Newfangled GPS combined with Palmtop PC thingy??

[AeroBatfink]

Does anyone have any experience of these Palmtop PCs used with the GPS attachment and an Aviation GPS moving map program? If so, what's the best one?

Currently, I'm looking at the <a href="http://www.mobileshop.com/data/compaq.php" target="_blank">Compaq iPaq</a> with <a href="http://www.navman-mobile.com/" target="_blank">Navman GPS</a> option (with <a href="http://www.palmplan.flyer.co.uk/efis/index.html" target="_blank">Efis CE</a> flight-planning and moving-map software), but the whole thing seems extremely expensive. Does the system actually work? Will it be a good idea to do my weights and balances, etc on the same thing I use as a nav aid? Incidentally, before anyone starts, I'm perfectly capable of using more traditional nav aids, and intend to carry on using them - GPS is a backup to these <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

I've got a couple of months until I need to make a decision, so I'll keep looking at the other options, but this seems the best so far...

Thanks,
AB

[BayAreaLondoner]

I've heard good things about AnywhereMap from ControlVision (www.controlvision.com and <a href="http://www.anywheremap.com)" target="_blank">www.anywheremap.com)</a>
It is expensive, but about the same as a Garmin 295. It also seems to have more functionality.
I particularly like the look of the Sentinel GPS card that is used since it doesn't have to have trailing wires (although maybe it does to actually pick up a satellite...)
The initial worries I had about these things were:
1. Trailing wires around the cockpit
2. Brightness of the display
3. Head inside the cockpit rather than looking outside.
4. Fiddly display

I think the new GPS card may address the first one, although an external power source would be required for long flights.
Since getting hold of a Compaq iPAQ, I am less worried about number 2.
The third question is really an issue with any GPS I would think.
The last one I'll only know if I get to use it <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

If you pick one, please let me know how you find it!

[AeroBatfink]

Thanks for the link, BAL - I'm checking it out but I think it may be out of my price range. Unless I mysteriously come across a secret hoard of cash...

Anyway, I'll let you know what route I go down, and I'll even flight test it to within an inch of it's life!

AB <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[BayAreaLondoner]

AeroBatfink,

Here's another link this time to a discussion group of the AnywhereMap product:
<a href="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&threadm=3bfff01a.157910182%40news.cox-internet.com&rnum=2&prev=/groups%3Fq%3DAnywhere%2BSentinel%2BGPS%26hl%3Den%26selm%3D3b fff01a.157910182%2540news.cox-internet.com%26rnum%3D2" target="_blank">http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&threadm=3bfff01a.157910182%40news.cox-internet.com&rnum=2&prev=/groups%3Fq%3DAnywhere%2BSentinel%2BGPS%26hl%3Den%26selm%3D3b fff01a.157910182%2540news.cox-internet.com%26rnum%3D2</a>

Just be sure you flight test it to within an inch of its life, and not you! <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

[AeroBatfink]

Thanks! And I like to keep a whole lot more than an inch as a safety margin!!! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Julian]

I am using a Casio EM500 with GPS software and a Garmin Etrek. Have seen EFIS and PC Anywhere run in this conifguration.

If you goto the casio site

<a href="http://www.casioextra.com" target="_blank">www.casioextra.com</a>

You will find them for £200 instead of £400!
Bit of a bargain.

Julian.