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The same mapping software that is sold with GPS devices such as TomTom or Garmin is available for PDA phones. The mapping software uses the PDA phones built-in GPS unit, or a portable Bluetooth GPS unit. My xv6700 internal GPS is not assessable so I had to buy a small portable GPS receiver to communicate with the iGuidance GPS navigation software I also purchased. The software is as good, and if not better, than the TomTom unit my friend bought. The iGuidance software includes 3-D mapping, turn-by-turn directions with voice prompts, route calculations, trip stats, automatic re-routing on wrong turns, and a lot more. The screen size of the xv6700 is 2.8 inches and is just large enough to read the maps. One issue I have with the screen is the glare makes it unreadable when the sun is directly pointing at it. I’m hoping to fix this problem by buying an anti-glare screen guard, but I haven’t found one yet. Google also offers mapping software (found at this link) that you can download to your PDA phone. The mapping data is always sent through the internet so you will need either a data plan or Wi-Fi access. If you have internet access, then google maps on a PDA phone is almost exactly the same as Google maps on a PC including satellite pics, directions, and real-time traffic info. If you don’t have internet access or you would like more features, then take a look at TomTom or iGudance navigation software. |
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Sirius and XM both offer online streaming. With a data plan or Wi-Fi access, a PDA phone can turn into a portable satellite radio. Both Sirius and XM offer cheaper internet only subscriptions, which means you won’t even have to buy a satellite radio. Users in a big city might even find that their data plan signal is stronger than a satellite radio signal. For some reason, mobile users can’t just go to Sirius.com or xmradio.com and click on the streaming links like regular PC users do. Sirius and XM should really find a way to fix this, but for now there are other programs available to stream satellite radio. I’ve been using Sirius WM5, and have no problems. Another program that works for Sirius subscribers is SiriuCE 2. |
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If you don’t subscribe to Sirius or XM satellite radio, then you still have the option of listening to the thousands of internet radio stations online. The streaming radio sites include all the radio stations that simulcast their broadcast online, and all the internet specific streaming sites including live365.com, SHOUTcast.com, and ICEcast.com A great website that lists American and Canadian radio stations streaming online is thestreamcenter.com. |
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My xv6700 may not be at the same quality level as an iPod, but it’s close enough. Storage size is limited to the space available on the mini SD card, which currently maxes out at 4 GB. Over 1000 songs can be stored on 4 GB so I have no problems there. The user interface is where I miss the iPod. It’s harder to find songs with Window’s Pocket Media Player, and I’m yet to find any free software that works better. Button wise, the xv6700 works great with the mini joystick controlling the volume (up/down), the songs (left/right), and pause/play ability. I use the PC version of Window’s Media Player to sync all my songs with the xv6700, and I use Doppler to get all my podcast feeds. There’s a great tutorial on how to get your podcast subscriptions synced with Doppler and Windows Media Player here In the end, not having to carry around two gadgets in my pocket, and not having to sync two devices is what keeps the iPod in the desk drawer. |
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My xv6700 doesn’t have video camera abilities, but some of the newer PDA phones are starting to carry this feature. The same low lightning and no optics problems that impairs camera phones will also impair PDA phones with built-in video cameras. However, the convenience factor is high as all the “I wish I had a vide camera” moments will disappear.
The things to look for in a PDA phone with a built in video camera is the maximum resolution and frame rate it can record. For a comparison, standard video cameras record at 640×480 pixels at 30 frames per second. Another aspect to look for is where all the video will be stored. Most PDA phones have slots for micro or mini SD flash cards, which can store a few GB of video.
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