This article will discuss the usage of a Dual XGPS300 Cradle (retails for around $200) to convert an iPod Touch into a GPS. The cradle contains a battery which can be used to charge the iPod Touch, a GPS receiver, as well as windshield mount and car charger. When the GPS is plugged into the cradle initially it will download two software applications to utilize the GPS functions (if connected to broadband). One application shows only your current coordinates (GPS Cradle) to thousandth of a degree while the other shows your position on a map (NavAtlas). When the software is running it turns off the sleep mode of your iPod Touch so it displays the map continuously. The GPS functions also work with typical iPod Touch function such as touch screen, zooming and automatic screen rotation. The cradle is a true GPS not using any type WiFi or phone method to determine position instead it use the GPS constellation of satellites.
According to Dual (http://www.gpscradle.dualav/com/how) that any program that request GPS functions will work the cradle. Apps designed for the iPhone should work successfully with the cradle and while the apps that are free with the Cradle have limitations it has links to numerous apps to use, some are free and others have a cost associated with them. This includes geocaching ($7.99 - $9.99) Hiking ($4.99 - $7.99), Biking (free - $2.99), food (free), golf (free - $9.99). A future post will discuss these other software.
The cradle makes the iPod Touch function like most commercial car GPS units. It has a feature which assumes that it is in a car and you should be on a road, so once you have left the road it still tries to keep you on the road for several 100 feet. For example as I was driving across the parking lot it wanted to keep me on the road initially until I got several hundred feet away from the road. Therefore, it does not have as much function as a GPS that is made for trails or hunting because of this limitation within the software. But as a car GPS it has very good maps with lots of Points of Interest (POI) and you can control which ones are displayed. You can also route trips using the features built into the software, which will display turns, distances and time to destination. It will give verbal information either through the external speakers of the cradle or by connecting into your car radio auxiliary jack. When connect to the car radio, the radio must be in the auxiliary position to hear the voice commands. The trip routing was very good and compared to other GPS's that I use with computer software. You do have the limitation of the size of the iPod Touch screen.
A feature that other car GPS cannot do is play music, you can play music on the iPod Touch while using the GPS functions and both worked just as they did individually. Since all the maps are loaded on the Touch when the app is installed it takes up about 35% of my 8GB Touch. I do this same operation (playing music and GPS) with my Netbook and USB GPS using Delorme Street Maps and car power inverter. While the map is smaller than with my Netbook (similar size to most car GPS units), it is touch sensitive and is mounted directly on my windshield something I cannot do with my Netbook.
The cradle also comes with a windshield mount that stayed fixed to my windshield over some fairly bumpy roads; the mount contains a holder for the iPod Touch GPS with clip to make sure it keeps good connections as well as a patch cable to connect to the car radio and a power connector for the car's auxiliary power connector.
The only real disadvantage of this GPS is that it does not function well as a trail GPS with the software that comes with it. The cost is reasonable if you already have an iPod Touch, but if you are purchasing the iPod and cradle only for GPS usage it is expensive.
