Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 96

Hi:

Read your thoughts on PC expo and noted one comment about the reduced accuracy of the Handy GPS vs. the Geode. Later on you tended to comment favorably on the Handy GPS and the mapping program.

I have already sent my check in to get the Handy GPS, but was wondering what prompted the comment. Accuracy is based on what the GPS sattelites will allow along with the resolution designed into the receiver. Nexian states 25M accuracy which is not bad. It ain't 1M but I don't think with the inteded use that it is bad.

Can you elaborate more?

Thanks

Mike Vidal

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

Hmm, I read [rul=http://www.visorcentral.com/article.php3?id=49&pv=1]the article[/url] again, but didn't see any comments on the mapping system of the HandyGPS other than it will use UbiGo as the software.

The Geode uses WAAS, getting accuracy down to ~2m. The HandyGPS will be within 10-15m.

I haven't either out in the field yet, so I will reserve final judgement until then.

------------------
James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 96

Hi James:

thanks, my choice of words was poor, as I interpreted the comment wrong.

I guess one of us will be first with the GPS module, and I will post my thought here.

I did try the demo of the mapping software and seemed to do all the same stuff the Marcosoft software did. Not being familiar with the area though, I could not pass judgement.

Im wondering if the accuracy differences could be from when the specs for the Handy GPs were first done VS the GEODE and then the changes in the GPS network that the goverment allowed. I guess time will tell on that also.

Mike


[This message has been edited by mavidal (edited 07-19-2000).]

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: San Antonio, Tx, USA
Posts: 6

I've been looking at both too. But, I haven't made the leap.

From my perspective the HandyGPS is intriguing because of the price and availability. I really wanted a GPS for traveling this coming month (August).

The Geode is intriguing because of the topology map claims (HandyGPS appears to be sticking to street level. I'm really hoping for a larger repitore of maps like delorme...http://www.delorme.com...offers.) I discount the WAAS aspect since I've been told it is only available locally. Here in Texas, only Houston, Dallas, and El Paso provide it. So the additional accuracy doesn't mean much. Also the MMC cards hold the potential for a lot of maps (as well as other data) conveniently stored.

Hopefully, with the next phase of the Geode Beta testing due to launch the 24th we'll get a better look at the mapping capabilities.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 96

Kris:

In my case, street level mapping is more than sufficient, and seeing the prices of standalone mapping GPS, this combination of the HandyGPS and the Visor can't be beat, given all the additional functionality you get.

I think given time, sales volume and demand, topo maps could be made available for the HandyGPS/Visor combo.

Mike Vidal