Long before smartphones made GPS ubiquitous, PocketPC devices were pioneering mobile navigation. The combination of capable hardware, good software, and GPS accessories created a thriving navigation ecosystem.
The GPS Revolution
In the early 2000s, dedicated GPS units cost $500-1000. PocketPC owners discovered they could achieve similar functionality for far less:
| Approach | Cost | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated GPS (Garmin/TomTom) | $600-1000 | Single-purpose |
| PocketPC + GPS receiver | $400-600 | Multi-purpose |
| Savings | $200-400 | Plus PDA functionality |
GPS Hardware Options
CompactFlash GPS
CF GPS receivers plugged directly into devices like the iPAQ hx4700:
| Product | Features | Price (2004) |
|---|---|---|
| Pretec GPS | Basic SiRF II | $99 |
| Pharos iGPS | SiRF III, faster lock | $149 |
| Globalsat BC-307 | Compact, accurate | $129 |
Advantages: No batteries needed, compact, direct integration
Disadvantages: Consumed CF slot, antenna positioning limited
Bluetooth GPS
Bluetooth receivers offered more flexibility:
| Product | Features | Price (2004) |
|---|---|---|
| TomTom Bluetooth GPS | Cigarette lighter power | $149 |
| Emtac BTGPS | Rechargeable battery | $179 |
| GlobalSat BT-338 | Long battery life | $99 |
Advantages: Better antenna placement (dashboard), device flexibility
Disadvantages: Extra battery to charge, pairing complexity
SDIO GPS
SD-card-sized GPS receivers preserved CF slot:
- Smaller form factor
- Lower power consumption
- SD slot consumed instead
Navigation Software
TomTom Navigator
TomTom Navigator dominated PocketPC navigation:
TomTom Navigator Features:
├── Turn-by-turn voice guidance
├── 2D and 3D map views
├── Real-time traffic (with subscription)
├── Points of Interest database
├── Speed camera warnings
├── Route optimization
└── Multi-stop itineraries
The software’s intuitive interface and reliable routing made it the gold standard.
Destinator
Destinator offered competitive features:
- Text-to-speech street names
- Lane guidance
- Multiple route options
- Offline maps
Microsoft Pocket Streets
Microsoft’s free Pocket Streets provided basic mapping without navigation—useful for reference but inadequate for driving.
iGO
iGO Navigation became popular for its:
- High-quality 3D rendering
- Building visualization
- Extensive POI database
- Regular map updates
Map Data
Navigation software required map data, typically sold separately:
| Region | Size | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 1-2 GB | Quarterly |
| Europe | 2-3 GB | Quarterly |
| UK only | 200-500 MB | Quarterly |
Storage on devices with SD expansion handled maps easily.
Practical Setup
Mounting Solutions
Proper mounting was essential:
- Dashboard mounts: Suction cup or adhesive
- Vent mounts: Clip to air vents
- Bean bag mounts: Non-permanent, adjustable
- Custom car kits: Integrated power and audio
Power Management
GPS and screen together drained batteries quickly:
| Configuration | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| GPS + navigation + backlight | 2-3 hours |
| GPS + navigation + dim backlight | 3-4 hours |
| With car charger | Unlimited |
Car chargers were mandatory for practical use.
Audio Output
Voice guidance options:
- Built-in speaker: Adequate for quiet cars
- FM transmitter: Through car stereo
- Audio cable: Direct connection
- Bluetooth: To car audio system
Real-World Performance
Advantages Over Dedicated Units
- Multi-purpose device: GPS today, productivity tomorrow
- Larger screens: VGA displays exceeded most dedicated units
- Software updates: More frequent than dedicated units
- Flexibility: Multiple navigation apps possible
Disadvantages
- Setup complexity: Bluetooth pairing, mounting
- Battery concerns: Without car power
- Durability: PDAs more fragile than dedicated units
- Startup time: Boot + GPS lock slower
The Tipping Point
By 2006-2007, integrated GPS became common in Windows Mobile phones:
| Device | GPS Integration |
|---|---|
| HTC TyTN | Optional external |
| HTC P3300 | Built-in |
| Samsung BlackJack | Optional external |
| HP iPAQ rx5000 | Built-in |
This integration previewed the smartphone GPS revolution.
Legacy Impact
PocketPC GPS navigation established patterns:
- Turn-by-turn voice became expected
- Touchscreen maps influenced car infotainment
- POI databases evolved into modern search
- Real-time traffic became standard
When Google Maps launched mobile navigation in 2009, PocketPC users had enjoyed similar functionality for years.