http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10...e_compact_gps/
interesting and this would be even more usefull on a new 870 model.

Not sure why you think this will be any more useful on the 870 than 770 - in theory there will be absolutely no difference (and if the 870 has a more powerful CPU then OK, the software will run a bit quicker on the 870)

BTW, the new Nokia N95 phone has a built in GPS which should work with external devices... assuming the phone is any good, I think I'd rather go with 770/870+N95 than 770/870+GPS+phone. The N95 should be available in Q1 07, about the same time as the 870 (maybe).

Naw I don't think so. The Nokia 95 is a GSM phone first so that limits who can get it and the list for that phone is $700 which limits who can afford it. I'd rather have a 870 with the GPS package available from Nokia for less and keep my KRZR (CDMA)
Oh and yes faster with more memory and storage IS better

This GPS is made by Holux. I have the Holux version and it works very well, e.g. using maemo mapper.

True, it is a quad-band GSM/WCDMA (and also HSDPA) device so may pose a few problems for CDMA users. It's a premium phone there's no doubt, but my rational is based upon users upgrading their phone who will pay far less than a non-contract price of $700/€550/£370 (assuming that is the unsubsidised cost - it's not yet released). When you further subtract the cost of a seperate GPS device at ~$150/€110/£75 (and the lottery of will it or won't it be fully charged whenever you need it!) and add the convenience of only 2 devices instead of three, it begins to look more appealing (IMHO)!

On a mid-range mobile phone contract, less the cost of a seperate GPS device, you could well end up paying almost nothing for this phone.

not having seen the N95, i cant say that it would fall under this assumption, but "swiss army knife" syndrome seems to be seeping in. phones that do everything poorly, are cropping up. too many widgets and doodads.

i have a very simple gps that is small, quick and precise. i let it do its thing. my cell phone has a stable bluetooth connection, that can connect to both my 770 and headset while providing a GPRS data connection.

i guess i have the belief that you get the right tool to do the job right, and a cell phone doesnt seem to be the device that i want multitasking a data connect and gps data over bluetooth to the 770, while i am talking to my mum on the phone driving off a cliff that wasnt there before...

It's definately a case of horses for courses, and while I appreciate your point of view I'd rather make small compromises in functionality to avoid carrying yet more devices - in my case, it would be very easy to find a 770, phone, GPS and mp3 player (even a camera) stashed away in my pockets, with no room for anything else!

The latest crop of mobile "phones" are rapdily transforming themselves into multimedia computers - this is in fact what Nokia would rather people call the N95, it's not a phone, that's just one of it's functions - and I'm beginning to think a highly functional mobile communications device will be the perfect partner for a device such as the 770 (or it's successor). Such a device will allow me to put aside at least 2 or 3 other devices, and I doubt I'd notice any significant loss of functionality - on the contrary, the integration will probably bring benefits.

Here's a demo video (youtube) of the GPS in action on the N95.

BTW, I'm not connected with Nokia in any way - I just think the N95 could be a very useful adjunct to the 770/870!

Jerome:

I've just perused the GPS receivers on the Holux website -- very attractive prices for GPS HW devices, all in the US$53 - $90 range, far below the NaviCore HW/SW bundle at US$260. The GR240 at US$90 plus maemo mapper (free) looks like the winning solution. Is this what you're using ?