Bluetooth GPS - Motorola Q Forum

inf3st · 02-13-2007, 06:24 AM

Ok so I have decided that I want a GPS device for my Q. My only problem is I know nothing about GPS or Bluetooth. So, for those of you that have gps or know anything about it, pretend that you had $120 bucks and tell me what device and/or software you would buy and why.

Thanx in advance for your advice.

bpaul24 · 02-13-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inf3st

Ok so I have decided that I want a GPS device for my Q. My only problem is I know nothing about GPS or Bluetooth. So, for those of you that have gps or know anything about it, pretend that you had $120 bucks and tell me what device and/or software you would buy and why.

Thanx in advance for your advice.

I am shocked! I thought you had all the answers Dustin!

Actually I would like to know the same thing. I am going to Dallas next month and it would be awesome if I could use my Q to find my way around with GPS.

inf3st · 02-13-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpaul24

I am shocked! I thought you had all the answers Dustin!

I try to pretend to! lol

I'm waiting for Steve to reply. He'll give us some good insight.

troutseth · 02-13-2007, 02:05 PM

You have two categories of options, buy a complete solution or buy a receiver and a free mapping program.

1) CoPilot Live version 6 and Mapopolis have packages that include the software and the bluetooth receiver (GPS unit that connects to your phone via bluetooth). These options are usually full functionality including voice prompts etc. They also work without the need for a data plan as the maps are loaded on a mini SD card. However, they are more than your price range.

2) Option two (the one I use) is to get a free mapping program that works with an external GPS receiver. I use Windows Live Search, but you can use Google maps or Map4PDA (i think it is fixed). These will not have great audible directions or re-routing but will do GPS directions to a location. This means the only thing you buy is a GPS receiver (get one with SiRF III chipset). This will be under your price range. The downside besides less functionality (remember the program part was free) is that it uses the internet to grab the maps. So you need a data plan and phone service to map out the directions.

If anyone else wants to chime in feel free. I would say if you are going to use it a lot OR you go to areas without good data service OR you do not want a data plan . . pay the extra for option One. If you are like me and use it occassionally on the road generally in major cities and already have a data plan, you can get option Two up and running for 75 bucks.

inf3st · 02-13-2007, 02:26 PM

Troutseth,

So WLS and Google Maps don't provide voice? If that is the case do these free programs update their selves and show you were you are?

troutseth · 02-13-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inf3st

Troutseth,

So WLS and Google Maps don't provide voice? If that is the case do these free programs update their selves and show you were you are?

I do not use the new Google Maps, but WLS will give an audible beep when a turn is upcoming. They do update based on where you are so the map and directions follow you. What they do not do, is give you voice 'turn right" so you have to glance at the unit when it beeps. They do not re-route when you go off path. I found out that this is a license issue with the data providors not a technical issue and that WLS may add this in the future (no promises).

Now I have to be fair to you, the first WLS release (non Beta) just came out so I have not tested all of this yet.

bpaul24 · 02-13-2007, 02:50 PM

Good info thanks!

inf3st · 02-13-2007, 03:10 PM

Yeah I guess I'm just gonna go with the device only. Now I have to decide which device! What specs should i look for other than the sirfIII chipset?

troutseth · 02-13-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inf3st

Yeah I guess I'm just gonna go with the device only. Now I have to decide which device! What specs should i look for other than the sirfIII chipset?

1) chipset
2) battery life and charger options (probably want a car charger)
3) size and weight
4) extra stuff like mounting clips for your car
5) compatable with software you will use
6) compatable with Q

On the last two it can be tough to evaluate. I would suggest searching the forums for gps receivers that others are using such as USGlobalsat BT-338 and go from there. Here is a good website to find deals www.buygpsnow.com

Hope this helps.

wmjstevens · 02-13-2007, 04:14 PM

I have been spending the day trying to pair my BT GPS to my motorola Q when I ran across your thread. I have been unsuccessful trying to accomplish the pairing. I haven't had any problems so far pairing a keyboard, Laptop, Motorla HT820 headset, my Acura TL, and several handsfree headsets. So pairing is working on the phone. But I only have options for keyboard input, Hands-free, PAN, Stereo headset, and Settings. I have tried to use the PC Remote. I'm obviously missing something. Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Bill