Bluetooth GPS receivers??

[steve z]

I've currently got a Pocket PC (IPAQ RX3715) that I would like to use for GPS. Looking around TomTom 5 seems to be the best, but the cost for the package (software, maps, and receiver) is c.£180

On eBay you can pick up a Bluetooth GPS receiver for c.£50 and the TomTom 5 software and maps for next to nothing.

Has anyone else tried this and if so, what were the results?

[nords]

A bluetooth sif3 receiver will be about £100 and if you pay nothing for the software, it will be ripped and therefore illegal (normally route 66?)

Don't be a tight wad, £200 is reasonable for TT5 and a receiver!

PS Just spent £200 on TT5 mobile for my P910 and it is great, works really well!

[a2z]

www.handtec.com/acatalog/Tomtom_5_Dual_GPS_Kit___Offer.html

I went with this. A compact flash receiver. Works fine and only have to worry about one battery.

[puggit]

Spend £100 on a sirf III set, with 12 channels

£50 off ebay is probably a false economy.

[steve z]

puggit said:

Spend £100 on a sirf III set, with 12 channels £50 off ebay is probably a false economy.

I think you're right. Two SirfStar III units i've seen so far that look good:-

Globalstat BT for c.£70
Holux GP Slim 236 c.£80

Any of you got one of these?

[mcflurry]

The Sirf III chipsets are IMHO a zillion times better than the fleabay £40 ones. They work indoors (to a point) using the windows to calibrate location, rather than just cutting off, and are fantastic around central london where the high buildings put off some of the cheapies.

www.globalpositioningsystems. co.uk or com do them from about £100.

[vex]

Try buybits on www.affordable-pc-repairs.com/index.htm

I got my Globesat SirfIII BT receiver from him after my compact flash one died and it is a zillion times better than the older II chipset.

AFAIK the CF ones are still only SirfII chip set.

[puggit]

I've got Globalsat Sirf III, works a dream

[edtvr]

Hi steve
Iv'e got that model ipaq with Tom Tom 5 and Blue tooth
GPS,
It is great, I'm really pleased, theres a few things you need to make sure of first.
make sure you switch off WIFI or you will pick up everyones internet connections and that seems to effect the gps.
When setting up go to bluetooth manager / tools / paired devices / Add.
It does not tell you that in any of the manuals.
Then in Tom Tom go to configure /select other Bluetooth GPS and click on Bluetooth serial port6.

If you decide to go for it and have any problems drop me a line

Edtvr

[sybaseian]

I've got a syson Bluetooth one - currently about £70 including VAT.

www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/sysonchip-bluetooth-gps-with-xtrac-ii-in-depth.html?PHPSESSID=401c607f2d13b4d88e8326d0c12d4f0d

[TUS 373]

Just want to add that I have bought a Holux GPSlim 236 from Ebay for £75 inc VAT and it is absolutely brilliant! It finds satellites in seconds, is very sensitive to the signal - even inside my house, came with a litium ion battery and was really easy to set up. I collected it from the Post Office and enjoyed sat nav all the way from there to my next destination. It has a SirfStar III chipset, so all the advice above holds true.

[steve z]

I think i've decided to go for the Holux GPSlim 236. Every review I read indicates its sensational.

[andypowell]

yes the hooky and illegal software works spot on............I bought a receiver from www.expansys.co.uk for 50 quid ish...........does the job tomtom5 all over ebay not sure how they get away with it

[TUS 373]

steve z said:

I think i've decided to go for the Holux GPSlim 236. Every review I read indicates its sensational.

Good choice from my own experience. The device is also very small and light - like a box of matches. I have used a little self-adhesive Velcro and popped it behind the rear view mirror under a masked part of the glass. It is invisible from outside, has the best view of the sky, and can be detached from there for recharging.

My experience of Tom Tom 5 hasn't got past first base. My phone uses the new Windows Mobile 5 OS and it does not like Tom Tom one bit. e.g. it cannot be loaded from a desk PC to the PDA as the software is not compatible. I have my eye on the brand new Copilot Live 6 software launched last week which costs £110 + VAT. It is designed to be used with Windows Mobile 5 and can take advantage of the new higher resolution displays these devices now support. But hey, if you can get TT5 off Ebay and it works.... you can make quite a saving.