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itwonder
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« on: December 05, 2006, 08:46:15 PM »

Hello,
I'm considering an IPAQ 2945 for use with BackCountry Navigator.  I have a BT GPS, but I would prefer to buy a new Sirf III CF GPS for the 2945.  Can anyone help me understand what the battery life is like for that combination?  Is the battery life significantly better with a separate BT GPS than it would be with the CF GPS?

Thanks.
Bob
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Nathan
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« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2006, 02:17:49 PM »

I don't have hard data but I do have a few tips. It would help to know what application you are using this for and why you prefer a CF GPS. Will it be in continuous use or be turned off.

You probably already know that the CF GPS will use power from the PDA, while the Bluetooth GPS will have its own battery. The PDA will use some battery power to communicate over bluetooth, but presumably not as much as the CF GPS. Most bluetooth receivers have 10-16 hours of active use, and a week or so on standby. 

I would tend to reccommend the latest bluetooth Rikaline GPS - I have an earlier one. Most bluetooth GPS will turn off (or back to standby mode) when the PDA does. Rikaline will also turn itself back on. Check the link to the right to check out some GPS receivers.

You will want to keep in mind what happens when a device is depowered. I have a compact flash GPS that will start from scratch whenever it is turned on, and a cold start might take two minutes. My bluetooth GPS will remember enough to get restarted in 20 seconds or so. This may or may not be the case with the devices you have.

Bluetooth GPS works better with an otterbox, but CF GPS will usually do fine in softshell dry bags. Bluetooth is easier to put at the top of a backpack for greaer reception, so your application matters.
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Jeeperman
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« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2006, 07:03:46 PM »

Nathan... I fully agree about the Rikaline... I have the BT6033 model... Now some of the other companies are adopting their rubber casing idea. I'm seriously thinking about the i-blue 737 that has recently come out though.

http://www.aximsite.com/articles/link.php?id=357

JakeRich over @ aximsite.com did a very thorough review.
« Last Edit: December 07, 2006, 07:14:58 PM by Steve Richardson » Logged
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