gps navigation for tx

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hey everyone,
I recently picked up a palm tx and I want a portable navigation system. After looking, I decided to try gps through the tx. I see that palm makes a gps set up for the tx and I read earlier that seidio also makes one (http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=783). Has anyone used either of these? I was going to go with the palm set up, but the seidio seems to have a better mounting unit that holds palm in landscape mode and also has vent holder and a charger built in. I am not familiar with the company, though. I also am not sure how the gps units compare (seidio also has a gps unit built into the mount). I hope someone could help me pick because I want to get the best setup. Any other recommendations are welcome.
 
Seidio is a good company. I don't have a TX so I can't discuss their GPS units but I have bought several components including a cradle for an iQue 3600 Garmin PDA a couple of year's back. You shouldn't have any issues with their quality or customer service.

They are a large PDA accessories supplier and have a good reputation.
 
I just moved from a T|C to a T|X, and I just used the same wired GPS receiver that I've been using, which is a Holux GM210. It's actually called "Palm In-Car GPS", but it's really just a repackaged Holux. Anyway, I had to buy a new cable adapter for it to replace the Palm Universal Connector end with a Multi Connector, but that was easy enough -- found it at www.Semsons.com (which is where I purchased TomTom Nav 5, too), made the connection switch at the PS2 connector, and was good to go. The Semson's Multi Connector cable is actually a better design from the original, so only one wire comes out of my dash (at the steering column) to plug into the T|X for communication with the GPS receiver and for charging the T|X. You can view a picture of my setup by clicking HERE.

I decided a long time ago not to go with Bluetooth, even though my first Palm that I used as a GPS Nav was a T|2 which did have Bluetooth (the T|C that I moved on to does not). I figured that you'll eventually have to have at least one or two cords for longer trips anyway because you'll need to charge the BT GPS receiver, as well as the Palm. A simple wired mouse GPS receiver just seemed like the better choice at the time, and I still feel the same way even though I now have a BT capable Palm again in the T|X.
 
thanks for the info guys. If anyone else has used any other unit, please post your thoughts on them. I think I am leaning toward the palm navigator unit because of Geoff's reply, but I am waiting a few more days to make sure.
 
Pilot:

I went to Semsons looking for the adapter you talked about. I switched from a T2 to a TX and sure didn't want to throw away my GPS unit. I emailed them when I couldn't find any kind of adapter and they responded that they didn't have anything involving the Universal or Multi adapters.

Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
John
 
I received the Tungsten E2 with GPS for Christmas. It uses the TomTom software. It works OK. There is a known problem with the Bluetooth connectivity, but there is a work around.
I wanted tracking and location software for off road use and bought Tracker software from GPS pilot for $50.
Do not purchase this software if you are outside France or Switzerland as those are the only maps included.
 
I just got a cable from Semson's for Christmas, they are outstanding. You want the cable for the TREO 650. It has the same connector as the T5/TX. HTH.
 
Well,
I just received my seidio 4850 gps unit that I decided to order for my palm tx. Everything seems to have arrived that was supposed to, but I am having a problem keeping the power cord plugged into the cradle properly. I have to move the cord around when it is plugged in to get the power light on, and any movement of the cord causes power to go off. Something is wrong with the connection. Anyone else run into this problem? This is the trouble when you buy something you are not familiar with (I did not know what kind of product to expect from seidio).
 
OK, maybe I wasn't clear. I have a GPS unit that I had on my T2. It has a Palm Universal Connector on it (like the old Palm cradle). I'd like to use it with my new TX but, of course, the plug on the GPS doesn't fit the TX.

I'd like to find an adapter or cable that will take the male Universal Connector on my GPS and allow it to plug into my TX.

I'm amazed that Palm change the connector. That's the biggest reason I stayed with my T2 for a year or more. I finally got sold by the WiFi on the TX and switched. I do hate, though, to try to sell my GPS unit.

Thanks,
John
 
I too am debating between the palm navigator and the seidio one. Anyone else have comments on either of those two. The are both in similar price ranges and I would love some info on the two from people that have used them.
 
Sorry, John, for some reason I haven't been getting notices of activity to this thread until just now.

My "Palm In-Car GPS" (which is actually a rebadged Holux GM210) has a PS2 style plug toward the Palm end. That's where you plug in whatever cable you need for whatever PDA/computer you own. You can get a cable with a regular USB plug (for use on a laptop), Palm Universal Connector, new Palm Multiport, various PocketPC connectors, etc., all for this same GPS receiver. If your GPS is the same type of setup with that PS2 connector, then you can most likely use the same cable that I bought. Most mouse style GPS receivers have a PS2 type of connection on them to allow you to use it with a variety of hardware.

To the best of my knowledge, no one is making an actual converter/adapter to change the Palm Universal Connector to Palm Multiport.

Here's a direct link to the cable I purchased on Semsons.com:

http://www.semsons.com/adholgmpdaca.html

If you buy it, make sure you select the correct connector style from the drop-down list. You want to choose the one for the "Tungsten T|5/Treo 650".

Incidentally, I got to the above screen by clicking on "GPS Hardware" and then "Optional GPS Cable". I would think it would be under "GPS Accessories", but it's not.

I hope this helps you. I too hate to see people having to re-buy all new accessories because Palm decided to (once again) change the port on their Palms! I lost the use of an external keyboard, travel charger, sync cable/car charger, GPS connection, docking cradle, etc., when moving from the T|C to the T|X. Very annoying.

FYI, the older Palm Wireless Keyboard (which is actually a Think Outside product) works great with the T|X. I managed to get one on eBay for only $25. This is not the newer "Universal Wireless Keyboard", but with the latest drivers from Think Outside, it will work with all PocketPCs, Palms, etc.
 
Interesting. I guess that's very much a dedicated Palm GPS receiver with it only having that one connector. I guess if you're feeling frisky you could just cut off the PUC and then patch in a spare sync cable for the newer style port. You'd need to know what wire is what and the pin configuration.

I'm the wrong person to ask about various Bluetooth GPS receivers, having never used one. However, if you want to go a cheaper wired route, there's this Holux GM-212 for $59 (with the correct adapter included):

http://www.semsons.com/homogpsregmx.html

It's normally $129, and that's a true price because up until recently that's what I was seeing it for on eBay. Semson's shipping isn't ridiculous like eBay's typically is. This one does have that intermediary PS2 connector, too, so chances are that no matter what Palm changes its port to in the future, you'd be able to get an adapter for it.
 
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