Database Users

Which GPS unit for XDAII?

Could someone point me to a GPS unit which works well with the XDAII. There is a large choice, and i'm not sure what to go for. Going to be using Tom Tom 2.
Many thanks!
Faisal

Are you looking for a cable type or bluetooth?

I bought the TomTom package with their BT GPS unit and loved it. It worked great for about a week and was very handy for a 1,600 mile road trip. Then one morning it just simply wouldn't work right. Took a bit of time but I finally got in touch with a human at TomToms U.S. office and they agreed it sounded messed up and that I'd need to send it in for repair, which should be a one day turnaround.
Outside of the faulty device (no idea how common that is) the performance was very pleasing in general.

cruisin-thru said:
Are you looking for a cable type or bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking for a either really but with preference to BT.
graah... was thinking about purchasing it with the gps unit, but can buy the software from a mate who's now using Navman. So looking for unit only.

GPS with TMC
Woohoo!
Managed to order a RDS - TMC unit today + soft ware ( Navigon) . I hope to get it next week.

using XDA2 with digitraveler bought from US - works great!

I have used many gps systems both with xda1/2 and ipaqs, the digitraveler was quite impressive but stocks are no longer available, I am at the moment using a Fortuna Gpsmart bt unit, this works as both a nmea at 38400 on cable and also as a blutooth gps, at the same time if required, I have found this gps to be extremely accurate, very fast and with the added bonus that it operates as a handheld standalone gps. I bought a cable to power the gps and then bought another cable which powers both the gpsmart and the xda, however if you want totally wireless obviously the gps can be battery operated although battery life isnt wonderful.

Cheap as possible GPS

Hello!
I am looking for a cheap as possible GPS reciever that's actually any good, and I don't know where to start. I'm in the UK so somewhere that delivers to the UK for cheap or that is in the UK would be great!
I've seen around for £30, but I forget where. Are they actually any good?
It doesn't have to be critically amazing, I won't be using it *that* often I just think it'd be worthwhile to have if its only £30 for the reciever.
Thanks!
Laurie

Hi laurie
Your best bet is to look on Ebay, you'll find a good range of bluetooh GPS receivers at around the 30 - 40 pound mark. Your also going to need some navigation software such as TomTom 5 or Navigon MN5 (latest versions). These are not so cheap! Go for a receiver with either a RFMD or SIRF III chipset as these are the quickest TTFF (time to First Fix) even though the RFMD chipset is quicker than the Sirf. :wink:
James

Thanks! I'll have a look! I didn't know why I didn't just look on eBay. Possibly cos they look cheap and rubbish but as long as it works that all I care about!

http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/8590.htm
Anyone have an opinion on this one? seems the cheapest and the site has 5 pages of good reviews, with only a couple of bad ones.
Ebay was very difficult to find a better price for one that actually works with the o2 XDA Mini S.
Thanks!
Laurie
edit: helps if I post the link doesnt it

I recently bought and used the Holox BT-321 :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HOLOX-Bluetoo...9729903430QQcategoryZ4668QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
works great with tom tom 5 for me.. u need to have tom tom 5.21 update to have it pair properly
o2 xda mini S
tomtom 5.21
holox bt-321 GPS receiver
hth

lozzd said:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/8590.htm
Anyone have an opinion on this one? seems the cheapest and the site has 5 pages of good reviews, with only a couple of bad ones.
Ebay was very difficult to find a better price for one that actually works with the o2 XDA Mini S.
Thanks!
Laurie
edit: helps if I post the link doesnt it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got this - works well with the wizard and got it next day from the site above too.
Charger for gps is usb style so its perfect for keeping the wizard charged while in the car. The bt. gps worked fine without charging on 5 hour jouneys, and i've been using it regulary for 3 months now with no problem.
Don't think its the best one with regards to fas tlock or number of satellites, but it does the job well enough.

Thanks for that input, I went ahead and ordered one. Can't wait to get playing with TomTom

hi lozzd, i checked the mobilefun site re the gps you mentioned, it seems its a good one and its got good reviews. did you received already? so how was it? could you post your experience or probably just a mini-review. id like to know how is it easy to configure it with gps software (such as tomtom if you got one), the time it takes to connect the phone with the receiver and getting signals from the satellite, battery usage, etc...
many thanks.

Hello,
I recieved the GPS the next day! Top marks to the people at mobilefun. So far I have used the GPS a couple of times, and most of the time TomTom reports 3-4 out of 5 bars signal, and when on a clear motorway, 5 out of 5. However, this is in my Land Rover Defender which has an almost vertical windscreen, so reception is reknowned to be pretty useless as you can only get satellites infront of you. So I expect in a normal car, the reception will be pretty good most of the time. This counts too for the time it takes to lock on... sometimes it takes 20 seconds, sometimes it takes a couple of minutes. For a GPS that isn't relied on every day, its fantastic for the money, and I can highly recommend it. It's cheap small, comes with a charger that you can use for both the GPS and/or the Wizard, and since the battery in the GPS runs for 6 hours (apparently) you could even swap between the two.
People make a big deal out of how difficult it is to set up. As long as you have TomTom 5.2+, it's pretty damn simple. Turn on the GPS, pair using bluetooth window, go to the COM ports section and add any port you fancy for the GPS, go into TomTom, select "other bluetooth gps" select the port and it picks it up right away. Not only that, but if you leave bluetooth off most of the time (like me), TomTom will turn on Bluetooth when you open the program, find the GPS straight away and use it, and then turn the Bluetooth back off again when you close it!
I was worried a hefty program like TomTom would bog down or run really slowy on the Wizard, but it runs brilliantly. It's a pretty awesome piece of software! All in all I highly recommend the GPS and TomTom to anyone who happens to want a very cheap GPS for occasional navigation (or just to play with!)
Now when people say "wow, whats that?" I can now say its a Phone, PDA, and GPS all rolled into one. And it does it pretty damn well.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Hope that helps!
Laurie

hi lozzd, thanks for the review! i have some questions.
1) what charger does the gps receiver comes with? a wall charger or a car charger? cos im planning to buy a usb car charger. if its a car charger then probably i dont need to buy one.
2) what do you mean by "...and since the battery in the GPS runs for 6 hours (apparently) you could even swap between the two"? you can swap batteries between the gps and the wizard?
3) is the gps battery compatible with nokia phone batteries?
4) did you try operating it inside your home? can you get signal?
i think thats all for now. thanks again.

1) it comes with a car charger, and a USB cable used for charging. So you can use (i assume) the wizard charger to charge it, you can use a laptop/notebook using the supplied charger cable, or you can use the car charger with the usb cable. You can also use the car charger and the usb cable to charge your wizard.
2) What I meant, is that because the GPS battery life is 6 hours, if you were on a really long journey, you could charge the GPS, then the Wizard, then the GPS as they each ran out of power, using the same charger. The batteries are different.
3) Yes, I don't know the model as I don't use Nokias, but it looks like a nokia battery to me.
4) I haven't tried operating inside my house, but I can't really see why I would

thanks for the quick reply. will definitely buy this one, best value for money. its good to know that it also comes with a car charger, that could save me money from buying one. thanks a lot!

this one looks great to bad i cant buy one because I live in the U.S.

I had holox...
It has major problems when walking..... it pauses for 50-60m every 10-20sec
I bought holux GPSlim!!!
It is the best!!! it has great acc when walking and driving!

one more question. is it possible to charge this gps device using the mains charger that comes with the htc wizard (mine is mda vario).
btw, i ordered it already at mobilefun today.
thanks.

Well this reply may be a bit pointless as if you ordered it before 4ish you will probably already have it but still, I think you can, I'm not sure. I assume if the car charger works for both, the wall charger should too.

i got my bt-gps yesterday. i recharged it with the wall/mains charger and it was fine. thanks.

lozzd said:
1) it comes with a car charger, and a USB cable used for charging. So you can use (i assume) the wizard charger to charge it, you can use a laptop/notebook using the supplied charger cable, or you can use the car charger with the usb cable. You can also use the car charger and the usb cable to charge your wizard.
2) What I meant, is that because the GPS battery life is 6 hours, if you were on a really long journey, you could charge the GPS, then the Wizard, then the GPS as they each ran out of power, using the same charger. The batteries are different.
3) Yes, I don't know the model as I don't use Nokias, but it looks like a nokia battery to me.
4) I haven't tried operating inside my house, but I can't really see why I would
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to go through this post bit by bit, all I can say is that my BT GPS is of unknown make / model.
It sounds like you have the same model as me so here goes.
1. Just make sure the voltage from the car charger is 5 volts. If it is the same as mine, it'll charge the wizard, as mine does.
3. My GPS battery will fit in my Nokia 7610. (Good if you don't need GPS and your phone goes flat.) LOL
4. Take the GPS outside, get a signal and then wander back into and around the house. Mine works all the time and is really sensitive.
I hope this is of use. Happy GPSing. LOL
By the way, if you are into outdoor pursuits and stuff like that, ave a look at GeoCache activities.

GPS on HTC 8525?

Hello all! I am curious if free GPS (no data plan, just free GPS service) is available on the HTC 8525? I am really liking the Tilt [8925] with the full-keyboard, GPS, wi-fi, and 3 Megapixel camera, but I see that the HTC 8525 has a full-keyboard, wi-fi, and a 2 Megapixel camera. I can live with the 2-MP camera, but I really would like the GPS for free, if possible. Is there a GPS freeware software made for the 8525? Could the 8925 GPS software be installed on the 8525 with no issues?
Sorry if this sounds too easy. I am very inexperienced in "modding" a cell phone (my latest is making an old Motorola v120e WAP-enabled -- 4 years ago before cell phone carriers charged for it!). Back to the topic, if the GPS software requires modding the 8525, I would like a "modding for dummies" step-by-step instruction in layman's terms, and hopefully a guarantee that it won't fry the cell.
Lastly, if anyone has the 8525, would you be so kind as to critique it, compared to the 8925 if possible?
Thanks in advance!

Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).

ohpfan said:
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
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The GPS software that you can use on the Tilt can be used on the 8525. That's not really the problem. The issue is that the 8525 has no built in working GPS hardware. So this means you have to use a small bluetooth GPS receiver. It actually works well but you have to carry the bluetooth receiver in your pocket / car.
Mike

Interesting! I never knew that Bluetooth GPS existed! A BT-359 costs $46.95, which isn't too bad.
Sorry to get slightly off-topic, but what are the requirements for a handset to have, to be able to use that Bluetooth GPS device? I have the Samsung A707 Sync currently, would it be compatible with that handset? If so, would I need to get on an unlimited data rate plan [$30/month], or just by buying the GPS device, it covers all costs to using it? Is the software to put into the Sync included, or do I have to pay for it? I just use the Sync for voice calls (no texting/data messaging), but a hand-held GPS is pretty cool, especially when it's built-in to the cellular phone!
Thanks for your help!

Sorry, can't say about your Samsung A707 but if you connect via bluetooth there are NO charges to use the GPS software (apart from getting the sodftware and maps) as long as its not something that constantly requires updating through the GPRS system. But thats just crazy to do... Better to get a standalone GPS program, I've got Tomtom, and purchase maps.
Cheers....

mikechannon said:
But the advantage of having a program that you can buy a map/s for is that it will operate more smoothly in my experience as the map is held in your device.
The GPS Sirf III receiver I use is:
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120534
Mike
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Thanks for all the info! This is still all new to me, so forgive any stupid questions. Is there a difference between different Bluetooth models, besides the obvious rechargeable battery or included AC or DC power adapter?
I'm still unsure how this all works. What exactly does the Bluetooth adapter do, if the maps are stored on the cell phone? Like does it have up-to-date POI (points-of-interest) or are those required to be downloaded?
By the way, I have decided not to go with the 8525 at this point. I am still considering buying a Tilt (8925) if the Bluetooth adapter sounds too difficult to match up to my cell phone. (I understand that neither of you know for a fact if the Sync can get the maps loaded into it.)
Thanks again for any new info!

As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...

Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike

ultramag69 said:
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply! I don't currently own the Hermes 8525; I seen it on eBay for the price I mentioned earlier and was considering buying it. About 15 minutes later, I realized it's intended for T-mobile service, which I know can be unlocked to any SIM-card compatible company (i.e. AT&T/Cingular in the States) for a fee.
I am a bit unsure what you mean by "Standalone" though. I presume you don't have a "ready out of the box" GPS system with viewing screen, but the only other option I can think of is you put the memory card into the cell phone (or a PDA / laptop PC).
My Bluetooth-compatible cell phone has a MicroSD memory card slot on it, and I have the SD card adapter where I can put songs, pictures, and text files onto my cell phone via the memory card. Therefore,all that is needed is a memory-card compatible cell phone, and then download maps to the memory card and insert it into the cell phone. If that's the case, then I should be set! I would only need to find a Bluetooth GPS adapter (with 25 channels for best results). Am I correct on this understanding?
I heard that there are a few free map sites online, do they offer POIs for free too? I am going on my honeymoon in Los Angeles, CA and would really like to just use my cell phone with the above features on it with the Bluetooth adapter for convenience as well as not having to carry a full-size GPS with me.]
Another silly question, if you don't mind. Do the Bluetooth adapters work on more than one device at a time? For instance, my Sync A707 cell phone and my fiancee's Blackberry Pearl could each have a copy of the maps. Would the receiver work on both cells at the same time; or is it only pairable to one at a time? For the above scenario, we would have to both be within the amount of feet required to receive the Bluetooth signal, of course. [Since we're on our honeymoon on the other side of the U.S., I doubt we'd be separated that far away.]
ultramag69 said:
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
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Click to collapse
Thanks, that helped me understand it much better than before. Not to belittle ultra, but I was thinking the cellular phone had to have 25 channels, but he meant the Bluetooth adapter should have 25 channels for best results.

I am considering a Hermes and probably will be getting one shortly within a week. I am not the OP, but either way thanks for the info. Which TomTom version is best on the Hermes - and which reciever is best with TomTom. Or is there a better GPS software for the hermes. Thanks again for all the info. I have been active on the Excalibur section, but have been interested in getting a Hermes as my next phone.

To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.

es_bih said:
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.

ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...

ohpfan said:
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi

abc12345 said:
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, geez that eBay member sure didn't do his research then! Thanks for that info too!! I even looked on CNet to compare models and it didn't mention the 8525 has Wi-fi in it.
To ultra: I will check tonight about if my cell can support GPS. Been a busy weekend here, so not much time online.

ultramag69 said:
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found out that the Sync uses a proprietary firmware, so I would say no to Windows OS . From my understanding, the Java in my Sync phone doesn't accept Bluetooth is why the GPS isn't able to work. Unless there's an updated Java that supports Bluetooth, I am not able to use my current cell. Which leads to the question: Is there a "universal" Java update for Bluetooth support, or is it cell phone specific?

OK, I found a nice price for a 8525 on eBay, only $115 (including shipping) for one that is sold "as-is," but it doesn't sound like anything other than a battery or charger is wrong with it. I purchased it, and should be shipped on Wednesday. I will keep you all informed on what happens with it when I get it! Once I get it working, I'll go for the Bluetooth adapter later on.
Just a little update ... there is another Sync user who is trying to get the Samsung u600 firmware "altered" so that the Sync can use the Bluetooth GPS adapter.

Hi, I'm back again, with an AT&T-replaced reconditioned 8525. It's really strange, that I've made a full circle once again, after about a month of asking this question! I am now a bit wiser, and hopefully not as naive, as before!
As mentioned in other threads, I've updated to WM6 already. I am back on eBay looking for Bluetooth GPS adapters. Ultra mentioned earlier to look for a 25+ channel model, which I found two that meet or exceed that data.
My research has found the lowest price [shipping/handling-included] at $39.90 for a BT-5 (12 channels); the next one up at $44.48 for a Sirf-3 (12 to 16 channels); and the last at $44.99 for a BT5721 (44 channels).
The obvious choice is the BT5721 for only $5.09 more than the cheaper BT-5 model, but has anyone had experience with any of the 3 models mentioned? Also, it seems that the TomTom brand is predominant in the U.S., but how reliable is the software -- does it hang, lock up, etc.? I don't want to first experiment with it on my honeymoon and get the other half upset for being lost in the 'hood.
I will consider any suggestions for what models to buy, be it from any of the 3 above, or other ones. I would like to spend no more than $45, as the BT5721 seems the best deal right now!

I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites BUT I had a 16 channel receiver and got BAD signal coverage (around urban environments especially). At one point my GPS software was telling me I was in the middle of Sydney Harbour (but to take the next right - don't ask me Tomtom did it...).
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Others may have a different opinion but I believe the one with the most channels is money well spent, and the petrol you save running around in circles trying to get a GPS fix & trying to work out WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE (not to mention the high blood pressure and hair replacement costs) more than make up for the "extra" $$$$$...
Cheers...

ultramag69 said:
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites
. . .
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! After I posted on here, I located a 51-channel solar Bluetooth GPS -- the BT2.3MR (not available "Buy it Now" but first one I monitored sold for $56). To see the item I'm talking about, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Solar-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-51-Channels-free-ship_W0QQitemZ300246493051. Are there any issues with solar-powered GPS devices? Or are they too new to even get feedback on?
I will keep looking for a 52-channel GPS receiver, as I'm pretty frugal with my money on eBay. Thanks again!

XCarlink?

I have been looking at getting a XCarlink MP3 Bluetooth kit for my car but I am not sure how good or functional it will be? I use TomTom Navigator on my Kaiser and also have a Jabra BT Headset. This works OK but the audio from TomTom can be a little quiet.
With the XCarlink it looks like I can pair it with the Kaiser and it offers A2DP so in theory I should be able to use the Kaiser as a music source as well as a car kit for the phone function? If anyone has a similar set up I would be grateful of any comments etc. I have done a fair bit of searching and can't find anyone who has done this - or at least anyone who has done it and written about it?
Cheers
Andy

Link to one of these on eBay if anyone is interested:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150292962717
I am keen to know how anyones experiences with one of these, especially the BT operation?
Andy

I don't have one of these, but I did check it out as best I could with a view to a potential purchase. I discovered one significant flaw - at least if you plan to use it as a handsfree kit:
The xcarlink is only functional if the AUX port is enabled. In other words, if you are listening to the radio and a call comes in, it won't go through the XCARLINK.
This was a deal breaker for me ...

The bluetooth is very problematic
I would go for the non bluetooth version

hays said:
The bluetooth is very problematic
I would go for the non bluetooth version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got to disagree there Hays
I have one issue with the BT functionality and that is the button on the BT module doesn't activate Voice Command (which it does with my Jabra headset). Other than that it works well. The volume is a bit low compared to the radio, however it is no different to the volume level of music on the SD card, so as long as you turn the PDA volume up it's OK.
Like you I had the problem with the wireless stereo not automatically activating, however I have overcome that now by ensuring that BT is active on the PDA before the car is started (and the XCarLink kicks into life). It can be a bit fiddly navigating to music, but again this is easy to overcome by creating playlists prior to any journey. Either that or use the SD card and disable the Wireless Stereo function (i.e. just use the XCarLink as a headset), the only issue with this is the audio from TomTom uses the PDA speaker.
I must admit for the price of the XCarLink (I paid just under £60 with a PayPal voucher) it is very good value for what you actually get. There are some limitations but as you can see these can be worked around. The alternative would be a replacement head unit that has integrated BlueTooth which is going to set you back much more than £75 (which is the average price on eBay for one from China).
Andy

There is a promotion on these at present:
Please enter the new coupon code "xdadevelopers2" at the checkout.
gives 15% off

hewers said:
There is a promotion on these at present:
Please enter the new coupon code "xdadevelopers2" at the checkout.
gives 15% off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where? on eBay or somewhere else?
A link might be helpful

Yeah, give us a link Hewers

Thinking of buying carkit(hard)

Hello.
I am planning to buy some bluetooth carkit for Raphael and I want to ask you for your opinions and suggestions.
I want following:
- Build into a car directly-hard kit
- Sound goes to loudspeakers
- Big display to browse phonebook(Outlook),call logs(missed,incoming,outgoing)
- Comfortable control and browsing phonebook(not like wheel on Parrot)
- Phonebook with support for more numbers per contact
- Maybe some control buttons separated from display
- Browsing phonebook should be quick,not slow.
Has anyone some suggestions?

Good Luck
I have researched a fair amount on the subject. Never got too far - you will never find what you are looking for.
Your BEST bet in my opinion is to go for a higher end headunit - i think Pioneer makes a bluetooth capable receiver which has a lot of the functionality you require. I think they were like DEH-700bt and DEH-900bt. When i get some more cash (and these start showing up on the used markets) i'm buying the 900 model myself.

I know it's not enough for what you're looking to do, but if anyone sees this and cares, I got the MotoRokr T505 for like 70 bucks new on amazon, Does bluetooth hands free, stereo audio, fm tranmitting that autoscans for the best channel, has phone and media controls on it, battery lasts forever, audio quality is great, people don't even know I'm on a hands-free, uses your cars existing stereo, I can't say enough good things about it, had it for over 6 months, not a single problem.

Thanks for the tips guys.
However,I don't accept them,because:
- car radio with BT is for me useless,because in my car it is located pretty far from driver(Citroen Evasion),so I cannot comfortably see phbook on the display. Another thing against,it is expensive and for example Alpine I tried was unable to browse contacts.
- MotoRokr has no display,so big disadvantage for me.
I like the BT carkit in our company's Skoda Octavia II,with comfortable browser located right in front of my eyes on the onboard display,controls on steering wheel,sound to speakers,etc. I want something similar to my private Evasion.

Take a look at parrot.com site.

I use THB Bury CC9060 Plus.
It's touch screen or fully (even the deepest settings) voice controlable, works with up to 2 phones and one A2DP connection at the same time and offers great sound quality.
No need to take hands off steering wheel for anything you would like to do.
Sascha