Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Petersburg, AK
Posts: 131

I have a Magellan ColorTrak GPS. I love it. I really didn't want a GPS - a map and compass is usually more usefull but twice it has pulled me out of a terrible fog while out in boats. I'm a real gadget fanatic and am excited about having a module for my Handspring but is it worth it if I already have one? What can I do by connecting my Handspring to my current GPS? Anything that my GPS can't do already?

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Kona, Hawaii ,USA
Posts: 40

If you're going to be on a boat a lot, on salt water, I'd say stick to a dedicated GPS unit that is waterproof and sealed against the salt air, even moist lake air probably ain't too good for a Handspring Visor.

If you just want GPS coordinates you can get a GPS unit for a lot less than the GPS Modules, but if you already own a Visor and want mapping then a module should be cheaper.

Another thing to consider is if you want to use a GPS unit along with a computer since units like the GeoDiscovery Geode doesn't have connection capability to a laptop.

I myself got a Geode since I want mapping and hopefully having it on the Palm platform means that software can be updated to add more features in the future. The Geode harware is very good and it is very, very accurate, now if they would just work the bugs out of the software and add more features...both things that are sure to come.

Aloha,
Baron

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 2

Handheld GPS vs. Springboard GPS

I have both a Geode and a Garmin eMAp GPS (which includes maps). I prefer the eMap. It is smaller and lighter than the Geode + Visor combination. Clearly Geode has some issues to deal with, but they are working hard to fix them. I love the concept of the Geode and the prospect of content is very interesting. However, I think the Geode vision is still in the future. I like the eMap because it always works, and the screen is easy to see in bright sunlight. (My Prism's screen washes out while outside.) The eMap allows up to 128 MB of onboard street level maps and has a road lock feature (A GPS is more accurate than the maps. WIthout roadlock, the cursor is usually not on the road. The eMap can also be outfitted with topo maps. I would recommend an eMap if you need a GPS now, wait a year or so for the Geode.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 12

I own a ColorTrak as well. It has served me well. I use it for camping, hiking, driving, and when I fly. I also use it in conjunction with my laptop and MS Streets & Trips. But, the one big thing the ColorTrak lacks is topographical maps which is a big drawback when traveling unless I hook it up to the laptop in which case it becomes very cumbersome. So, I have been having the same debate about whether or not I want a GPS module for my Visor to take advantage of both its compact size and the mapping software. I still plan to use my ColorTrak for outdoor activities and flying, but I think the GPS module might be better suited for travel. Of course, the fact that you can't store waypoints on the Magellan companion software is a huge issue with me. But, the Geode seems to have serious software and compatiblity issues, which seems ridiculous for such a high price. Or, I could replace my ColorTrak with something like an eMap. So, I'm going to wait it out for a while and see what improvements come down the road. In the meantime, I might get a Soundsgood MP3 player since I don't have one of those yet.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Petersburg, AK
Posts: 131

Thanks for the input. I think I'll wait until Magellan makes a module with software I can't live without. Until then I'll enjoy the rubberized and weather resistant ColorTrak. As for the Soundsgood - definitely get it. I'm quite pleased with it.