GPS or PDA with GPS?
 

Had my Magellan GPS stolen while valet parking and am trying to decide what to get. Will probably get the Nuvi with European maps included, but would like to know more about getting a PDA and loading maps on it. Pros and cons? Thanks

1. GPS>

GPS


2. PDA>

GPS - car and portable
Calendar
Subway router
Music IPOD thing
Book reader
Diary
Organizer
Tape recorder
Internet vehicle
Photo repository
Game boy
Contacts list
Messaging
Excel
Word
Alarm
Document holder
Maps
Calculator
Phone
Less Expensive

Hmmmm....it is a tough choice

Thanks for the reply. We like to travel to the small towns in Italy and drive on less traveled roads. Are the maps that you download on the PDA's as detailed as the GPS maps? If so, which maps do you buy? Also I don't have great eyesight, how do the screens compare?

Nuvi 370:
Language Translator
Picture Viewer
Music iPod Thing
AudioBook device
World Clock
Currency Converter
Calculator
City Navigator NT Maps of Europe and North America
A really, really, really excellent GPS

Though I have never travelled with a PDA GPS, I would guess that buying a unit such as the Nuvi 370 (which is more or less dedicated to GPS navigation). Isn't such a no brainer.

I can't argue with robjame - he may be right. But if I were you, I would compare a few key features:

1. Reception - how well does the GPS find satellites in urban settings.
2. User Interface - how easy is it to navigate with
3. Map detail, quality and cost
4. Battery life

SShephard - things have certainly changed since my Garmin
packed - I use a Dell Axim x50v with Mapopolis (not a common mapper). One of the problems is the new Dell x51v, though twice the memory is not as quick.
If you want opinion, I would buy what you will use at home. My Garmin sits in my car and I seldom use it - I know where I am going. If you are likely to travel a lot in unknown areas, buy one. In Europe... where are you going?
In France I have always had my PDA with me but seldom use it. Only really needed it once and that was in Holland. The signs and a Michelin map do fine. Getting side tracked (lost) can be fun.
How long you going for? We tend to drive into a city, park and walk. You won't walk around Paris looking at a Gps. Rent a car with one?
I do use my PDA but even that takes training and practice.
I guess if we did a two week, 12 country thing I might change. Or hiking. Or cycling. But we don't.
My opinion only.

<<I have always had my PDA with me but seldom use it>>
...as a GPS
Use the pda functions particularly Metro (subway router) program all the time.

packed - no matter what - know what you are buying.
sshephard intrigued me with his sale pitch so I looked it up:

List price - $964.27

NA map service??
*3-month free trial subscription included in North American version;

Europe srvice??
lifetime subscription for UK and 3-month trial subscription for France included in European version.

AudioBook Device??
audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required),

Language translator??
Optional software on plug-and-play SD cards for language translation,

Travel Guide??
Optional software on plug-and-play SD cards for detailed travel guide

Savings Program??
Optional software on plug-and-play SD cards for savings programs

Sounds expensive

On the other hand I have seen a lot of PDA's sit idle. I wouldn't buy a PDA just for the GPS.

The Nuvi 350 does the same for about $400.

I'll admit that the 370 is pricey - I paid close to $700. The 350 is much cheaper, though it doesn't come with Europe and NA. The Europe Metroguide NT map set is $350 or so.

I love my Nuvi 370 but I agre with robjame in that you need to get what you will use.

As for the adventure of getting lost. . . I don't like being lost. Also, I am often leading high school students when I'm in Europe and I think my Nuvi will help. It's one thing to be lost on your own. It's entirely different when you are responsible for getting an entire group lost.

Packed: good luck in your choice!

We'll be renting a car in Italy for almost three weeks. Thanks for good info.