PDA Navigation Systems Test

Reviews on PDA Navigation Systems

"HTC P3470"

Issue: 75/2008

On test: HTC P3470 Pharos

HTC's Pharos, or P3470, integrates all the usual features of a smartphone plus an integrated GPS receiver and improved Windows Mobile interface to make up for the lack of a hardware keyboard. → More

"Mio P560"

Issue: 72/2008

On test: Mio P560

Mio manages to keep one foot in the PDA world, one in the standalone navigation device world, and somehow to also straddle the two. Its new P560 is an example of the 'foot in both camps' approach. A standard PDA, the P560 has a GPS antenna built in and is available with or without Mio's own MioMap 3 navigation software. → More

"Freedom Keychain GPS 2000"

Issue: 72/2008

On test: Freedom Input Keychain GPS 2000

The increasing ubiquity of the GPS receiver is beginning to change the way in which it is used. A PDA or smartphone with built-in receiver turns GPS into just another feature of that handheld. Like the camera or web browser, it's there only when you need it, and can be happily ignored when you don't. the trouble is, without the built-in version you lose your on much of that convenience, and even leaving a small device in your glove box or at the bottom of your bag is not quite the same. The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 is the best effort yet at replicating the convenience of the built-in receiver. → More

"Blaupunkt Travelpilot Lucca 5.3 satellite navigation"

Published on: 1/2008

On test: Blaupunkt TravelPilot Lucca 5.3

Better known for its car stereo and speaker systems, Blaupunkt also has a range of sat-nav devices. The Travelpilot Lucca 5.3 is its high-end model with maps covering western Europe. → More

PDA Navigation Systems

Alongside traditional GPS navigation systems built into cars and handheld devices there are also GPS software packages and receivers available for use with a PDA. These are becoming increasingly popular as the power and versatility of PDAs is constantly improving and allowing their users to do things that were previously not possible with such a tiny device. The antennae to receive GPS signals can be in the form of a slot-in card or an external device connected either by cable or via Bluetooth. The software is available from many manufacturers and can be updates to include maps from other countries or with updated travel information. These updates will come on a memory card, normally 256MB will be enough for one country, anything larger will require a 512 card or bigger. PDA GPS navigations systems can also plug into the car cigarette charger to stay working while needed and while on the move are powered by a rechargeable battery. GPS signals are weaker in some areas. In a tunnel for instance there may be no signal what-so-ever and in heavily built up areas the signal may be intermittent or weak. The beauty of a PDA based navigation system lies in its flexibility When not being used as a router planner they can be used as a diary, day planner, for watching films or listening to music, it is even possible with some software versions to plan a route to or from an entry in the PDA's address book or to show the location of an address from an internet page. PDAs with GPS software still offer audible guides and as some can be used as a telephone are the complete solution for finding your way or getting lost and calling the AA.