T&T: Combo GPS for road and boat

[Jeffrey Siegel]

I should probably drop this but, well, I just can't.  Some of
the points Ron made deserve to be challenged:


> Given the frequency with which I seem to mislay my phone I am 
> not sure that I want something so multi functional (and 
> expensive) that is not tied down to something.

That just doesn't make sense to me.  Won't one device be easier
to keep track of than, say, three?

My reason for trying to standardize on a single device is that 
I misplace it much less often.  It also requires fewer chargers,
AC adapters, and other connection cables than the rat's nest
required for multiple devices.

Additionally, the prices of these standard multi-function devices
are almost always lower than the dedicated (non-upgradeable) hardware
that only does one thing.

For example:

Garmin Nuvi 350 @ Walmart - $490
Garmin Nuvi 360 @ buygpsnow.com - $550
Garmin Nuvi 660 @ gpscity.com - $740
TomTom 910 @ thegpsstore.com - $600

vs

Cingular 8125 @ cingular.com - $250 (wireless GPS needed - $100)
Palm Treo 650 @ cingular.com - $250 (wireless GPS needed - $100)
Palm Treo 680 @ cingular.com - $200 (wireless GPS needed - $100)
HP hw6945 @ ebay.com - $450 (internal GPS included)


The integrated units need a cellular plan to be most effective.  They
also all have cameras, email, MP3 players, and on and on and on...

That Nuvi can't be used to make a call.  The TomTom won't take
a picture when you really need one taken.  Neither of them
will receive an urgent email or get the latest NOAA marine
forecast.


> I guess I don't like PDA's - my Filofax seems to do all that
> I need in that respect. 

That's actually harder to argue with.  In fact, if your Filofax
is working, you shouldn't stop using it.  The question needs to be
asked though - how come you don't misplace the Filofax?

Also, backing up the Filofax?  If you lose it, you're screwed,
right?

There is one place where having contacts on a single device is
much better - when you're dialing a number.  I assume that you
have to look up a number in your Filofax, open your phone, and
tap in the 11 digit number.  It is way easier and less prone to
error to pick a name out of your contact list and tap "Dial".


> I certainly dislike multi functional networking on a boat 
> preferring I am old fashioned enough to prefer redundancy and 
> totally independent systems.

I agree.  Redundancy beats multi-function every time.  It's
less expensive to carry an extra multi-function device today though.
With a GSM mobile, you pop in the SIM and you have a new phone on
your same plan, same number, same everything.  Syncing the device 
to your PC's contacts, calendar, etc. is usually a one-button
operation.


Nah, those are all arguments from years ago when these devices
were very new and could only do a few functions.

Now I consider Ron to be a friend and I don't think that I'll
convince him and I'm sorry to be picking on him (I know he can
take it and will dish it back to me even worse!).  Still, it
is 2005 and the world has changed...

I think these are incredibly important issues to discuss for
the cruising boater.  They aren't just issues for life outside
of boating.  These new devices are changing the way that
communication and information are presented.  This is more
important on a boat, in my opinion, than almost any other
area of normal life.

Actually, it's 2007...

================
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine