See The Night

A personal digital assistant or PDA is a smart combination between a GPS device and a Microsoft software created for PDA, in the so-called PC GPS. Pocket PC systems are considered superior to Palm units in terms of functionality but a Palm is easier to use and comes with a larger range of accessories. There are several elements that define a Pocket PC GPS starting from the Bluetooth and the compact flash and ending with integrated features and the GPS cabling if necessary. Each of these elements can influence the efficiency of the whole, and therefore, they deserve separate investigations.

A compact flash is required by the GPS device and it has the inconvenience that within the Pocket PC GPS system, it can consume most of the battery power. Moreover, The association of the GPS memory card with the PDA could make the operational system slower in terms of task response. There follows the Bluetooth technology that, if incorporated, saves the problem of cables. Through a wireless system, a GPS receiver located in a backpack could be linked to a hand-held PDA. From this point of view, the Pocket PC GPS brings superior flexibility particularly since for car usage, a clear view of the sky is a must.

Since the Bluetooth technology increases the usage flexibility, its adaptation to the Pocket PC GPS solution is a bit more expensive. Even so, many people consider the investment worth making. The Pocket PC could also be linked to a car-powered GPS device by cables. Cheaper than the self standing GPS units, these GPS receivers are known as mouse-type. It has another advantage too, that of saving the battery power of the Pocket PC by the possibility to be directly powered from the car batter. The problem with such a combination of Pocket PC GPS comes from its limitation to in-car usage alone.

For varied GPS usage you should consider a hand-held navigation system receiver that can be linked with the Pocket PC with a cable. This Pocket PC GPS improvisation proves a good idea for out of the car usage. The PDA will display the maps, but the hand-held GPS receiver can be used separately too. Having two gadgets could be annoying and uncomfortable particularly since they are wired, but unless you can afford a more sophisticated solution, you can very well do with it. Otherwise, the combined unit that has a full featured Pocket PC and an incorporated GPS device is a great combination of GPS hardware, mapping applications and Windows Mobile software. The Pocket PC GPS unit of the future will share all these features in one unit alone.

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When the author isn’t geocaching, see’s a fan of the best psychics, using theSeattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss, and uses a Chrysler Crossfire windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector.