Upgrade X3 to wireless/GPS

[My3buicks]

my daughter wants her Dell Axim X3 updated to be wireless and to be able to use GPS software also. It is the 400 mhz variety without the built in wireless antenna that I wish I had gotten to begin with. I want to do this right, so what are my best options? Again, she wants to be able to access wireless and to also use it as a GPS unit. Thanks for the help that is far better than what I can help her with.

[Drifter]

Hi, Your x3 will be 312mHz I suspect.

You have 2 options.

1) To upgrade to WiFi and GPS, you would have to buy a WiFi SD card and in addition either a SD GPS receiver or a Bluetooth card and a Bluetooth GPS receiver. It is not possible to buy an all in one... The problem you will have with these will be that if you opt for this route, then you have lost your only storage option to the communications card and for GPS you will need at least 128mb of storage

You can get arround this with GPS, by opting for a wired receiver which is OK as long as you have 12v available.

2) Sell your x3 and put the money towards buying either an x3i or an x30 high, which will give you WiFi and BT built in.

To be honest, option 2 is your most low cost and easiest option as the differenec between what you will pay ofr a x30H and what you will get for your x3 base will be less than you pay for 2 cards.

[My3buicks]

Thank you for your input, that was exactly the kind of help I was looking for - I went ahead and purchased a X30 high - Now, what GPS would you recommend ? - I don't want to spend a fortune on GPS (how is the Dell GPS unit?)

[Drifter]

The Dell unit is fine, but probably not the cheapest...

You can poll many users and they will all inform you their Bluetooth GPS is the best, but I have about 5 of these of different makes and prices, all work equally as well, so for me, just buy a low cost unit off ebay, it will work.

If you want to optimise the signal, then a BT unit with SiRF III chip set will get the best signal as it is the newest. However SiRF II also works well.

Also long term, it is not a bad idea to choose one that uses removeable Nokia phone type batteries, then if battery life decreases a replacement is easy to obtain.

I'v seen suitable units on Ebay for less than $50.

[My3buicks]

thanks again for you input!!!

[My3buicks]

the x30 high I purchased was supposed to come with a card, the seller is going t send me one, but wanted to know if I wanted a compact flash or a SD - your thoughts - I am also going to purchase a larger card for use with the Bluetooth Dell GPS unit I purchased, your thoughts one size adn type also please. Your help has been tremendous

[Drifter]

That is easy, your X30 only uses SD cards, CF cards are a different size and format and need a different slot. Regarding cards, Sandisk are always a safer bet and a 2GB card is probably a good cost/use choice in my opinion