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Aquapac
Classic waterproof PDA bag £20
Aquapac Connected Bag £40
The Aquapac
Classic waterproof PDA bag allows you to take your expensive
pocket computer out in the wilds, even on rainy days.
The Aquapac
Classic Bag
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Review
Aquapac Classic
Since our first review of GPS electronic maps, things have moved on a
bit. Prices have come down and the software has improved. You can now
get a Bluetooth GPS which frees you from the encumbrance of a cable
running to your pocket PC. One thing which might put some people off is
keeping their investment safe from the weather and this is where the
Aquapac comes in.
The larger,
Connected Bag
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These
bags seal your electronics off from the elements completely, yet still
allow use of the stylus and of course, present no obstacle to Bluetooth
reception. We've made most use of the Classic PDA bag, it's a good fit
for the Ipaq but would suit pretty much all of the flat rectangular
pocket PC's and Palms. The bag works with two rotating catches. These
hold the waterproof seal at the top of the bag tightly closed and short
of puncturing the bag (unlikely!) seem infallible.
Which way
now?
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We
worried that the bag would steam up on the inside but this never
happened, even on a really dank and foggy ride. Another seemingly
groundless concern was that we might puncture the bag whilst using the
stylus. With the Ipaq the 'File Close' button is in the top right
corner and because the screen is inset this means some pressure has to
be applied to the plastic membrane to operate it. The bag remained
undamaged by our constant stylus stabbing abuse.
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Aquapac
Connected Bag
We also tested a bag with a clip which allows a cable to be connected
if you don't have Bluetooth. The bag worked perfectly well, but is
bulkier and less convenient in use than the Bluetooth Classic bag. We
would however recommend this to anyone who already has a GPS (for
example an Etrex) and a PDA without Bluetooth. The bag has a separate
side clip with a foam rubber insert which allows a cable to pass
through whilst keeping water firmly out.
If you've never tried computer mapped navigation it is quite simply a revelation.
Closing the
rotating clips
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It's not
just being able to see on the map exactly where you are at each moment,
the line of your course on the map clearly shows your direction as
well, making a compass pretty much obsolete. The combination of these
makes it possible to follow even indistinct rights of way across open
Mooreland without a chance of getting lost or missing that jungle
covered turn. This gives you the freedom not only to follow routes from
websites and magazines, but also to re-trace routes you're guided along
and plan your own routes on your PC in areas completely unknown to you.
That's a level of freedom even die hard technophobes wouldn't sneer at.
Touch
screen works through the bag.
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Counting the cost: Wired Connection
Pocket PC from: £200 (TotalPDA do amazing deals on factory refurbished Ipaqs).
GPS: £120 (e.g. Garmin eTrex)
Connector Cable: £20
Aquapac Connected: £40
Memory Map Navigator: (Pocket Navigator included) plus UK South Map £160
Total £520
Counting the cost: Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Pocket PC from: £300
Bluetooth GPS: £230 E.g. EMTAC BTGPS
Aquapac Classic: £20
Memory Map Navigator: (Pocket Navigator included) plus UK South Map £160
Total £710
Yes, I
know it's all very expensive. There are fringe benefits though, Pocket
PC's are amazing organisers and can revolutionise your life if you're
forgetful. Your pocket PC and GPS also make the basis of an excellent
in car navigation system. We especially like TomTom Navigator II, which
talks you smoothly to anywhere in the UK. If you're an information
freak like I am, you can combine Navigator with a traffic camera
warning system like Trafcam, an invaluable aid to safe overtaking and a
potential license saver. Verdict: amazing if you can afford it.
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the
whole
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