In-car software for the mobile Psioneer
By Steve Litchfield, May 21st 1996
By Steve Litchfield, May 21st 1996
It was inevitable really. First Psion go and produce a truly useful and, most importantly, portable computer and then to cap it all portable Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers suddenly become truly affordable. Gadget-loving travellers up and down the country rubbed their hands in glee and headed for their cheque books. As one of the first software authors on the scene, I thought a brief round-up would be a good idea. The Psion is very capable of storing information, its screen excellent at displaying graphics and, for those who've already splashed out, the GPS system is very good at locating you on the surface of the planet.
The scene is set ...
Well, obviously, a Psion 3a. The more free memory the better, too, as all the programs below grab at least 100k while they're actually running. In the case of AutoGPS and Mapper-3a you'll also need to allow some space for the program and data files, as they are freeware or shareware and so are installed onto your own machine or SSD. If you're wanting to play with the GPS functions of these programs you'll need an NMEA-compatible unit, and preferably a Garmin one as they seem more reliable on the computer-communicating front. Plus a cable to link the two together (there are several companies who can advise on this front, or of course you can make your own).