GPS or GSM Telephone, which one?
 

Let's say you are a man travelling long distance twice a year for 7-10 days each, you know classic mapping very well (and like it), do you need a GPS device?

Let's answer yes, why have to buy a new GPS device (like Garmin) instead of using a GSM phone with large screen?

My cousin in Frankfurt has a Nokia, loaded maps of many countries, bought a small GPS device and he goes anywhere with that.

Do you really think we need to buy GPS devices to use a few timeas a year or just a GSM phone loaded with maps and GPS device is enough?

I wonder?

Thanks,

Sami

Hmmm...good question. Can you load maps into the GSM phones? Can you log tracks and download them into your computer, then upload them into Google earth? Or do you really need all this stuff and can easily travell with just a simple GPS map that tells you where you are, and if it breaks or gets stolen it doesn't ruin your trip? Man circumnavigated the globe well before GPS was invented, so really, what will it do for you if you only travell for a week or two in the year? Truth is, i don't know what the phone does for you, but i do know that being a traveller that spend about 3-4 months on the road every year, i'm a GPS junkie! My old Garmin 60cs recently died on the way to Mexico, i nearly panicked! Actually, i spent $450 of money i really can't afford to spend and bought the new 60csx...nice machine! I guess it depends what you plan to get out of it, right?

Hi Mr Ron
 

Can you tell me more about downloading tracks into computer and upload them to Google earth?
Can you load Google Earth to your Garmin csx?

Thx

I'm just learning this stuff mself right now. You need the semi-pro version of Google Earth for $20, or the Pro version for $400 (Not!) You can then plug in your Garmin and upload your last track into Google Earth. I'll play with it some more when i get a chance.
To answer your first question, Garmin comes with Mapsource software. You can download your tracks into your computer daily and keep the record as a GPX file on your harddrive.

Its up to you .....
 

This is a dilemma I thought over for about a year, until I finally gave in. I have to own up and say I am a man who likes gadgets. But I had inherited an old Garvein V GPS sytem that works perfectly well. But I really wanted something a bit more modern and a bit more veratile. In the end I gave in and spent approx £300 on a PDA with built in GPS receiver and software. I haven't looked back. This is much more versitle that a normal GPS, the downside being that it is probably not so rugged, although you can spend more money making it so.

I love the options the PDA gives me, including chosing which GPS software I use. I currently have Tom Tom or I-GO for everyday use. then when I am hiking or biking I can use Memory map and the 1:25k maps with that. Finally When further aborad I will use Ozi explorer to either scan in my own maps or buy, quite cheaply other maps.

I have paid for some of the above software, other bits came with the PDA, although I didn't get a receipt! You can download easily and (relatively) safely all the above software.

So, in summary I would say I haven't looked back since purchasing it, and have been given a great deal of satisfaction from using it, not just when travelling long distances. But it is a lot of money to spend, which like most things, could probably be spent in a different area. Only you can understand how your budget works, and how much satisfaction you will get out of such a device.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Ollie