lashed out and bought a O2 XDalls PDA

iPod not good enough for you?

lol.....

I haven't done it with the IIs, but I've hooked my XDA II Mini to a Bluetooth GPS (GlobalSat BT-338), running both Destinator and Oziexplorer (not at the same time). It has worked very well, probably as much due to the GPS (which uses the new SiRF-III chipset) as anything else.

You can also get a Garmin or Magellan, but that's older technology, and doesn't lock as well, not use bounce signal. You many never need it, but was comparing this GPS to a newish Garmin and the new eXplorist 600 indoors; whereas the BT-338 locked onto 4 sats (which Oziexplorer could use), the Garmin and Magellan couldn't lock on to anything.

Hey Nudenut,

I am actually the O2 account manager at the service centre that repairs the O2 in Australia. If you are interested in pinouts for GPS, setting up bluetooth GPS etc, I may be of help. I have had extensive training and exposure to the O2 product and use them myself so am happy to help if required.

Regards
David

Do you really need it to get to the gun club? lol

Nudenut,

I have the XDAIIs and yes it is easy to connect to a GPS. I have a LeadTek Bluetooth GPS which is stored out of site and no wires connected.

Advantages of the PDA is that it is smaller and easier to use but in theory less 'tough' than a laptop (Mine has been to the Cape and Back - no problem).

The disadvantage of the Bluetooth is that it can be problematic. My previous XDAII connected everytime without fail and never lost connection. Since upgrading to the XDAIIs the connection is less stable and the GPS needs to be a lot closer to the phone to work better. I actually think there is something wrong with the phone but have not been able to narrow down the problem enough.

You will also need to get a powered mount or car kit for it.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any problems.

(Also great to see David's post!!)

Duane

Nudenut. It runs WindowsCE so no problem. OziExplorerCE is the one I run using the NatMap and SunMap maps for most of SE Queensland.

Duane

Nudenut

You buy it!!!! http://www.oziexplorer.com/

It does not cost much, about $30 from memory. There is also a demo version which is fully functional for 20mins at a time to try out and confirm all connections are working.

Worth the money..

Duane

You need the PC version of Ozi too as I don't think you can calibrate the maps without it.

I've got an XDA IIi had the XDA II and gave it to the missus because I wanted the WIFI, the keyboard isn't any use to me. We both live off them and love them.

I use mine with a BT GPS and it works very well. Moving map works great, and I have no problem seeing the route and following it on the small screen. I use one of those stalk like mounts with a suction cup on one end and a magnet on the other end. I have bent it so it comes down from the suction cup and rests on the dash and then comes back up to support the phone about an inch and a half off the dash (gives it some shock absorbing). I was getting all sorts of cutouts when using it for GPS and playing music (through a tape adapter on the car sterio) till I changed to a good quality memory card.

If I do it again I won't bother with a BT GPS, its always hooked up to the power anyway so I should really have saved my money, though if I ever want to do anything with the GPS away from the car I'll be happy I've got it. Also I can use the BT GPS with my lappy when I want to (without needing another cable).

You can use it with Ozi and Destinator at the same time if you use GPSGATE.

Personally, I don't take my laptop away with me because its too expensive and the car is just not a safe environment for it. I sort out my maps in advance and stick them on the XDA along with the music I want to hear and take that with me.

There's some great software available for it too, there's a list of some of the best ones (as recommended by the people who are using it) at these links:
HERE (games) and HERE (applications) .