GPS Navigation Rules!

I’m a huge fan of GPS. I’ve got a Compaq iPaq PocketPC mounted to my windshield using a suction cub device connected to a Destinator GPS antenna (http://www.destinator1.com) and running Destinator 3.0 GPS software/maps. They license the same maps used by Mapquest from a company called NavTech. So whether you’ve cursed Mapquest for improper directions or thanked the Almighty for the convenience of Mapquest, will determine how accurate you think Destinator’s maps are.

Actually, in my opinion, the Destinator maps are quite good and they include POIs (Points of Interest) categories that include gas, restaurants, casinos, shopping, airports, and more. You can check out my review of their older 2.0 version here: http://www.planetpdamag.com/content/062602tk.htm
I’m actually running Destinator 3.0 (much improved) now. I should probably do another review, shouldn’t I? Ok, maybe in a week or so I will.

What I really like about Destinator is the fact that it’s portable – I can move the GPS antenna along with the PocketPC to my Dodge Viper to my Mitsubishi 3000GT or to my wife’s Ford Taurus. Typically, in-car GPS units are $1500-$3000, so to install for my 3 cars would not be cheap. Destinator is only ~$300 for the maps and PocketPC software, and since I already owned a PocketPC, I basically got a full-fledged GPS navigation system for just around $300!

I do have a feature “wish list” for GPS technology that doesn’t exist – yet. I’ll talk about that in my next blog.