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I am just about to spend my hard earned cash on a Sat Nav system for my SPV M5000 and the two obvious choices are TomTom and CoPilot. Reading through the forum it seems that TT is more popular as there is more chat about it, but most of this is not very positive.
Looking at both products on their respective websites, the CoPilot seems to have a better feature set, including the 'live tracking' which sounds pretty cool
What are your thoughts???
BTW, what is considered to be the best Bluetooth GPS receiver?[/b]
I use Co-pilot 6 having upgraded from version 5 on my Jasjar. It works well and I find very little to complain about (hence lack of posts here I guess). It's ideal to obtain the package that contains their bluetooth GPS sensor for complete compatibility.
As soon as I can, I'm going to grab a copy. TomTom5 works, but its slow, ungainly, over-simplified and otherwise worse than TT3. I can't even specify coordinates.
Had a few teething problems but Co-Pilot 6 is pretty good. I upgraded from 5.
Only bad point so far is the POI's and the confirmation it requires for you to see the maps.
I have not yet tested the LIVE function - maybe I will try it on the way home tonight!
TT5 does seem to claim a lot of posts on here but then I think there are a larger % of peeps using it.
C6
I Got my Pro with Copilot 6 - I like it!!
I 've read sooo much bad press about it - but then TT seems to be a nightmare too. CP6 is pretty good - room for improvement sure but it works! -
well i gotta prob where the voice only comes through on earphone and not on speakerphone - that is annoying.
anyone know how to fix this?!
peace,
lr
You could try uninstalling the speech and then when you start Co-Pilot up again it should ask you to re-install with the language of your choice.
Or try chatting to ALK they are good on the support front. They usually get back to you quite promptly.
Avoid TomTom
TomTom support can be very poor if you have a problem.
They also specify that the software is licensed for one device only. I had a copy installed on my iPAQ and then device broke. TomTom refused to allow me to activate it on a new device.
This means I spent £300 a year ago and now I had nothing.
TomTom maps are alwaus out of date as well Steer clear.
Does anyone know of the best mapping software that i can use while on the road, so I don't have to connect to the internet or gprs.
Also is the cingular 8125 GPS compatible, what service does it use?
Thanks guys,
JW
No onboard GPS...
As far as an installed app I use PocketStreets.
If I have Inet Access I just use Google www.google.com/gmm/
i use copilot 6 for ppc for onroad satnav and memorymap for off road gps guidance
both require a gps reciever which you are best off getting as a bluetooth one.
but im in the UK, might not be the best options for your country
i use iguidance by inav. Did a lot of research on bluetooth recievers as well and settled on the Globalsat BT 338. (Sirf III)
The mapping software is excellent and accurate. I also looked at Copilot but it was $170 instead of $100 for iguidance. Also, it could use a bit more processing power. The inav software is one of the smallest footprint gps software but still very full featured.
I'm very happy with it.
GTIMANiac said:
No onboard GPS...
As far as an installed app I use PocketStreets.
If I have Inet Access I just use Google www.google.com/gmm/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't there a program that I can download that install maps by state or the USA, because i never know when I'll need it. I don't want to just search small maps using pocketstreets...
i have a program, called GIS RUssa. it is very handy, but expensive. may be someone has a keygen for it?
http://nanika.net/metro - it`s a software that features almost any city in the world giving complete direction on how to reach from Street A to Building Z. Try it out. It`s free
Regards,
NRGY
unfortunately that metro prog is only for the bus system but is there another program out there that actually does from point a to point b like mapquest or something like that
I agree with IdeaDirect that the iNav iGuidance software is a winner. I have the Belkin variant of this software with a Belkin GPS (rebadged Fortuna Clip-on), but I haven't installed the software on the MDA yet. It has been installed on my Ipaq h2215 for two years and works very well. This software is rebadged by many resellers, including iNav, PrymeNav, and is used in numerous automotive applications.
But the version I have (1.1) is supposedly not compatible with WM5, according to iNav anyway, and reportedly only 2.1.3 or higher will work. When I approached iNav they suggested waiting until late June or early July, as a new version (v3) will be introduced. Since there is a 30-day window for free upgrades, buying now would require a paid upgrade to v3. This is the route I am going to take, as I can do without the GPS for six more weeks.
I agree with IdeaDirect that the iNav iGuidance software is a winner. I have the Belkin variant of this software with a Belkin GPS (rebadged Fortuna Clip-on), but I haven't installed the software on the MDA yet. It has been installed on my Ipaq h2215 for two years and works very well. This software is rebadged by many resellers, including iNav, PrymeNav, and is used in numerous automotive applications.
But the version I have (1.1) is supposedly not compatible with WM5, according to iNav anyway, and reportedly only 2.1.3 or higher will work. When I approached iNav they suggested waiting until late June or early July, as a new version (v3) will be introduced. Since there is a 30-day window for free upgrades, buying now would require a paid upgrade to v3. This is the route I am going to take, as I can do without the GPS for six more weeks.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Tom Tom. I've been using it on a Palm device and now just moved over to the MDA Vario and it works great on the Vario. I've only done approx 45,000 miles using Tom Tom over the last 19 months, and it has not once got me lost. To me it has been worth every penny. I use a Holux GPSlim 236 BT receiver which is excellent.
Im new to this gps things. So i need some type of bluetooth receiver to hook up to my wizard? Also when I get this software and device do I need to pay for satellite fees or anythign or is this map stuff free when I make the initial purchase?
Thanks
JW
[email protected] said:
Im new to this gps things. So i need some type of bluetooth receiver to hook up to my wizard? Also when I get this software and device do I need to pay for satellite fees or anythign or is this map stuff free when I make the initial purchase?
Thanks
JW
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Click to collapse
Yes, you need a Bluetooth GPS receiver. One of the best is Holux GPSlim236 or Globalstat BT338. I have the Holux & can highly recommend it.
If you buy for example Tom Tom, which again I highly recommend, you get the maps as well, but depending on the package, you can buy it with Tom Tom's Bluetooth receiver which is also very good.
There are no other fees. Unless you want to upgrade your maps at a later date. No map from ANY sat nav supplier will ever be 100% accurate.
The wizard does not work with wired GPS devices. But will work with a bluetooth headset/carkit as well as a bluetooth GPS receiver at the same time.
Take a look at these sites:
www.pocketgpsworld.com
www.tomtom.com
GoldLantern bluetooth GPS
I bought a GoldLantern bluetooth GPS receiver, it came with a download of "free" Mapopolis software - but thats where they get ya - the software is free but the maps definitely are not. However for a hundred bucks the maps seem to be pretty detailed. I have been using the demo version of the maps that expire after some number of days because my travel habits simply aren't that repetitive but I may eventually buy the subscription to all the North American maps.
Costs? Well, the MDA naturally which was about $370 with AZ taxes. $149 for the GPS receiver at Fry's Electronics (i paid too much but had to have it "now"). about $70 for a mini-SD 1GB card (also too much but had to have it "now") to store the maps. I haven't bought the maps yet and the GPS receiver is not "tied" to the application you use to navigate, I still might do TomTom but actually sorta like Mapopolis...
Performance is reasonably good provided Mapopolis is the only thing running. It takes the GPS receiver a minute or two to get a fix on your position.
I've used it in Phoenix, San Diego/Orange/LA counties in CA, and Seattle. In Phoenix its more of a convenience than anything else since I live here and don't necessarily need a GPS to navigate all the time, but it made business travel an absolute joy. No more trying to decipher the under-detailed rent-a-car map they give you along with the blank look when you ask if they know where your nationally known name brand hotel is.
In Seattle it was an absolute joy to use, I went on citysearch and figured out what kind of food I was going to eat that evening without any regard to navigational concerns. I had the mapping layers for King and Pierce counties loaded and Mapopolis even "knew" the names of some non-chain locally owned places that I'd been to in the past but hadn't a clue how to get to. The directions were accurate although the machine pronunciation of some of the street names was a little hilarious and it told me about turns in a timely fashion.
In Southern California I bumped into some limitations, probably becaue my usage pattern was a little different on those trips. I had LA/OC/SD counties loaded in memory the whole time so that could also have impacted performance and I was doing enough driving that I was also using my XM Roady2 for music and traffic updates. The XM (or Sirius) might be a relevant factor because the frequency band used by XM/Sirius is fairly close to Bluetooth, or 802.11b for that matter. All I can say is this: listening to XM and occasionally talking on my bluetooth headset at the same time, Mapopolis occasionally did NOT keep up with turns. At one point along I-5 south of San Diego it got confused and thought I was on surface streets which made for some interesting, if rapid, verbal directions from it. I think the factor was more the use of the bluetooth headset at the same time because once i ended the phone conversation mapopolis perked right back up performance-wise.
The battery life running mapopolis and bluetooth constantly - as well as the constant fascination with wanting to see my speed and direction causing the screen backlight to be on, caused the battery to drain very quickly - like 3 hours of usage had the battery almost 75 percent drained.
It's a good combination, but for the less technically inclined (and god help someone non-techie who buys a t-mobile mda...) the $500 garmin dashboard wart will do the GPS bit equally well without a steep learning curve. The learning curve to get this set up was near vertical but well worth it if you have the patience to fiddle with it. I.E. if you struggle a bit with your MDA, bluetooth GPS is not for you! Its also not something to learn how to use ON a trip, you definitely want to get the hang of it in your own local area before you put your complete trust in it in an unfamiliar place.
Hello all! I am curious if free GPS (no data plan, just free GPS service) is available on the HTC 8525? I am really liking the Tilt [8925] with the full-keyboard, GPS, wi-fi, and 3 Megapixel camera, but I see that the HTC 8525 has a full-keyboard, wi-fi, and a 2 Megapixel camera. I can live with the 2-MP camera, but I really would like the GPS for free, if possible. Is there a GPS freeware software made for the 8525? Could the 8925 GPS software be installed on the 8525 with no issues?
Sorry if this sounds too easy. I am very inexperienced in "modding" a cell phone (my latest is making an old Motorola v120e WAP-enabled -- 4 years ago before cell phone carriers charged for it!). Back to the topic, if the GPS software requires modding the 8525, I would like a "modding for dummies" step-by-step instruction in layman's terms, and hopefully a guarantee that it won't fry the cell.
Lastly, if anyone has the 8525, would you be so kind as to critique it, compared to the 8925 if possible?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
ohpfan said:
Sorry for any confusion here. I overlooked that the 8525 is made for T-mobile. I didn't win it or bid on it yet, though. I don't believe that it's unlocked, but I'm sure there are some unlocking software out there. Point being, is the 8525 really worth the effort in unlocking it to AT&T, or should I just stick with the 8925 Tilt? The biggest difference is the 8525 costs $169.78 (used), where the Tilt starts about $250 (used).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GPS software that you can use on the Tilt can be used on the 8525. That's not really the problem. The issue is that the 8525 has no built in working GPS hardware. So this means you have to use a small bluetooth GPS receiver. It actually works well but you have to carry the bluetooth receiver in your pocket / car.
Mike
Interesting! I never knew that Bluetooth GPS existed! A BT-359 costs $46.95, which isn't too bad.
Sorry to get slightly off-topic, but what are the requirements for a handset to have, to be able to use that Bluetooth GPS device? I have the Samsung A707 Sync currently, would it be compatible with that handset? If so, would I need to get on an unlimited data rate plan [$30/month], or just by buying the GPS device, it covers all costs to using it? Is the software to put into the Sync included, or do I have to pay for it? I just use the Sync for voice calls (no texting/data messaging), but a hand-held GPS is pretty cool, especially when it's built-in to the cellular phone!
Thanks for your help!
Sorry, can't say about your Samsung A707 but if you connect via bluetooth there are NO charges to use the GPS software (apart from getting the sodftware and maps) as long as its not something that constantly requires updating through the GPRS system. But thats just crazy to do... Better to get a standalone GPS program, I've got Tomtom, and purchase maps.
Cheers....
mikechannon said:
But the advantage of having a program that you can buy a map/s for is that it will operate more smoothly in my experience as the map is held in your device.
The GPS Sirf III receiver I use is:
http://www.blueunplugged.com/p.aspx?p=120534
Mike
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Click to collapse
Thanks for all the info! This is still all new to me, so forgive any stupid questions. Is there a difference between different Bluetooth models, besides the obvious rechargeable battery or included AC or DC power adapter?
I'm still unsure how this all works. What exactly does the Bluetooth adapter do, if the maps are stored on the cell phone? Like does it have up-to-date POI (points-of-interest) or are those required to be downloaded?
By the way, I have decided not to go with the 8525 at this point. I am still considering buying a Tilt (8925) if the Bluetooth adapter sounds too difficult to match up to my cell phone. (I understand that neither of you know for a fact if the Sync can get the maps loaded into it.)
Thanks again for any new info!
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
ultramag69 said:
As stated, I use a STANDALONE program... It has maps loaded onto an sd card and can be purchased from off Tomtom(if I wish to update to the latest).
As for the bluetooth adaptor, EASY to sync. Like a bluetooth headset with 1 or 2 more steps. I prefer my hermes to the tilt as /8925/variio III( the names go on 4ever) as it has EXCELLANT graphics drivers the other model doesn't, apparently there have been issues about this and it doesn't look like HTC give a damn about fixing it.
If the GPS is all you're after the bluetooth option is a good way to go but make sure you have at least 25 channels on your GPS receiver as I had a 16 channel receiver and it took up to and over 10 minutes to lock sometimes. Got a 52 channel receiver and it makes a HUGE difference. People say it shouldn't as there are only 25(?) GPS satellites but it makes a HUGE difference in lock time(< 1 minute) and signal strength...
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply! I don't currently own the Hermes 8525; I seen it on eBay for the price I mentioned earlier and was considering buying it. About 15 minutes later, I realized it's intended for T-mobile service, which I know can be unlocked to any SIM-card compatible company (i.e. AT&T/Cingular in the States) for a fee.
I am a bit unsure what you mean by "Standalone" though. I presume you don't have a "ready out of the box" GPS system with viewing screen, but the only other option I can think of is you put the memory card into the cell phone (or a PDA / laptop PC).
My Bluetooth-compatible cell phone has a MicroSD memory card slot on it, and I have the SD card adapter where I can put songs, pictures, and text files onto my cell phone via the memory card. Therefore,all that is needed is a memory-card compatible cell phone, and then download maps to the memory card and insert it into the cell phone. If that's the case, then I should be set! I would only need to find a Bluetooth GPS adapter (with 25 channels for best results). Am I correct on this understanding?
I heard that there are a few free map sites online, do they offer POIs for free too? I am going on my honeymoon in Los Angeles, CA and would really like to just use my cell phone with the above features on it with the Bluetooth adapter for convenience as well as not having to carry a full-size GPS with me.]
Another silly question, if you don't mind. Do the Bluetooth adapters work on more than one device at a time? For instance, my Sync A707 cell phone and my fiancee's Blackberry Pearl could each have a copy of the maps. Would the receiver work on both cells at the same time; or is it only pairable to one at a time? For the above scenario, we would have to both be within the amount of feet required to receive the Bluetooth signal, of course. [Since we're on our honeymoon on the other side of the U.S., I doubt we'd be separated that far away.]
ultramag69 said:
Just to clarify a little for the Original Poster.
Because the Hermes does not have a built in GPS receiver you need an external one. So the Bluetooth receiver receives the satellite data and then uses bluetooth to beam the data to the phone. (it is not using bluetooth to receive satellite info, but using it to send the info to the phone).
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that helped me understand it much better than before. Not to belittle ultra, but I was thinking the cellular phone had to have 25 channels, but he meant the Bluetooth adapter should have 25 channels for best results.
I am considering a Hermes and probably will be getting one shortly within a week. I am not the OP, but either way thanks for the info. Which TomTom version is best on the Hermes - and which reciever is best with TomTom. Or is there a better GPS software for the hermes. Thanks again for all the info. I have been active on the Excalibur section, but have been interested in getting a Hermes as my next phone.
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
es_bih said:
To the OP, the 8525 is actually an AT&T/Cingular phone here in the US, not a T-Mobile. The Wing is the only PPC on T-Mobile. If it says T-Mobile -then it is unlocked as it already comes Cingular/AT&T capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
ohpfan said:
Thanks for that info! I read that on the eBay listing, I just presumed it was accurate on the listing.
If I can get the Bluetooth adapter to work on my current cell phone I won't need the Hermes (as I would have to buy that adapter anyways). My current Samsung Sync has a 2-MP camera and music player, so the only thing I would be adding is the full QWERTY keyboard with the Hermes. I don't really think the Hermes is worth the $170 or more to me just for the keyboard (for text messaging).
I do like the Wi-Fi on the Tilt, so that the keyboard would be useful, to type online. That's why I am still leaning toward the Tilt, not the Hermes, if I do upgrade my cellular phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
abc12345 said:
I hope you know that the
8525 has wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, geez that eBay member sure didn't do his research then! Thanks for that info too!! I even looked on CNet to compare models and it didn't mention the 8525 has Wi-fi in it.
To ultra: I will check tonight about if my cell can support GPS. Been a busy weekend here, so not much time online.
ultramag69 said:
ohpfan, is your mobile a windows os phone?
Thats why we are using GPS on ours. We can load the software on easily. You need to do a google search and find out if you can use the GPS software on your current phone. All phones are not the same and can't do everything another can. Nokia N-series has GPS, HTC too. You will have to check to see if yours is capable.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found out that the Sync uses a proprietary firmware, so I would say no to Windows OS . From my understanding, the Java in my Sync phone doesn't accept Bluetooth is why the GPS isn't able to work. Unless there's an updated Java that supports Bluetooth, I am not able to use my current cell. Which leads to the question: Is there a "universal" Java update for Bluetooth support, or is it cell phone specific?
OK, I found a nice price for a 8525 on eBay, only $115 (including shipping) for one that is sold "as-is," but it doesn't sound like anything other than a battery or charger is wrong with it. I purchased it, and should be shipped on Wednesday. I will keep you all informed on what happens with it when I get it! Once I get it working, I'll go for the Bluetooth adapter later on.
Just a little update ... there is another Sync user who is trying to get the Samsung u600 firmware "altered" so that the Sync can use the Bluetooth GPS adapter.
Hi, I'm back again, with an AT&T-replaced reconditioned 8525. It's really strange, that I've made a full circle once again, after about a month of asking this question! I am now a bit wiser, and hopefully not as naive, as before!
As mentioned in other threads, I've updated to WM6 already. I am back on eBay looking for Bluetooth GPS adapters. Ultra mentioned earlier to look for a 25+ channel model, which I found two that meet or exceed that data.
My research has found the lowest price [shipping/handling-included] at $39.90 for a BT-5 (12 channels); the next one up at $44.48 for a Sirf-3 (12 to 16 channels); and the last at $44.99 for a BT5721 (44 channels).
The obvious choice is the BT5721 for only $5.09 more than the cheaper BT-5 model, but has anyone had experience with any of the 3 models mentioned? Also, it seems that the TomTom brand is predominant in the U.S., but how reliable is the software -- does it hang, lock up, etc.? I don't want to first experiment with it on my honeymoon and get the other half upset for being lost in the 'hood.
I will consider any suggestions for what models to buy, be it from any of the 3 above, or other ones. I would like to spend no more than $45, as the BT5721 seems the best deal right now!
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites BUT I had a 16 channel receiver and got BAD signal coverage (around urban environments especially). At one point my GPS software was telling me I was in the middle of Sydney Harbour (but to take the next right - don't ask me Tomtom did it...).
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Others may have a different opinion but I believe the one with the most channels is money well spent, and the petrol you save running around in circles trying to get a GPS fix & trying to work out WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE (not to mention the high blood pressure and hair replacement costs) more than make up for the "extra" $$$$$...
Cheers...
ultramag69 said:
I sincerely recommend the one with the highest amount of channels. I know people will say that there are only 24 gps satellites
. . .
I updated to a 52 channel reciever and have had no problems since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! After I posted on here, I located a 51-channel solar Bluetooth GPS -- the BT2.3MR (not available "Buy it Now" but first one I monitored sold for $56). To see the item I'm talking about, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Solar-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-51-Channels-free-ship_W0QQitemZ300246493051. Are there any issues with solar-powered GPS devices? Or are they too new to even get feedback on?
I will keep looking for a 52-channel GPS receiver, as I'm pretty frugal with my money on eBay. Thanks again!
Hi,
I should touch wood get my HD this week and will want some good gps software on it.
Now I have been looking at the following:
IGO8
TomTom
Garmin
I don't mind paying but obviously I want the software to work on the HD. I also need the software to have a good global coverage of mps as there is a high probability next year I could be travelling to a few countries. Which would you recommend and why?
Obviously, I would recomment IGO08.
It is the most user friendly, and has beautiful graphics.
IGO08 has the best map coverage.
tomtom is purely ****.
Yeah I do like the looks of the IGO8. Anyone know when it will be for sale as it says to be announced on Expansys? I know there are other ways of getting it but just curious to when I can buy it/see the price.
I'd like a cheap (preferably free) GPS that doesn't use too much data (250MB, sigh...) - I've looked at Google Mobile Maps but it seems to use a lot?
I only really need it for a very limited area - 2 cities plus London (pref. with underground map!) so don't want to shell out for a complex program. Only going to use it on the train, bus and walking as I don't drive - so a little bit out is fine.
Any suggestions?
If you're going to buy the software then I'd be suspicious of TomTom's licencing system.
My wife bought TomTom6 plus the bluetooth GPS receiver for me as a gift when I had my XDA2 about four years ago. It worked great. However, a few months later when I upgraded my phone I discovered that I couldn't install TT on the new machine (a Universal) because it was already registered to the XDA2. TomTom's licencing conditions are specific about this.
I had no choice but to find a cracked copy of TomTom online and use that, and I've been doing that ever since, despite the fact that I've got a legal copy of the same software on CD. Old versions of the software also refuse to install on more modern machines, even though these machines tend to be backwards-compatible.
I found the situation so objectionable that out of principle now I would refuse to give TomTom any more money. Their software is expensive and so IMHO they should be flexible in allowing us to upgrade our PDAs.
/rant
For everyone like me who has been waiting since they purchased their blackstone for OnCourse to support WVGA screens they day has apparently come. According to the forum link below they launched version 8.3 with WVGA support today. The website still shows 8.0 so I have posted a question to confirm.
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/forum/default.aspx?f=10&m=7290&p=1
Is Text to Speech supported?
It seems that almost no GPS software for Windows Mobile supports that. I have seen Destinator 8 which supports it, but it is only 640x480.
The specs say that it does. I'll confirm on here as soon as I get my copy. right now I'm waiting until they say that I will for sure get 8.3 and it will work on the HD. It is similar in functionality to IGO 8. I'll post again when I make my order and when I get my copy to confirm it works (and TTS)
This is strange: I've had my HD for 6 months and I bought OCN 8 at the same time - it's fully WVGA compatible right out of the box (so to speak). Works portrait and landscape on onkolog custom 6.1 and 6.5 ROM's.
It's ver 8.13...I don't know if the new version will be significantly different than what I have, but I know I won't be upgrading.
This is strange: I've had my HD for 6 months and I bought OCN 8 at the same time - it's fully WVGA compatible right out of the box (so to speak). Works portrait and landscape on onkolog custom 6.1 and 6.5 ROM's.
It's ver 8.13...I don't know if the new version will be significantly different than what I have, but I know I won't be upgrading.
They confirmed that the ones ordered today will be the 8.3 version and it does support the HTC Touch HD. I should have it some time next week. I'll post how everything works then.
Recieved OnCourse Navigator 8.3
Ok, I got my copy of OCN on tuesday and have used it for a couple of days. I thought I would write up my personal opinion of the product after two days of use. If my opinion changes down the road I'll make another post.
As a little background I have had a garmin standalone unit and garmin mobile xt on my phone in the past.
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I had two problems getting the software working. I was sent an microSD card with the maps, software and manuals on it. When I put the card in it appeard to install properly.
The first problem was it did not recognise the gps (skip this section if you like as both problems were resolved). Solution to this problem was to go into Start->Settings->System->External GPS. On that screen select a GPS Program port (I selected COM4). on the hardware screen select none for GPS hardware port and access should be set to manage gps automatically.
The second problem was that the TTS voices were not working. After uninstalling and reinstalling this worked fine. This program did not show up in the remove programs window so I had to go to the programs\OCN directory to find the uninstall program.
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GPS Reception - This is the fastest application for getting a gps signal I have ever used. This includes the Garmin Mobile XT on this phone, Google Maps and a program I wrote myself. A small note on this is I do have QuickGPS updated.
Map Quality - I haven't driven around to much but it is very good so far. A major highway was added in my area last year and it is already on OCN (my wifes updated Garmin maps do not show the road yet). On the other hand my childrens daycare center moved a couple of years back and it still shows the old location. Overall I would give this a positive review to this point.
Screen - The main map screen is nice and easy to read. The Road signs that it shows are useful.
Battery - Does drain the battery but not to horribly.
Nice features that are better then on Garmin Mobile XT
TTS works great. slightly strange thing is if you get on HWY 212 WB (westbound) it states Highway 2 1 2 W B. It takes some getting use to.
It comes on a 8gb card (no 16 gb card to date, please ask about it if you purchase a copy. the more we ask the more likly they will eventually have it)
Works with internal gps, if you want larger then a 2gb card garmin must use an external gps
3D buildings in metropolitan areas is nice but not necissary.
Missing Features that exist on Garmin Mobile XT
On Garmin Mobile XT you can get the directions repeated if you miss them. At this point I have not figured out how to do this on OCN.
Garmin can search for POIs from Google for the most accurate poi list I have seen.
OCN does not seem to have any ability to get gas prices.
TMC (traffic) does not work in the US and on Mobile XT it is free if you have an internet plan.
OCN shows time left to destination but it doesn't show estimated arival time. Silly little thing but I don't like doing the math when I'm in a hury.
Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and recommend it to anyone who is looking for navigation in north america.
OnCourse gone?
I am trying to find the OnCourse software for Android. Has it vanished? Can not seem to find it anywhere. Anyone have an updated URL, the ones I am finding are from around 2008.