need help with GPS setup and system software

[nosvet]

Folks,

I'm hoping that your experience will point me in the right direction. I have a Dell Axim X3i and want to get a GPS receiver and program.

My first problem is how do i determine what version of Windows mobile does the Axim have installed?

Also, I'm looking for GPS suggestions so I can use it in the car / boat with audible turn by turn directions. Like most people I'm lookiing to keep the price to a minimum while still getting a good functioning combination. I have no idea what to use or where to start.

wifi? Sd ? Help please.

Thanks
Chris

[Drifter]

First off your X31 will have WM3.0 otherwize known as PPC2003. You cannot upgrade the operating system any futher than this, however you should check on Dell.com to make sure you have the most upto date version of the ROM installed. This is a simple process

The bad news is that if you want to navigate, the size of the files means you must have an extra memory ( SD) card installed, so this means your only option really is to buy a wired GPS receiver which also means that when it is used, it must have a 12v supply ( OK on your boat ?). WiFi and Infrared are not options.

Now the main issue will be software. From experience, the navigation package for waterways is totally different to that for a car. For a car the focus is on roads, with water as a graphic feature. For a boat, you need the oposite. So unless you want to navigate your boat by latitude and longtitude only ( built into most navigation packages) , you will need to buy 2 lots of software,

For car navigation, their seems to be a slight preference for TomTom, but Route 66 and many other fine packages exist. For boating, I only know of WaypointsPC and Navigo, but as I am in Europe, I do not know if this is suitable for you

All navigation packages will be audible instructions.

Unfortunately what might have seemed a simple request will be quite complex and limited by if you have 12v in your boat. If not, consider upgrading to an x30 with bluetooth and an extended battery.

Hope this helps.

[nosvet]

I have wireless on my X3i, why can I not use wifi receiver?

I have also installed the extended battery and I do have 12 volt access on the boat. Mt main concern is for auto as I do have a Garmin GPS PlusIII on the boat.

What about the Pharos kit should by Dell? Godd Bad Ungly?

Thanks

[nosvet]

Also, what is the latest ROM version for the X3i. And do you have a link to the site. I've been looking on Dell / support/ downloads and do not see an obvious choice. I think my ROM is A2?

[Drifter]

To answer your question, WiFi GPS receivers do not exist which is why you cannot consider this option. Wireless receivers all use Bluetooth, sorry.

A02 is the latest ROM. Check this via Start>settings>system>About

The Pharos kit is quite good, but again as your x3i does not have Bluetooth, you will not be able to use it.

You can buy a SD Bluetooth card, but then you will not be able to install any maps as the x3i does not have sufficient memory to install maps.

[nosvet]

Thanks Drifter,

The Pharos I found on Dell was not Bluetooth or wifi. It was cabled with a y-harness with one cable to cig lighter and the other to the GSP receiver that plugs into the sync port of the Axim. That should work right?

[Drifter]

Yes, if it is a cable or wired GPS, it will work perfectly.

Enjoy