Bluetooth GPS : which is better ?

[Kris Kumar]

I am trying to load up my Gizmo arsenal...

Shopping for Bluetooth based GPS system...

Wanted to seek the opinion from the forum, on which one is better.

Pharos or Socket.
I am leaning more towards Pharos (they are good at GPS systems).

http://www.socketcom.com/product/GP0805-406.asp
http://pharosgps.com/products/bluetooth/PT200.htm

Also, was wondering if any one has used the above systems while Hiking/Biking/Trekking...basically I am looking for Off-Road use, and seems like the software that comes with Socket and Pharos both are geared towards Road Travel.

Thanks
Kris

[Kris Kumar]

Found one more...Bluetooth based GPS system

http://www.navmanusa.com/land/gps4400/index.html

Complicates the whole matter...I am a newbie when it comes to GPS.

[jgahr]

Check out www.gpspassion.com They did a side by side comparison of like 7 or 8 different BT GPS. I use a GlobalSat Bt with TomTom US and I enjoy it a lot, it was pretty realistic price wise and is pretty small.
:mrgreen:

[cslaughtermd]

Check out
http://www.gpspassion.com
they have a bluetooth GPS shoot-out review and reviews on various types of software. I'm in the market as well and have been looking at
http://www.maptech.com/
for a fairly inexpensive and versatile software solutions that has add-ons for topo maps, aviation, and marine navigation (will be needing as I did my first solo in a Cessna 152 today!) Pretty cool!
I also found these on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3048822496&category=294)
They have all the accessories - car/AC charger, antenna and seem to be knock-offs of the Socket unit, but are they any good?
Good Luck!

[cslaughtermd]

wow - jgahr
I guess great minds think alike, you beat me by one minute while I was figuring out the html for the link! :beer: [/quote]

[Kris Kumar]

Thanks...

The sites you guys have suggested are really good....Planning to do detailed R&D this weekend and then placing an order.

Kris

[DrtyBlvd]

I have the 4400 - and the SmartST that comes with it is certainly better suited to the road than the 'track' so to speak - having said that, I also use it with www.memory-map.com maps, and that might suit you really well.

The actual unit's strength is running for 30 hours on a set of AAA's - quick fix time too - nowhere near as slow as they suggest for some reason! Also comes with a pretty comprehensive mounting kit for arm or car use - well, as comprehensive as a tourniquet style elastic band can be called anyway!