3 G Gps ???

[Scotty]

At a party last night and met people from the software industry who were telling me I should have 3 g gps. Is this a wind up or not ? Both they and I were pissed

[Brian]

I can offer some input on this as I used to work on the design of multi-processor architecture main-frame computers.
The base concept is that if you have only one processor (GPS), it may be wrong or it may fail. If you have two you protect yourself somewhat if one fails, but supposing they give you a diferent answer. How do you know which one is true?
In computers you have three processors and use arbitration i.e. you take a "majority vote". If two agree with each other, you ignore the third. That still may not be correct but it sure is the way to bet!
Now with GPSs, the chances of the beastie giving you a totally wrong answer is, I would suggest, slim. So you really are only needing to protect yourself against failure.
In other words, two GPSs are enough, they were winding you up.
I hope you enjoyed the stimulating intellectual content of your party and had a really good time. Normally after such an occasion I have trouble remembering who I am rather than where I am.

[Richard B]

Mmmmm.... that's an angle I hadn't thought of Brian!

I sort of read it like this: some ponkers from the software industry were telling Scotty that he needs a 3G GPS

Now, given that these legends in Bill Gates' lunchtime have probably never navigated anything more than a paddling pool in a small boat, and that there were copious amounts of alcohol involved in the lead-up to the conversation, suggests that the information may be less than reliable!

Anyway, GPS is a satellite navigation system, 3G is a 3rd Generation mobile communication system operating in the range 300-2000 kilobits per second. Maybe they are confused by GPRS - an interim solution for data transmission at about 50-100kbps over the current digital mobile 'phone network.

Confused? Well, it's certainly not straightforward getting to the root of the matter with some of the marketing surrounding all of this. Here's an interesting GPRS product I came across recently (Yes, GPRS, not GPS!): http://www.traffic-i.com/main/main_page.asp

[Brian]

Well isn't that typical of me!
I can design multi-processor architecture main-frames but cant read!

[Biggles]

I Have a "3" Network Motorola Phone that has GPS built in to it.

Maybe this is what they mean.

I remember doing some research a while ago on phones with built in GPS. They looked like VHF Radios and were very expensive. They were called 3G Phones.

Hope it helps anyway.

[Doug Stormforce]

This might be what they are talking about, it calls itself 3g gps

http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Jan2004/6345.htm

Little did your drunken friends realise that their conversation would become imortalised on the www

[Scotty]

In the cold light of day I can confirm that they meant 3G (Third Generation) GPS ! I wonder have they let the cat out of the bag ? They design computer navigation systems.

[Nick Hearne]

Could this not be something to do with the EU starting there own all singing & dancing GPS so we are not reliant on the Yanks!
Nick

[Biggles]

Doug

Thats it thats the piece of junk I've got.

Its massive and the battery life is crap.

Everybody thinks its a PDA.

Roll on the day my contract ends.

[pettal]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Could this not be something to do with the EU starting there own all singing & dancing GPS so we are not reliant on the Yanks!
Nick

That'd be EGNOS or our version of WAAS.......which in fine European form is somewhat late in delivery!

[Richard B]

Don't hold your breath waiting for EGNOS - there are rumours that it may die an administrative death!