choosing a used ipaq/pdf for gps

[semlin]

so can anyone name some stripped down but good power ipaq model #s tthat i can pick up used? anyone used older ipaqs for gps?

having done some research on gos i'm going with raster maps and charts and i plan to use a combo of my laptop and an ipaq pda. the ipaq will definitely be used in my boat and probably in the truck unless i break down and mount the laptop on a ram mount.

since i don't plan to use the ipaq for anything else, I want to buy a used one and preferably a stripped down one since i don't need wi-fi or bluetooth and really don't need more than processing power and good screen resoltuion. the software i will use http://www.memory-map.com/ has been around since '03 and will run on any ipaq with Microsoft "Pocket PC 2002" or "Windows Mobile for Pocket PC" operating system (2002 later). Eg, Runs on Dell Axim, HP iPaq, Mitac Mio, etc. it only Requires 4Mbytes free RAM to run. Remaining memory can be used for storage. i have read reviews dating back three years on this product.

the topo maps will be
http://www.maptown.com/etopo.html
http://www.memory-map.com/index.html?http://www.memory-map.com/cartography.htm

plus marine charts
http://www.digitalocean.ca/DigitalOceanE-Store//Recreation_main.asp

anyway, i'm not sure the software matters so much as identifying a basic ipaq that will work. I am totally bewildered by all the models out there.

 

[davegonz]

Simon,

I had an old ipaq 3650 that worked with the Pharos GPS package. It worked really well. What I don't like about the older ipaqs was how little memory they had built in. You can add a Compact Flash jacket and compensate that way, but the unit starts to become fat.

Have you looked at the older Dell Axim X5's? They are cheap on craigslist and have the added bonus of having a built in compact flash slot.

Good luck,

 

[Beowulf]

Semlin,
I can't offer much help on specific models but I'll throw out 2 things for you to consider.

1. Check the screen in person on the model that you are considering. I got a new HP something-or-other a few years ago and the screen was unusable unless you were indoors or in a car at midnight. Daytime use in the vehicle was impossible.

2. Don't discount Bluetooth. If you hate cables dangling everywhere then BT will help with that. You can get a BT GPS device and use it with your BT PDA. I do that and it's great! You can even keep the BT GPS device in your pocket and carry your PDA on a hike.
-B-