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CE Teletype GPS

If you're an aviator, mariner, or navigator, there's a new tool that will help you find your way, anywhere in the world. The Teletype GPS system for Windows CE delivers the power of million dollar satellites into your handheld PC for a fraction of the cost. And seeing your location on a moving map makes the headaches of using a map a thing of the past. But, before you forget how to refold your maps, you have to get through a very tough installation process.

Installation: the dark tunnel
The Teletype GPS is a formidable adversary during the wiring and installation process. To begin with, I had to call Teletype because I couldn't figure out how to get the system to connect directly to my HPC. The system ships with a cable that connects to the GPS unit and has a female 9 pin serial connector at the other end. Also in the package was an "HPC connector" which is really a male-to-male 9 pin serial adapter. Teletype informed me that the other end of the HPC connector must be plugged into a synchronization cable. My brow furrowed as I realized that I had to disconnect my HPCs synchronization cable from the back of my computer, cleanly separate it from my "ball of yarn"-like wiring system and connect it to the GPS system. Having to cope with the permanent lack of a synchronization cable during the testing process was my biggest complaint.

Running a close second in my disapproval ratings was the software that ships with the Teletype. The applications came on two separate disks, which did not install in one smooth operation and left files on my hard drive that I had to locate to run. In addition, Teletype's poor software and lack of a strong Windows CE interface left me wondering if I could write a positive article about the system.

Quick change of direction
Once I got everything working, the Teletype GPS became my dream guidance machine. Despite the lack of a true Windows CE interface, the application eliminates the need to use the GPS's keypad and provides a wealth of information in a well-organized manner. And, once you see your location moving around on the screen, instincts take over to easily scroll, pan, and zoom around the map. And managing waypoints (the indicators used to mark a location on the map) is a breeze once you are able to take your eyes off the gorgeous scrolling mapscape. Point-to-point distances can easily be measured on screen, even between countries, and map position data can be recorded and even exported for further analysis. The software is sold separately as it works with other GPS systems, and a self running demonstration of the mapping software is available for download from Teletype's web site, which runs even if you don't have a GPS receiver.

Maps a'plenty
Another huge plus is that you'll never feel a need for more maps while using the Teletype GPS. In a deal with Yahoo!, there's a bit of extra code in every map that tells the Teletype where to set up the starting coordinates when you load it. Teletype also accepts Microsoft Expedia Streets maps and, with a little more work, maps from around the world can be downloaded from MapQuest.

The next version of Teletype's software will support an additional set of worldwide maps that include detailed road information in large cities and coverage of major roads in smaller cities. International maps will be available at an extra cost and will be sold in single country or multi-country discount bundles. Additional features will include the ability to find a US address by entering it into the software and Palm PC and color HPC users will find their prayers answered when version 3.0 debuts on palmtop devices and in color.

Prices start at $299 for an eight channel receiver or $399 for a 12 channel GPS system. Both come with the HPC connector, a GPS cable, and Windows CE software that includes maps for over 23000 cities, US interstate highways, and major US state and county roads. Permanently mounted receivers are also available.