One PDA, 2 GPS software systems?

[mminghella]

Hello,

is it possible to have 2 different GPS software systems running on one PDA. I've just bought an AA Navigator Ultimate Edition from Halfords:
cheeky ebay link

I am interested in getting maps for France, but don't want to pay £100 for the official AA ones.
Can I get another bit of software e.g. Destinator to run as well when I am in France. Or are there any other alternatives.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[alex0078]

No, you can not install any software on the proprietary navigation units.
What I would do is - return AA navigator back to mechant and buy a Pocket PC (running Windows Mobile 5) with the built-in GPS tuner. Prices start from about 120 pounds.
You can even get a phone version of such PDA (see O2 XDA Orbit or T-Mobile MDA Compact 3)
Having such device you can install any Navigation software (Tomtom, Destinator, whatever...) plus be able to browse internet, read books, play games, use MS word, excel etc, on the go, read pdf files etc...

[alex0078]

See here for example of a cheap solution (Acer N35) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-GPS-sat-na...QQcmdZViewItem

But I would recommend to buy HTC P3300 or its siblings (O2 XDA Orbit, T-mobile MDA Compact 3). It is the latest and the best.

[mminghella]

Originally Posted by alex0078

No, you can not install any software on the proprietary navigation units.

The system I have is actually a Pocket PC running Windows. It comes with a 128MB SD Card with the AA software on it. It also has the usual Word, Excel and IE on it. In fact, I'll probably end up selling my RZ1710 because of it.

Basically, the PDA is a Typhoon 7000XL with an AA logo on it, nothing more, nothing less. It has the GPS built in too.

EDIT:
Alex, just seen the ebay link you provided. Thanks. Its essentially the same as the one I bought in that its a PDA with software and a GPS receiver.

[alancolledge]

If it's anything like the Navman pda, which is also marketed as proprietry, some of us have SmartST and Tomtom no problem

[mminghella]

Originally Posted by alancolledge

If it's anything like the Navman pda, which is also marketed as proprietry, some of us have SmartST and Tomtom no problem

Where is the best place to get these from?

[rickyt]

Originally Posted by mminghella

Where is the best place to get these from?

You mean the Navman or the software ??

[mminghella]

Originally Posted by rickyt

You mean the Navman or the software ??

I meant the software

[alex0078]

Originally Posted by mminghella

I meant the software

If you want cheap - try different combinations on eBay (like "navigation software" , "tomtom" , "destinator" etc.)

If you want even cheaper go read smth about emule. Type "emule" in google.

If you want to pay full price - go to the manufacturer's websites :-)

Sorry, can't go further in explaining - risk of violating the rules of the forum :-)

PM me if no luck with the above.

[rickyt]

I got my TomTom software thrown in when I bought a Navman gadget on *-bay. Very nice of them ! It works too !

[mminghella]

I've taken it back to Halfords now as it kept freezing. Seems like a luck escape as it was still going to cost another £100 for the 2007 update (including Europe). I think it was a model from the end of 2005

[rickyt]

Get yourself a Navman PIN 570 if you can .Great little devices with the ability to gain the internet , wireless networks ,watch movies ,use excel & Word ,view pictures ,listen to MP3's ,run TomTom together with SmartST the list goes on and on .The best bit ..........all for £99.99

[mminghella]

What about Traffic management alerts? Also what are the costs for upgrades and extra maps e.g. Europe & the USA?

Thanks for the advice though.

[ukgeoff]

Originally Posted by mminghella

What about Traffic management alerts? Also what are the costs for upgrades and extra maps e.g. Europe & the USA?

Thanks for the advice though.

tm is subscption..
upgrades to firmware is free... maps cost unless you know where to look...


runs tomtom 5..... and ver 6 with ease.......

.
had to phone around halfords for one for 99 quid....... ..

oh ps.
imho..an external ariel off fleabay for 8 quid is a worthwhile investment..

[rickyt]

@mminghella ,point taken , it's just I dont need any of those you see .I dont travel everyday and when I do it's not to the USA or Europe .The satnav is only secondary for me , but I like the idea of a multi-function PDA that gives me all the things mentioned .

@ukgeoff , In Halfords within the last two weeks they have been selling all of there old Navsure accessories off for £1 .These include cases ,windscreen holders ,usb chargers , mains chargers & last but not least external arials with magnetic bases . I bought the last three in our local branch .Yes ,the Navsure stuff is of no use to our PIN 570's but the arials use the same connector ,so work perfectly and what a difference they make too .

I like a bargain ,you know