Subject: Compaq iPaq 3765 Aviation Software

Tom Philbeck asked:

Just purchased a Compact PDA. Any recommendations on software? I'm specifically looking for weather related downloading.

I purchased the complete AnyWhereMapWX from Control Vision (http://www.anywheremapwx.com). I used the moving map software a bit on the trip from Las Vegas home last month. Due to great WX, I was not able to use the WX feature "in real life", but I did test it a few times. You get one image for the entire US in about 20 seconds of air time on the satellite phone. After the image is downloaded, you can zoom to any level, and also pan to get to the areas you want to see. I'm a bit disappointed of the refresh rate on the GPS software (most likely a cause of the processor in my 3765). When zooming and panning, it takes a while. This is dependent on the amount of detail you have showing in the display (which of course can be customized).

I can tell you that customer service has been incredible! My initial iPaq they sent was a dud, so they over-nighted another one to me. They also sent all of their "goodies" that are part of the current promotion (the promotion was not current when I purchased it) for the extra trouble I went through. When I ordered it, they were a couple of weeks behind in shipping units out. Because I needed it for my trip home, they sped mine up and I had everything within a week.

They currently only offer Nexrad images. METARS will be coming soon (Spring?), but no other WX at this time (Pireps & TAF would be nice).

I choose these folks for the following reasons: 1) I wanted WX anywhere in the continental US at *any* altitude. Since they use a satellite phone, I get this now. 2) I was considering a PDA anyway, so I can use the PDA outside of the aircraft. 3) I got tired of seeing all of the "vapor-ware" out there. Lots of folks saying "coming soon", "stay tuned" for over a year, and very few delivering. 4) The price was competitive with other options.

If you'd like more details, let me know. If you want to contact them, you'll find the phone number on their web site. Ask for Jeryee (sp?), pronounced "jer-EE" and tell her I sent you. She's been very helpful. Extension 113.<

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