gps for pdas

I held off purchasing a GPS system for my PPC for about 2 years. Then I purchased the Toshiba E755 and finally did some serious research on the more popular GPS systems and software, e.g., Co-Pilot, Mapopolis, Destinator, and took the plunge. For the combination of features and price I decided on Pharos, and I'm glad I did (note: there is currently a $50 rebate on the already low price offered at Amazon, effectively dropping the price below $200). One of my unspoken concerns was that it would be a complex process to set it up on the PPC--nothing could have been further from the truth. I pulled out the quickstart card, downloaded the software to my laptop, synced the PPC and downloaded a local map for testing. (Note: as the GPS unit fits in the Compact Flash slot of the E755, you'll want to invest in a SD media card--the downloaded maps are resource hogs. For example, I initially used a 32MB SD card and used about 20MB for two maps; I've since purchased a 64MB card. Be advised Toshiba PPC owners: shop carefully for your SD cards. I was ready to purchase a Sandisk because I've had great luck w/ their CF cards. But having read other Toshiba owners' woes w/ Sandisk SD cards, I went to the company's website and checked for compatibility of their SD cards w/ Toshiba PPCs--they are not) Anyway, read quickly through the salient parts of the owner's manual to make sure I understood the basic functions and turned the system on--inside my house and not seated in front of a window.) About 90 seconds later I was connected to several satellites. I then got into the car and mapped several known routes, all of which were mapped accurately. One word of caution: make sure your "sounds and notifications" are turned on on your PPC otherwise the GPS voice prompts will not function. I did not, but it gave me the opportunity to test Pharos' customer service. I E-mailed customer service one evening about the problems I was having with the voice prompts and I received a reply the next morning outlining the steps I needed to take.

Some of the features I found particularly useful:

-the on-screen display is great; there are several different modes: text directions; maps w/ turn-by-turn indicators (two views); expanded map view.
-voice prompts and turn indicators are very useful.
-w/ automatic re-routing, you'll not be off course for long--I found this very helpful; quick and accurate.
-system provides both a daylight and night view.
-you can use your contacts info in MS to select destinations or points of origin.
-the system comes with the CF GPS, an antenna extension (which I have yet to use; the compact flash GPS has done a great job without it), cigarette lighter power cord for the PPC and a mounting kit.

Bottomline: probably not the flashiest GPS system out there w/ lots of bells and whistles, but for the price, functionality, and accuracy, you can't beat it. For the great PPC the E755 is, this makes it yet more indispensable. I would make this purchase again.