GPS Navigation

GPS using an HP iPAQ hx2415 & Bluetooth GPS receiver

I've wanted to try out a GPS in the truck for some time, but have never found one I wanted. Some were too small, some too clunky, and most were too expensive. The thought of spending so much money on a single use product made me dismiss the idea each time I researched it.

Then one day, a friend a work let me try his PDA and GPS during a business trip. It was an iPAQ 2215 and used a wireless Bluetooth GPS receiver to run the HP iPAQ Navigation System. The system uses turn-by-turn audio and video guides to direct you to any address or location. In my opinion, it rivals the Hertz NeverLost system found in many rental cars. I was guided effortlessly to my destinations by a pleasant female voice, and clear graphics. This was definitely a product I wanted to research, so I began to look into the benefits of a PDA/GPS solution.

I found that Windows PocketPC 2003 is a very accepted OS in the software community, so there are many apps written for this PDA. The unit not only syncs directly with my Exchange server at work, but also runs a fully independent version of Outlook. The OS includes Microsoft MediaPlayer9, which means this PDA can play any audio or video media that I can fit in my memory cards. Speaking of memory, it has both a Secure Digital and Compact Flash slot, so you won't run out of space. In short, this unit is a fully functional micro PC. I have since found many applications and games that I can run on this machine, plus the built in Internet Explorer allows seamless web surfing.

I decided to purchase the unit after Christmas, as the prices were beginning to fall. On HP's site, I noticed that the 2215 had been upgraded to the newer hx2415 model. This model included some enhancements over the 2215, plus the addition of built in 802.11b wireless capability. Since I was going to add WiFi in the form of an add-on CF card anyway, I figured this would be a better machine for me. The 2415 also has a faster chip, more memory, a bigger battery, and other enhancements that make it a bargain over the older 2215.

I also purchased the HP GPS & Navigation system combo, along with a 1 gig SD card, and the Arkon PDA car mount. I had some old CF cards laying around that I can use for supplemental memory if required; but that hasn't been necessary. So far, I'm very happy with the PDA and GPS.

Click to zoom (The PDA is attached to the dash using an Arkon Universal PDA Lighter Socket Mount (ARK-CM638) When tightened, it has a firm grip in the socket.)

The PDA is attached to the dash using an Arkon Universal PDA Lighter Socket Mount (ARK-CM638) When tightened, it has a firm grip in the socket.

The Bluetooth GPS goes on the dash in the corner. It has a no-slip bottom and the vent holds it in place.

Click to zoom (From the outside, you can see the GPS unit. It has a good recharging battery that uses the same power cord as the PDA. Battery life is pretty long.)

From the outside, you can see the GPS unit. It has a good recharging battery that uses the same power cord as the PDA. Battery life is pretty long.

Click to zoom (The dash mount uses an expanding rubber core which grabs the inside of the lighter socket when the outside nut is tightened. I never use my lighter, so this was a good spot.)

The dash mount uses an expanding rubber core which grabs the inside of the lighter socket when the outside nut is tight. I never use my lighter, so this is a good spot.

In this position, I can see the PDA when driving. I tried using the Aux power socket, but it put the PDA too far away from my field of view.

I angled the stalk so it uses the dash as a brace. This helps cut down on vibrations.

Click to zoom (The PDA has a flip-up plastic cover that I remove for mounting in the car. The Arkon mount itself grips the PDA with padded spring loaded jaws. It's a very secure mounting point.)

The PDA has a flip-up plastic cover that I remove for mounting in the car. The Arkon mount itself grips the PDA with padded spring loaded jaws. It's a very secure mounting point.

This is the view from the driver's seat with the GPS navigation system running.

Click to zoom (This is the GPS system screen showing the satellie signal info page. The unit will start scanning for satellites when connected to the GPS via bluetooth. )

This is the GPS system screen showing the satellite signal info page. The unit will start scanning for satellites when connected to the GPS via Bluetooth.

After the unit finds enough satellites, it will display the map navigation screen. This is the daytime display mode.

The GPS navigation system changes the map to nightmode, so it's easier to see after sunset.

Click to zoom (The PDA runs MediaPlayer9 using PocketPC 2003. It can play MP3, WMA, or any video file supported by MediaPlayer. It also syncs my email via 802.11 wireless.)

The PDA runs MediaPlayer9 using PocketPC 2003. It can play MP3, WMA, or any video file supported by MediaPlayer. It also syncs my email via 802.11 wireless.

Click to zoom (I've also added a few games, which help when I'm stuck in traffic. The wide array of software for the PocketPC made it an obvious choice over the Palm OS.)

I've also added a few games, which help when I'm stuck in traffic. The wide array of software for the PocketPC made it an obvious choice over the Palm OS.

Here's a life size JPG of the unit itself. The screen is very clear and easy to read.

The buttons are well integrated into the OS, and also allow for hardware control of the PDA.

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