GPS for everyone

With the soaring popularity of GPS navigation, it's no wonder that everyone wants it. But you don't need to spend a packet on buying expensive equipment.

If you have a Windows Mobile PDA with built-in GPS :

Then it's really easy. Most probably, it already has some software and maps built in like MapKing. Even if you don't have the software (or it didn't come pre-installed), you can head over to www.mapking.com and buy the Pocket PC software and maps. They have maps available for many Indian cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. If you're travelling to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong-you can buy maps from these places too and install them on your device.

If you have a Windows PDA but without built in GPS:

It's easy too. First, you need to get your hands on the MapKing software and maps from www.mapking.com. Then, you can get yourself an external Bluetooth GPS unit like the Adapt AD-750. You can buy it from Spin Telematics (www.spin.co.in) for Rs 4999. Keep in mind that your existing PDA should have Bluetooth built in, at least a 200 MHz processor and Windows Mobile 5.0 or later for it to work properly.

If you have a Sony PSP:

You can get yourself the PSP GPS receiver (a Sony genuine accessory). You can buy it from Play Asia (www.play-asia.com) for Rs 2380, including delivery to India. It just locks on to the top of the PSP.

As far as maps go, it's a little more complicated. You'll have to get a homebrew application called MapThis from http://www.smallurl.info/?r=2w7. Download the application and follow the instructions. For the maps, you have to make your own. With a separate tool called a map downloader, you can download maps for your area using Google map data.

A car mount is essential if you plan to use it in the car since the device needs a clear view of the road. You can buy a suction mount for the windscreen from http://shop.brando.com.hk for about Rs 1000 including delivery to India.

If you have a Symbian Series 60 v3 (N73, N95, E90 etc):

If you have the GPS built-in (like the N95 or E90, then good). Otherwise get the Adapt AD-750 external GPS device from Spin. For a lark, you can download the latest version of Google Maps by going to http://m.google.com through your phone browser. And then hold tight, because MapKing is about to launch their popular navigation software (with Indian city maps) for the Series 60 platform too. We expect it to be made available in January 2008.

If you have none of these but still want turn-by-turn navigation in your car:

Then you're in luck too. MapMyIndia.com sells two versions of the Navigator for Rs 21,000 including an all-India map and detailed maps of 18 Indian cities. We just reviewed the Delphi Nav 200 in the November 2007 issue. You can use it in the car or even while walking. Apart from GPS, you can also use the device to playback music, movies and photos in your car. (connect the 3.5mm output to your car stereo). It comes with a car mount, car charger and wall charger in the box.