Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Comparison Garmin GPS vs PDA Integrated GPS




2 units are used here : Garmin unit (average unit, eg. GPSMAP 60CS, 76CS) and PDA with integrated GPS (eg. Asus A636 )
When choosing there are PDA, there are many choices, eg. integrated camera, cellphone, with BT, WiFi. Also, choice of the newer (better ?? no definite conclusion yet) SiRF III chip and OS (WM 2005). So, make your comparison of several PDA and choose wisely.

The Pros and Cons of using the PDA Integrated GPS is given below.

Pros
All-in-one ; carry one for all functions (at least PDA+GPS, +camera+cellphone depending on model)
Bigger screen (compared to average Garmin unit)
Touch screen (compared to average Garmin unit)
Most come with SiRF III chip (Garmin catching up…)
Lovely voice (nRoute) ; easily changeable to other voice sets (foreign language – French sounds kinda sexy, male/female voice)
Unlimited memory (well… depends on memory card)
Unlimited tracking/tracklog (GPSProxy)
Form factor smaller and thinner (compared to average Garmin unit)
PDA functions (eg. MP3 music) + cellphone (PDA dependent) + camera (PDA dependent)
Ability to use other maps (eg. MapKing) but who needs them when we have Malsingmaps
Ability to load/select different basemaps (but who really needs them ?)
Ease of manipulating different file/map sets and versions
Last longer on single battery charge (generally)
VGA mode (PDA dependent)
Won't get branded a Geek if spotted with alien-looking Garmin unit (worse still, to those uninitiated, may think it's outdated cellphone model)
Can have Gps trackable maps for anywhere in the world using OziExplorer(CE), Gps navigation usage is not limited to availability of Gpsr device compatible maps.

Cons
Not as rugged - if no external antenna, have to expose to the sun to get good signal - not sure if PDA's were built for this. Think about leaving your PDA exposed to sunlight from say, KL to Singapore.
If your PDA fries in the sun, all your data on it is fried as well ... the more data you have on your PDA, the greater the pain if this happens!
Not waterproof (unless enclose in ziplock or pay for one of those special cases)
Not as shockproof (test at your own risk)
No barometer/altimeter, compass features
No proximity warning
Not as user friendly for Geocaching
Totally useless if your car having a V-kool tinting (and some other brand) with no external antenna or SirfIII.

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Pricing for RFID labels

https://www.digikey.my/product-detail/en/avery-dennison-rfid/700067/1543-1052-ND/5135122