The question, from Lockergnome reader Zona Bovingdon:

I am hoping that I will get an answer back from you, as I am not sure this is the right place to direct this message. I got you email while searching the Seidio G4850 GPS car kit. I was really impressed by your comments. I presently have a HP iPaq 4700 (no GPS program), but am strongly considering purchasing the seidio car kit along with the TomTom Navigating software. As this is my first venture down this road am looking for all the info I can get especially from private citizens who have used this kit.

I am concern that the two items will be compatible with my 4700 and that after I have spent the money that I will be pleased with the product. I do lots of car travelling between Canada and US and would like to have a GPS (for dummies) as I am not very technical. Any pitfalls or concerns I should be aware of would be greatly appreciated.

The answer, from Gnomedex supporter Josh Bancroft:

I can’t speak to the exact hardware mentioned, but any standard Bluetooth GPS receiver should be compatible with the iPaq 4700 and TomTom Navigation software. I can speak as a long time user of the TomTom software – I was a field tester for their first U.S. release, using an HP Jornada 568 (Pocket PC 2002).

The TomTom navigation software is top notch for Pocket PCs. The 3D view is great, the navigation directions are accurate and easy to follow, and the map data is pretty up to date. It should look great on the iPaq’s VGA screen. For what it’s worth, with all the other navigation systems out there, I still have the Jornada with TomTom installed in my car, and use it regularly. I’ve tried other Pocket PC navigation apps, and IMHO, nothing compares with TomTom.

That said, the general web consensus is that nothing beats the smaller dedicated GPS units for in car navigation. There’s the TomTom Go, but the undisputed king of the category from everything I’ve read is the Garmin Nuvi series. If you’re going to spend money on GPS navigation, you really should check out the Nuvi series. Top end models are expensive ($600+), but there are others in the line that don’t have all the bells and whistles (Bluetooth for hands free calls and traffic updates, etc.) that are rock solid, too. Check Amazon for low prices, and google for reviews by Scott Hanselman and Merlin Mann.

The resolution:

Thank you so much for your comments. I have checked out the Garmin Nuvi, since I already have the iPaq thought I would just utilize it rather than get another gadget… although I love gadgets. Again, thanks for your help.

GPS Coupons:

• Boscovs - GPS WebBusters (Posted on 12/11/09 and Expires on 12/31/15)
• Budget Rent A Car - Free Day of where2 GPS Navigation w/ Weekly Rental (Posted on 4/15/09 and Expires on 12/31/15)

GPS Tracking Device