iPAQ 6945 GPS/Cell Phone options

[dynamicfigure]

I am ready to make my first PDA purchase. I have pretty much decided to get the HP iPAQ 6945. I am still confused about some of the options. Can someone explain to me how the GPS works. I am getting a different story from everyone I ask. I have been told everything is included in your initial purchase and that I will incur no additional fees of any sort. I have been told that you only get a free trial of the software, then have to purchase. I have heard that there is a monthly service fee like with your cell carrier. I have heard that GPS Navigation and free Microsoft Pocket Streets downloads are available. I have heard that in order to perform GPS navigation, a software application and maps must be purchased separately. I have heard enough to really confuse me. what is the real deal here?

Cell phone question. I have been told that I can simply remove my sim card from my current phone (T Mobile), insert it in the iPAQ and it will work with no type of assistance or fees from my carrier. Is this true?

Any help here will be greatly appreciated!

[Cybrid]

I am ready to make my first PDA purchase. I have pretty much decided to get the HP iPAQ 6945. I am still confused about some of the options. Can someone explain to me how the GPS works. I am getting a different story from everyone I ask. I have been told everything is included in your initial purchase and that I will incur no additional fees of any sort. I have been told that you only get a free trial of the software, then have to purchase. I have heard that there is a monthly service fee like with your cell carrier. I have heard that GPS Navigation and free Microsoft Pocket Streets downloads are available. I have heard that in order to perform GPS navigation, a software application and maps must be purchased separately. I have heard enough to really confuse me. what is the real deal here?

Cell phone question. I have been told that I can simply remove my sim card from my current phone (T Mobile), insert it in the iPAQ and it will work with no type of assistance or fees from my carrier. Is this true?

Any help here will be greatly appreciated!
GPS is free! paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Basically it is a set of satellites that broadcast low level radio signals which your GPS unit (a specialized radio Receiver) listens to. The lag time from the satellites is used to calculate distance to satellite and just as if you know the distance from one point to two points on paper (trigonometry) using 3 points in three dimensions can give you the location in space. This is then super imposed on a calibrated map.
A better and more visual demonstration. http://www.trimble.com/gps/index.shtml

You can...buy a receiver, software, both... Depending on use, device, knowledge of the individual...
If you needed it just for driving, a simple combo (reciever, software) might be easiest. Load it up and go.
For multi uses, a separate purchase scheme tends to provide better results. You could like hardware A and use it with software b and c...etc.
For that you need to familiarize yourself with the standards, most importantly NMEA 0183, by making sure both software and reciever are compatible...Mix and Match.

[dynamicfigure]

Thanks Cybrid!

[autopc]

The martket is huge.
there are many GPS software out there.
iGuidance, InfoGation Odyssey Mobile (This one has free trail before buy option which is nice)

[Captain_Eric]

The HP has a built-in GPS reciever I believe, so no need to buy one.

Best software is probably TomTom Navigator 6.0. I used iGuidance 3.0 too, but TomTom wins out. See TomTom.com.

let us know what you choose!

Jim

[anthony03]

I am also considering this PDA and need some help. I started another thread about it :

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=425135#425135

Basically I just want know, can I use the GPS and wireless internet if I purchase an unlocked phone, but don't connect it with phone service?

Also, does anyone know if the pocket pc os on the phone is any better or worse than the version that comes with the non phone/regular version?

I would really appreciate someone's help!!

[disconnected]

From the specs on the HP site -- "GPS navigation software is included in select countries". Doesn't say what countries or what software though.

[arikinthecity]

So if you have any questions about the hw694x email me at arikinthecity @ gmail. com

Regarding the GPS, it has built in GPS. You don't have to pay anything to use it. The software that comes in the box is worthless. The best option is TomTom Navigator 6 Software only. But I cannot find any place to order it.
One thing to know about the HP GPS is that it will continue to work if the mapping software is running. There is no way to turn on or turn off the GPS on the phone. The only way is to really turn off the Mapping Software. That means if you open up TomTom or any other app that links to the GPS Com port, you have to make sure you turn it off to get the GPS indicator to turn Grey. If it stays GREEN you will drain the batter fast. To use the HP with GPS in a car you MUST use a power cable. The extended battery helps ALOT.

I am selling the HP 694x phones through my company. I am an HP reseller in Los Angeles. I can get you the phone, extended batteries, and the 3 year extended warranty next day replacment and accident insurance for only $149.99 if you buy the phone. The phone is $589.99 plus tax and shipping.

All are brand new in the box and sealed.
Email me if you have any questions about ordering.