PDA GPS
Advice on PDAs with GPS
With personal digital assistants (PDAs) being so common now, it is not surprising that GPS technology has infiltrated their market. Modern PDA GPS is very simple to use and setup, as the receiver is integrated directly into the unit so that all that is required is the correct GPS software for the PDA model. Older PDA models, or those without an integrated cell phone, require you to purchase a GPS receiver and the supporting software if you want them to function as GPS units. With the introduction of the iPhone and the Blackberry Storm, however, the line between GPS PDAs and cell phone GPS has been blurred to the point where they are almost interchangeable.
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The Modern GPS PDA Phone
The iPhone and Blackberry Storm are excellent examples of the modern GPS PDA phone. They are each a PDA with GPS receiver integrated, which means you only have to install the correct software to have a fully functioning GPS. These current PDA models are so advanced that they can function almost as effectively as some of the portable car GPS units available. With the addition of all the other features available through PDAs—such as phone service, email and Internet access, mp3 storage and playback and appointment and address organization— these units deserve the title of one-handed wonders. In almost any PDA GPS review you encounter, you’ll find the iPhone and Blackberry Storm right near the top of the list.
GPS Software for PDA Models
The variety of software available for PDAs is overwhelming and, amazingly enough, the majority of it is free. There are programs that focus on road maps and provide auto navigation like that found in many car GPS systems. Admittedly, the car GPS systems offer more options specifically related to travel, but PDA GPS systems are not all that far behind and could soon be on equal footing.
There are also applications available for marine GPS and even applications for flying. Some creative individuals have also developed applications that turn your PDA GPS into games; for example, there is a Pac-Man style game in which you collect points by driving down untraveled roads. These applications also provide real-time feedback on road conditions, as people can submit information on traffic to help other drivers avoid problem spots.
