[Agent8008]

I saw this today on the pocketpc.com web site.

GPS iPaq for European MINI's (1/29/2003)
http://pocketpcwire.com/nl?4547

Time for all of us in the USA to be envious of our European
friends - CoPilot is powering a new PDA for European MINI's, those
incredibly cool new cars from BMW. The MINI PDA accessory consists of a
secure cradle for an HP iPAQ in clear view of the driver, connected to
components integrating GPS, gyroscope, vehicle speed and sound. By
inserting their iPAQ into the cradle, users can take advantage of a
fully integrated phone, online assistance for weather, stock updates and
emergency services, MP3 playback and a navigation system powered by
Pocket CoPilot.

[Agent8008]

Well, here's the direct link.

http://www.travroute.com/news/pressrel/cpmini.html

[paddy]

do you have any further info about a release date for the US???

paddy

[Agent8008]

Hi Paddy,
Actually, I had planned on contacting the dealer tomorrow...If I hear something I'll post back.

Cheers.

[mrhollio]

Here's the response I got from ASKMINIUSA.....

----------------
Hi Dennis, thanks for writing in!

So you want to know if we're going to sell the MINI PDA in the United States in the future. Well... maybe. We're very enthusiastic about a number of different directions we could take the MINI platform. "Get in the Loop" for updates!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop me an e-mail or give me a call.

LET’S MOTOR.
Amanda Cordell
MINI Division
Customer Relations
-----------------

With that answer I installed NAVMAN on my iPaq....

(not holding my breath)

[Agent8008]

Well, that's vague at best.

You can purchase the identical software/Ipaq sleeve directly from travroute since they're here in the US.

But, no direct interface into the Mini per se...

Thanks for the info mrhollio.

Motor On anyway...

[Minty]

hmmm wonder if i'll get one of them for my car then

[~sugar~]

If you go to www.mini.com and access the international website they have a link on their page to the PDA with more information. It used to have more information on the availability but they have changed it. It used to say that it was coming to the US in March. But who knows now.

[Agent8008]

Well at least there's somewhere to go online and look towards to see when it's available.

[paddy]

how do you like the Navman? Are you using the 3420? Is there anything that you dislike about your setup?? Where do you have the iPAQ mounted??? How is it mounted?? I am considering the iPAQ 3950/Navman 3420 combo and just attempting to be well informed, big bucks for a techie toy.

paddy

[mrhollio]

Quote:

Originally posted by paddy
how do you like the Navman? Are you using the 3420? Is there anything that you dislike about your setup?? Where do you have the iPAQ mounted??? How is it mounted?? I am considering the iPAQ 3950/Navman 3420 combo and just attempting to be well informed, big bucks for a techie toy.
paddy

Paddy, I'm using a iPaq 3870 with the Navman 3420 mounted on the windshield with the included suction mount (see attached picture). I like it

The software install was easy but be sure to get an extra memory card for the streets database. The screen is clear and visibility is good even in the daylight. The voice directions are clear and I can hear them even with the window down. The street database is accurate and the points of interest appear to be up-to-date for my area. Haven't used it for a long trip yet but so far so good

Two small dislikes...

One, I can't charge the phone with the iPaq plugged in
(easily fixed with a cigarette lighter splitter )

Two, I don't like where the charger cable runs... behind the tach
(easily fixed with a different and longer cable )

Sorry for the crummy picture...

[paddy]

for the picture and response. I would have some concern about having the iPAQ mounted that close to the drivers window. Stuck in traffic and someone sticking their hand in the window and borrowing it for a while.... I guess this is solved with the windows up, just my phobia about stuff walking away.

How large of a memory card will I need? Does it pay to have multiple smaller cards or one larger card???

Do you know if the iPAQ can be charged via the 12v ignition circuit, the way a radar detector is??? Or as you suggested by splitting the cigarette lighter..

The picture is great, just trying to see what it would look like inside of the MINI. Once I get mine and get it all hooked up, I will post a picture..

paddy

[mrhollio]

one larger card would be better. Each "zone" of the street database can be as much as 47 MB... depending on where you live you could need to load 2 or 3 zones....

Don't know about the ignition circuit but don't see why not... the cigarette lighter charger came in the package so I used the path of least resistance

Good luck....

[addman]

Thanks for the pics... been looking at where I might be able to mount my Navman when my Mini arrives...

What sort of angle is that set to? (hopes for a side pic )

Also, has anyone had any experience of using a Navman with a GPS repeater? A friend has bought a cool mounting bracket, but it's low (in the passenger footwell) and has tried using a GPS repeater. With the repeater off, he gets occasional singnal (poss through the sunroof), but with the repeater on, nothing. Our guess is either the Navman doesn't like the repeater at all, or it's getting two signals and is confused.

[mrhollio]

Quote:

Originally posted by addman


What sort of angle is that set to? (hopes for a side pic )

is this side view helpful?

[mrhollio]

... no repeater experience, sorry...

[addman]

That's perfect... I'm still waiting for my Cooper, and really want to get the whole satnav thing planned out before the car arrives - so I can maximise my driving time when it does

Thanks a lot for your help!

Adam.

[mrhollio]

Quote:

Originally posted by addman
Thanks a lot for your help!

Adam.