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I've always been envious of people that have cars with factory equipped GPS navigation systems integrated into their vehicle but I love my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and I wasn't ready to trade it in.

I also didn't want to switch out my factory radio HU (head unit) since that would disable some of the functions of my car's HUD (heads up display) which projects the vehicle's speed, turn signals, and radio settings on the windshield.

Part of my job includes traveling to customer's homes in the South Florida area and Mapquest just wasn't cutting it.

So I  really needed a portable GPS Navigation system. After a few hours of research I purchased the items pictured below. 

Then I started looking at PDAs (personal digital assistant) that had integrated GPS antennas and software such as the Garmin iQUE 3600.

Then I discovered that any PDA could be paired up with a variety of GPS navigation software and a GPS receiver to create a navigation solution with all the functionality that a separate PDA could deliver.
 

Next I had to buy a GPS receiver. It was an easy decision since Garmin is the biggest name in consumer and professional level global positioning satellite equipment. I chose a Bluetooth wireless Garmin GPS 10. $131.00

The Garmin receiver only came with a DC car charger that is pictured on the seat to the right laying next to the GPS10.

I tried out the CoPilot Live Pocket PC 5 software from ALK Technologies, which I read was one of the best and the hefty price tag of $249.00 led me to believe that it was worth the money.

iNav purchases the same meticulously created map data that the popular MapQuest sites uses from the NavTeq company.

I knew I had a winner when the iNav iGuidance software flawlessly got me to ever part of South Florida with logical routes, and clear voice directions.

I didn't want to mount the HX4700 on my windshield or attach it to a air conditioner vent since it would too visually obtrusive. Instead I cleared out the change in the front center console cubby and placed it down there. The non-slip rubber mat that was already there keeps it snugly in position.

It's easy to remove so that I don't have to worry about smash and grab thefts. The iPAQ PDA is also well hidden from other drivers and passing pedestrians.