battery, then I would want it integrated.

[Kursplat]

It'd be hard to change this poll halfway through
I wasn't trying to change the poll
No problem. It was simply an observation, not a request.

It's still an interesting statistic either way.

The geek in me wants it ALL in one package, but reality says it won't all fit in at once (at least not yet), and if it does it will only run for 15 minutes on today's batteries. :cry:

Decent sized VGA screen
Cell phone
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Broadband
GPS
SD &amp; CF (or 2 SD)
Keyboard
256MB RAM, 256MB ROM
Tiny hard drive (maybe)
Camera (a decent one)

Oh yeah, and smaller then a pop tart with a full day (if not longer) on one charge.

Of course, the geek in me also wants an FM tuner and OTA HDTV tuner! 8O

[surur]

Those numbers are suspiciously close (297 vs 292). Are we sure the Poll has not become corrupted? (as has happened in the past)

Surur

[carphead]

GPS doesn't work with cars that have heat reflective windscreens. You need to have a external ariel for that!

Most devices with intergrated GPS don't have a MCX socket. So for most newer (last 3 years) large cars in europe have these windscreens and BT Gps is the best option.

[Jonathan1]

That’s what a CF slot is for IMHO. I don’t need GPS 24/7 and all it would do is bulk the thing up. How about this? Work on getting GPS receivers smaller so all that sticks out the front of a CF slot is a small nub?

[Jonathan1]

how compact would the architecture of integrated GPS be is what I want to know?

a)How much volume would it add to the device?

b)how much extra weight?

It depends on the build. You only have to look at the hw6500 series, Garmin iQue M5, and some of the Mio products to know that the added bulk and weight is minute. :)

At the sacrifice of other specs. Maybe it’s just me but I would prefer another 64MB of RAM or ROM at this point....a bit more battery life with a larger battery...to another feature that is pretty much useless if you are inside.

[jerryd]

I would be willing to pay up to $100 like several others. Best option would be built in GPS with additional storage to cover the GPS SW. And the GPS would be HW only, so we can choose which SW we want. Just bundle basic GPS utilities.

[Ryan Joseph]

After using a Pocket PC with GPS built in, I honestly wouldn't want to be without it. Having a seperate device is okay, but I can't tell you how many times I've been traveling with someone else and we've gotten lost. It's great to be able to whip out Viki (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32435) and get maps and directions. If I had a Bluetooth GPS unit, it'd be in my car, doing me no good. :-)

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Seperate unit, all the way, for me. I much prefer a Bluetooth GPS receiver for several reasons. It keeps the size of the device down. It keeps the cost of the device down.....I really only need to buy the receiver once, not everytime I upgrade my PPC. I can also use the Bluetooth receiver with multipe devices. I usually have 2-3 PPCs, plus my wife and son use it as well.
I'm in the same boat.

Looking at the PPC devices with built-in GPS, the GPS drives the cost of the unit up significantly. My other concern is that GPS quality is not consistent enough between various manufacterers to make me comfortable with it built-in just yet (whereas WiFi has reached a much higher level of consistency and cost-reduction).

I'd prefer a separate unit that I know is solid than to be at the mercy of the PPC device (which may have everything else that I want except quality GPS). That said, I do I think in about 2-3 years, we may be at a point where built-in GPS will make much more sense both economically and from a quality standpoint.

[clbsvi]

In the USA, check out the DeLorme.com site in Massachusetts. They offer both Laptop and PDA hardware and software in good packages at good prices, (in my IMHO of course). Most all new GPS stuff seems to me to use the SiRF chip as their hardware chip basis. In Europe, suggest you check out the Findway.com site in the UK. They do not seem to be much in to PDA hardware, but their overall product line is impressive. If anybody out there has experince with the Findway product line, I would appreciate some feedback. If they have not marketed in the US with a US partner, we may give them a try in about 3-4 months.

[clbsvi]

The UK GPS site I noted previously is Findware.com, not Findway.com And their site also does list PDA solutions, another error I made. Guess today is my day to be stupid. Apologies to all.

[urologyhealth]

I'd like recommendations for GPS MAPPING SOFTWARE for my SX66 and Bluetooth Receiver.

Thank you

[Jason Lee]

I'd like recommendations for GPS MAPPING SOFTWARE for my SX66 and Bluetooth Receiver.

Thank you

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/hogpsiiwigso.html

This is the hardware and software I am going to get. I have a friend with an sx66 and he as the software. It works great. I've been searching and reviewing this for many many months now. This, in my opinion, is the best overall software out there. Looks nice, easy to use, cheaper, no nasty activation, works on desktop and ppc for one low price. :)

I chose this hardware because of the new SiRF III chip in it. Works much better. Also this hardware can be used as a cabled (usb or serial) gps if needed and the firmware is upgradable via the cable as well.

[AnyMouse]

I just bought the Garmin iQue m5 and like it very much. Of course, since I am old and retired, these high tech gadgets are just toys to play with, but who knows, maybe some day I will wander off and have sufficient sense remaining to use the thing to find my way home. If not, perhaps my telephone book will help me call for help.

[Aitch]

Dudes !!

Check out this link - http://www.eeproductcenter.com/rf-micro/brief/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=160901953

As you can see, adding GPS functionality will not add any further bulk/weight and will not be expensive either !!

In fact, check out this other link too - http://www.pdalive.com/showarticle.php?threadid=8906

It won't be too long before we see PPC's with built-in TV reception as well !!

Like most things, you may not like the idea now ..... but when the functionality actually arrives (and is working properly!) you will wonder how you ever survived without it !! :)

The real question to ask is ..... will there be the battery power be able to run all this ??? What's the point of having a Kick Ass PPC if it keeps running out of power every 4 hours !!!

Now if only they could beam Electricity through the air just like they do Radio Signals ...... constantly charging battery that NEVER runs out ...... SWEET !!! :D