Backpacking with the HTC Touch Diamond

[captanbirdseye]

Hey all.

When I go backpacking, I will be taking my HTC Touch Diamond with me. I will primarily use this for playing mp3s, and running the odd movie when i am bored.

Any ideas of a good application that will effectively use the GPS? it would be handy to be able to pick out my co-ordinates, as this will keep my mum happy when she wants to know where I am! Also, it could come in handy for finding places that I want to get to (i got lost plenty of times last time!).

Also, what sort of battery would you recommend me getting, I do not want the touch diamond to be any bigger (or much) or much heavier, if possible.

Also, do you have any suggestion of apps or uses for the diamond that will be helpful on my journey?

Also how long do you think playing mp3s will last on the diamond, or should i be looking at a real mp3 player? I will mostly be using this phone in aeroplane mode.

Cheers

[mugglesquop]

one of the best programs i can recommend you is the OS map viewer. Downloadhere (http://www.memory-map.com/mmnav_527.exe). This is the PC application, which has a option in it to install to a Pocket PC device (Diamond).

UK note: This version is NOT compatible with GB Ordnance Survey maps. To get the correct OS edition, please use the Web / Check for Updates command in Memory-Map Navigator

You need to buy or search google for the maps to go with it.

[Sergio PC]

Batts are gonna be your #1 problem.
I suggest you focus on any kind of battery extension.
Maybe a stroll down the Diamond accessory (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=431) section will shed some light.

Greets.

[mugglesquop]

Batts are gonna be your #1 problem.
I suggest you focus on any kind of battery extension.
Maybe a stroll down the Diamond accessory (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=431) section will shed some light.

Greets.

+1 and lots more to that!

i like the look of these (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=452322).

[Riel]

I recommend you setup TrackMe, so your mom can take a look on a website where you currently are.

it's on xda-devs and free, works really great

For the power you need, you could take this in your backpack:

http://www.wehkamp.nl/w2/Winkelen/KenmerkAdviseurArtikel.aspx?CC=C09&SC=I0A&KAC=IA2&ArtikelNummer=741532#t10

It's in Dutch, but you get an idea, it carries 8000mAh so you could get a few days of GPS-sing without a powersupply :)

[Davey101]

Also, what sort of battery would you recommend me getting, I do not want the touch diamond to be any bigger (or much) or much heavier, if possible.

http://www.surplusbattery.com/images/3478yellow.jpg :D

[majorassface]

http://www.surplusbattery.com/images/3478yellow.jpg :D

LOL, too funny Davey. I'm a Diamond owner too and you hit it pretty close to the mark. I personally wouldn't trust my Diamond out backpacking unless I had an alternative method to charge it every few hours. Even on custom roms and all that i get terrible battery life whenever I decide to use the thing.
I would suggest some type of charger to bring with you like a solar panel or something.

[aRnonymous]

GPS and wifi can be damn useful when backpacking.
you now have a place to store pics, you can check your mail with wifi instead of visiting an internet cafe everyday, and with gps you can find your way in a new city. so just make sure you have all the maps on your diamond
Where are you going?

when backpacking i met a few guys who had backpacks with solar panels in them for ipods and phones.
i searched for those and its not cheap but very useful.
here's the one i saw http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

[Davey101]

GPS and wifi can be damn useful when backpacking.
you now have a place to store pics, you can check your mail with wifi instead of visiting an internet cafe everyday, and with gps you can find your way in a new city. so just make sure you have all the maps on your diamond
Where are you going?

when backpacking i met a few guys who had backpacks with solar panels in them for ipods and phones.
i searched for those and its not cheap but very useful.
here's the one i saw http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

Not seen those before, nice. They're not cheap are they?

Or you could go with a big sticker saying 'mug me'. :D

I would go with the official extended battery plus at least 3 spares. The only problem is how to keep them cool, Li-ion batteries will permanently degrade when stored, fully charged, in hot conditions.

[stead]

I bought a backpack last year with a solar panel in, if you go that route make sure you get one with a proper lithium battery pack, the one i had 4 cheap AA rechargable batteries and whatever you charge using them doesn't last very long, the lithium battery ones are a lot better, my orbit phone charge lasts around 50% less when recharging from AA's via the solar panel

[Rudegar]

i use findme along with the findme facebook app works just fine

[captanbirdseye]

GPS and wifi can be damn useful when backpacking.
you now have a place to store pics, you can check your mail with wifi instead of visiting an internet cafe everyday, and with gps you can find your way in a new city. so just make sure you have all the maps on your diamond
Where are you going?



Hey there.

Yeah its going to be really good, I have set up Skype on it as well, although it does lag quiet a bit sometimes unfortunately. I will be going to Malaysia > Cambodia > Laos > Thailand > Myanmar > Indonesia


I am interested in downloading (paying if i have to) maps onto my phone, so if ever needed, i can see where i am. If you can help me source software for this i could be grateful!


As for GPS tracking, I need something ideally that will work well while abroad. By this I mean that I can not afford large data bills (priced at £7 per megabyte while roaming!). I was perhaps looking for something where i could press a button, it would get a fix on the satalite, and send my co-ordinates either via email or sms, most likely sms as i get 10 free a day while abroad. It does not need to be real time tracking, just once a day position update. This will be a massive bonus, as my mum will relax abit more knowing exactly where i am in the world, instead of a vague answer.


As for batteries, I think i dont want to take too much stuff of value, and obviously where i am going its going to be very humid, so i cant have loads of charged batteries. Perhaps I will opt for a usb solar charger, or equivelent.

Many thanks for your help

Gary.