PDA GPS software Which one??

I have had absolutely no reliability problems with my PDA based unit
with bluetooth GPS.
Michelle

Jonathan Goodish wrote:

In article
,
Kevin Black wrote:


Firstly I'm in Australia and VFR. I have a Garmin III Pilot, but am also
about to purchase an iPaq PDA. Rather than upgrade to a colour GARMIN
(296/396) at megabucks I thought I could get similar functionality using
the PDA. Costings seem to be PDA nil (it's a sunk cost I'm going to buy
it anyway), Bluetooth GPS AUS$100 or so on e-bay, and the software
(Anywhere map special US$95 and NavGPS US$290).




You may save some bucks with a PDA-based system, but you will give up
the reliability and accuracy of a purpose-built unit.

As far as I know, most of the PDA-based systems are geared toward the
domestic U.S. market, and I'm not aware of any of the PDA software
vendors who use the Jepp navigation database. In my experience, even
the domestic U.S. data from these companies is fraught with errors and
inaccuracies, so I can't imagine that foreign data would be any better.

A PDA or TabletPC-based system may be a great way to go for backup, but
I wouldn't want to rely on it for anything--ever.



JKG

Michelle P wrote:

I have had absolutely no reliability problems with my PDA based unit
with bluetooth GPS.

Like you, I've never had a problem with my AnywhereMap software or hardware
setup in flight. However...

"Reliability" can be used to reference a few different aspects of the PDA
system. If the user has to reset the iPAQ due to a driver issue totally
unrelated to the GPS, then the PDA is "less reliable" than a 295 that
they've never had to reset. The flexibility of the PDA-based system (a
strength in my opinion) introduces more opportunity for "reliability"
issues.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
Reduce spam. Use Sender Policy Framework: http://spf.pobox.com
____________________

In article ,
"John T" wrote:
"Reliability" can be used to reference a few different aspects of the PDA
system. If the user has to reset the iPAQ due to a driver issue totally
unrelated to the GPS, then the PDA is "less reliable" than a 295 that
they've never had to reset. The flexibility of the PDA-based system (a
strength in my opinion) introduces more opportunity for "reliability"
issues.


I never had a hardware reliability problem. My reference was to the
software. In the case of AnywhereMap, the bugs in the software and
inaccuracies in navigation data are rampant. A fine backup, certainly,
but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin hand
held with the Jepp database.



JKG

"Jonathan Goodish" wrote

A fine backup, certainly,
but not nearly as reliable as a one-button-press Lowrance or Garmin hand
held with the Jepp database.

From all of the post about the 396, it seems there are some major
reliability problems, even with some Garmin units.
--
Jim in NC

"Kevin Black" wrote in message


1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?

I bought AnywherMap for much the same reasons as you listed. I use a PDA
regularly outside the cockpit so the "dual-use" aspect was appealing.

2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?

Compared to the Garmin handhelds I've been able to get side-by-side, I'm
pleased with my purchase. The Garmin units do offer good performance and
are purpose-built so conflicts with other apps is a non-issue (read
"reliability"). However, I don't recall a problem with AnywhereMap in
flight and the screen of my iPAQ 3955 (now hx4700) is superior to those of
the Garmin handhelds I've had up close. However, the new 296 is intriquing
and I've not yet had it side-by-side with AnywhereMap.

3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?

This is a matter of pure opinion. My experience is the PDA screen is usable
in flight. However, I have yet to fly in anything but mild- to light
turbulence. With that in mind, my preference is for the PDA interface.
Having to use the buttons and rockers on the Garmins is not as efficient in
my opinion.

4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?

This is where other systems can really outshine AnywhereMap. The latest AWM
database for Australia appears to be dated June 2001. That *may* be
sufficient for VFR use, but then again, it *is* very old and is unlikely to
be updated.

5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?

Yes, AnywhereMap will function with an outdated database.

Others have mentioned alternative solutions that may work just as well for
your needs.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
Reduce spam. Use Sender Policy Framework: http://spf.pobox.com
____________________

I find the touchpad processing on the AWmap to be easier to use than
the Garmin handheld. It's not bad in turbulence, either - with
Bluetooth GPS you can pull the PDA out of its holder and just run it on
battery power to review airport diagrams, etc.

The resolution is much better than Garmin's, and the dual use is a
treat.

"Paul kgyy" wrote in message
oups.com...
I find the touchpad processing on the AWmap to be easier to use than
the Garmin handheld. It's not bad in turbulence, either - with
Bluetooth GPS you can pull the PDA out of its holder and just run it on
battery power to review airport diagrams, etc.

The resolution is much better than Garmin's, and the dual use is a
treat.

This is a good site to review different programs
www.palmflying.com
It includes pocket P.C programs

Mitchell

http://www.craggyaero.com/WinPilot.htm

I would suggest dowloading all the software you can and evaluate it yourself
before paying for the licence.

I race gliders with winpilot and a ipac.

Mal

On Wed, 09 Nov 2005 05:39:18 GMT, "Mitchell Schaeffer"
wrote:

This is a good site to review different programs
www.palmflying.com
It includes pocket P.C programs

Mitchell


Good idea but PocketFMS v0.9.59 is reviewed and is now v0.9.60 with
v0.9.61 being developed. Many changes!

Kevin,

1. Which of these two would you buy, and why?

I would buy PocketFMS. It's donation ware, so you determine what it's worth
to you.

2. Functionality compared to Garmin's offering?

Well, on the one hand, PPCs do crash and leave you with all the problems of
a Windows bases system. On the other hand, you gain more possibilities.

3. Ease of use compared to Garmin?

Comparable, but not as stable.

4. Base mapping (Garmin has the intl Pacific Base map for Aus). The
Jepp DB has all of the avaiation info including control zones etc etc.
Do these systems have at least the same info depicted?

Yes.

5. Updates - If I don't update the Garmin it still works with the 'old'
database. Do these keep functioning without updating the database. I
have no real reason to update more than once a year or so?

Yes.

6. Any other advice much appreciated....


--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)