Hey Folks -
I'm looking for the killer turn-by-turn software (with US Maps) - that I can digitally buy and install to my MicroSD. I've done a number of searches online looking for a product I can order and download (yes, I have the fever - IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION IS NECESSARY) and get working with.
POI's are very important to me as is speed and stability...
Can anyone chime in with their preference? Please also supply a URL where I can purchase your favorite application...
Thanks!
StacT
uh tomtom?
there's a million threads like this, just use a search.. u'll get ur answers instantly and won't have to wait.
Having said that, I tried Destinator, TomTom, Garmin XT, TeleNav and I still stayed with iGo, which I love above all others.
Some have cool features like traffic and all that.. some are just pain in the ass (destinator).. so if you can - try it all before u buy.
Of course - I know about the players (MIO, TOMTOM, etc...) but can't find a digital distributor for just the software to install on my kaiser (like pocketgear or handango)... do you have a link?
http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/eng/where_ro_buy
scroll down to USA
wow.. they're actually really close to me, like 15-20 miles from me..
Anyway.. they have excellent US maps, at least I'm very happy with CA map - very detailed, over 2 million POIs.
Thanks for all the thoughts so far, but neither of them fits the bill -
1] The software must have North American/USA maps... iGo doesn't
2] The software must be downloadable...
Thanks!
Google maps. real-time and cheap!
liquidsilver said:
Google maps. real-time and cheap!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, cheap? It's free and sucks since you're download as you drive so a lot of the time maps just time-out. Mio Maps is one of the best, and TomTom is probably the best as far as being user friendly and simple, but, TomTom is pretty slow compared to Mio.
How about iGuidance v.4?
I've been using it for a few months. It has text-to-speech. The only problem is, you might i need GPSgate as some of the WM6.1 here doesn't refresh the screen often enough.
I've used TomTom too, it was nice but doesn't have text-to-speech.
I've used TomTom and it was pretty good, user friendly... only thing I didn't like about it was the routing and as the screen is touched it'll take you to the menu.
I've switched to Garmin and found that the one which suits me well so far --- more detail on maps, nothing popping up while touching the map on the screen, and looks a lot simpler. Its navigation software is not as "realtime" as TomTom, but is probably the most simplest to setup, install, and use
stact said:
2] The software must be downloadable...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of one of the majors that is. With bandwidth costs they rarely fancy giving you GBs of map to download. Just buy one on a disc.
does anyone know of a good free one which allows you to put your own maps eg a photo of an os map or jpeg in for calibrating for camping hiking walking about woods ect.
I have been using a combination of TomTom and Google Maps. I use Google Maps for most of my POI's since they are updated, contain phone numbers, and are just plain easier to use. The TomTom POI's aren't that fantastic I've noticed. But I will take the location I find in Google Maps and then use TomTom to navigate me there since navigation in Google Maps isn't really turn by turn and can't redirect you automatically if you miss a turn.
My only complaint with TomTom is that you need around 1GB of storage on your SD card so you need a large one (I'm holding out for those 32s!) and it looks ugly when installed on the card. Random files and folders everywhere and it has to be on the root of the card. I'm a neat freak when it comes to file layouts so it drives me crazy.
what about ms live search?
I used it a few times on my recent vacation, it worked very well. Same benefits and drawbacks as google maps, but I think I like it's interface better than google maps.
Live Search has an arguably better navigation setup that Google Maps. GM closes when it loses it's data connection so it's worthless between cities where cell coverage is weak. MS does a better job of caching the maps and will stay active, showing the route and turns even when the data connection is lost. if I could only have one of them for road trips, it would be MS Live Search.
I've had no problems using iGuidance other than on several occasions, it took about 3 minutes to open for some reason. I also use Live Search and Google for a quick find when I need it.
godfa7h3r said:
But I will take the location I find in Google Maps and then use TomTom to navigate me there since navigation in Google Maps isn't really turn by turn and can't redirect you automatically if you miss a turn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha i do the same exact thing,.... now if somebody could make a program where with one click u can transfer the address from google maps to tomtom, i'd pay for it
co-pilot live 7 will interface directly with MS live search if they ever release the NO CHARGE upgrade. it has been announced and was scheduled for release this month
BTW I paid $199 when Co-pilot 7 was released last year but the current price is $99 i guess the <$100 competition is getting to them.
I use and like Co-pilot live USA. I can't speak for other maps. the software comes preloaded on 2 gig SD card but you also get it on DVD. I copied the SD folders to my 6 gig SD card and all worked fine. the activation key is stored on local file sysem. but if you have to do a hard reset you can reactivate on same phone with no hassel.
for more info see www.alk.com
I have copilot as well, but at the $99 price point. The WM version is very nice. It comes with companion software for the desktop that just wont work on my vista laptop though.
Still for $150, you could buy a stand alone gps. But I thought about it and I always have this with me, so why buy another device? I didn't want to carry one.
Related
Colleagues,
I am getting a Fuze for XMas and would like to know what GPS software are you all using?
Regards.
I use a free over-the-air package, amazegps.com. It does turn-by-turn voice prompting, moving 3D maps, etc. I've been very pleased with it so far.
WMM,
I take it you live in the US; do you know how it compares to others, whether paid or free?
I haven't done extensive comparisons; my use of GPS navigation is pretty limited, and the amazegps.com package meets my needs very well, so I haven't had much motivation to look further. I did sign up for the free trial of the TeleNav (AT&T Navigator) package and tried it a few times. As you would expect for $10/month, TeleNav is definitely flashier -- you can give the destination address using voice recognition, and it has text-to-speech to read you the names of the roads onto which you will be turning. It also has traffic advisories. If I used it a lot and were in a city with traffic jams to worry about, I'd definitely think the TeleNav features were worth it.
I've also seen rave reviews for OnCourse Navigator 8 (OCN8). Although I haven't used it myself, the screen shots and descriptions were really impressive.
Those are the only other two products I know anything about. For myself, amazegps.com gets me reliably from point A to point B without getting lost, and without my paying a cent for it, so that's more than good enough for me.
I've used Telenav and like the features. Text to speech (tells you the name of the street or exit to turn on) is great, the ability to send your phone a destination via the PC is nice as well. I've used the voice recognition feature but it's cumbersome and doesn't work well while driving (where this is needed).
I have use Copilot on the PC and love it. I would have purchased it for the ppc but it's expensive.
I am now using Garmin XT and have been for over a year. They have recently improved the OSD while navigating and knowing where to turn is a lot easier. Garmin XT does not have text to speech but does have almost every other feature of the top Garmin stand alone navigation devices. The program even has some features that are better than the Garmin PND. The app comes installed on a 2 gig micro sd card but there are ways of moving it to bigger cards. I have used this app on my ATT Tilt, HTC Advantage and now the ATT Fuze. Like the advantage I can start a music playlist then open the Garmin app and begin to navigate.
There are others I would like to try (TomTom, Navigon, IGo and Copilot) but my $$ is the bottleneck to new gadgets and toys.
how does that AmazeGPS compare to GoogleMaps?
I went on the website and it says their both free. So im guessing its the same quality as googlemaps.
Thanks for your replies.
Anyone else know of any other freeware?
Regards.
TomTom_Navigator_7.450.9028 does the trick for me!
I use it every day
Garmin Mobile XT 5.0.20w
can google maps be used like a gps device?
I have been using OCN6 for Street Navigation. I have ordered OCN8 which looks amazing. I use Memory-Map Navigator for topographic Navigation.
Alucard_11 said:
how does that AmazeGPS compare to GoogleMaps?
I went on the website and it says their both free. So im guessing its the same quality as googlemaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are for different purposes. Google maps can use the GPS to show you where you are on a map; it can give you a route from one place to another; and it can follow you as you drive along. It is not a turn-by-turn navigator program; i.e., it doesn't give you spoken prompts like "In 500 feet, turn right" and such, and it doesn't given you a "3D" map were you appear to be flying over a map with perspective, both of which AmazeGPS does. I have and use both; Google maps is better for "where am I," and AmazeGPS is better for "take me to XYZ."
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Does GPS require/use a data package?
Telmap. Not sure if it's free still... it was earlier this week in beta, and so far... it's pretty damn good. Voice navigation, built in POIs, traffic reports, fast to get GPS signals, and more. It also showed me a better route to take which was faster than what I would have usually done.
Nav4all
Check out nav4all its pretty good its nav4all.com
legend12 said:
Thanks for all the great suggestions! Does GPS require/use a data package?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends. Programs like amazeGPS and TeleNav get all their data, except for your current coordinates, over the air and thus require a data package. Programs that you buy or install on an SD card have the maps on your phone but will still use data for things like traffic and weather information (but I believe you can configure them not to use data if you want).
AmazeGPS has an interesting mode where you need data only when you're doing the routing. That way you can construct the route using an ActiveSync or wifi (i.e., possibly free) connection, and then while you're driving, it will still give you vocal prompts but only show you arrows for your turns instead of moving maps, so it doesn't use any over-the-air data while navigating.
After vmm mentioned amAzeGPS I have done more research and I have read amAzing things about it so I will give it a try when I get my Fuze.
Thank you all.
MenosOcho said:
Garmin Mobile XT 5.0.20w
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. Really like it.
I used Tomtom 7 Navigator Black Edition
FUZE GPS really sucks
i used Nav N Go iGO 8.
I just bought a fuze and was doing some searching on here but cant find an answer can someone post some links on install or purchase gps/nav software for the fuze like garmin, tomtom, igo and things like that i need a good gps program
GPS software
Definitely try before you buy.
I like and use iNav's iGuidance. There are versions for both the PC/UMPC and PDA. Its convenient to be able to run the same app on the PC (play routes and etc.)
You may need to use franson GPSgate (I'm not sure for the Fuze). I have an older Mugal and it's internal GPS has issues. GPSgate (a pay for app) allows your phone to be a Bluetooth GPS device, as well as record routes (even to the gpsgate.com).
thats great and all but where do i get these apps i dont mind paying for them.
also i was looking at standalone gps and noticed that some even tell you how fast your travling is there any thing out there like that
http://gpsinformation.org/dale/PocketPC/wince.htm
Outdated page but it gives you a wealth of info to get started on your quest for ppc gps programs. Alot of basic ones are freeware. The nicer ones are payware.
Myself I use Nav and Go (Igo) for my navigation software.
I use OCN8 (http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/). I really like it. The first place to look at GPS software is www.buygpsnow.com. They have most of th popular street navigation programs. If you want topographic navigation programs (off-road) I would look at Memory-Map Navigator (http://www.memory-map.com), OziExplorer (http://www.oziexplorer.com) and BackCountry Navigator (http://www.backcountrynavigator.com). There are other topographic programs available, but these are the three I like.
are there any programs that tell you how fast your travling in mph
bottlefed1 said:
are there any programs that tell you how fast your travling in mph
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of them do, you just need to set it.
I use Igo 2006 on my PNA, its great!
Although im trying to get some gps app working on my HTC touch PRo....finding it rarther difficult!
Some things to pay attention to:
1) Navigation - detours, methods/options (fastest, shortest)
2) Alerts - speed, weather
3) Points of Interest - categories, how many, usefulness
4) Maps - span, updates, etc.
5) Update methodology - how often, cost, new features, patches, support
6) GPS compatible - NMEA, Garman
7) Compatibility - device, display, OS, routes files, maps
8) Trip computer - average speed, max. speed, time of arrival, etc.
Try the freebies, Microsoft's Live Search and Google Maps for Mobile, they provide maps and directions along with extra online services (gas prices, movies, etc.-).
Xorgeo said:
Try the freebies, Microsoft's Live Search and Google Maps for Mobile, they provide maps and directions along with extra online services (gas prices, movies, etc.-).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And definitely check out amazegps.com: free, with moving maps and spoken turn-by-turn navigation assistance (which Live Search and Google Maps don't have).
All the programs I mentioned above will display your speed. You should really look at the screen captures for OCN8. I was never a fan of the 3D display. OCN6, the version before OCN8 changed that. It's 3D map display was excellent. In OCN8, they have made it even better. In OCN8, they added building for many larger cities and will show elevation changes on the map. I believe it is the first street navigation program to do that. It makes the 3D map display very realistic. ONC8 also has a trip computer. It will give average speed for the trip, average driving speed for the trip, total time for the trip, driving time and stopped time. OCN8 has also updated the menus to make them very finger friendly.
The other thing to figure out is which type of map a program uses. The two most common ones are TeleAtlas and Navteq, and also how recent they are.
I've found Navteq to be more complete in the US than TeleAtlas, atleast in my area.
Garmin PNA = Navteq
TomTom PNA = TeleAtlas
So if you've ever used the standalone GPS units, see which one has more complete maps in your area.
i have a quick question about google maps. when you set directions with gps, when you pass a checkpoint does it update to the next one? will it count down the distance to the next checkpoint, or turn?
I was looking at the onc8 and cant figure out what the difference between the 2gb 4gb and 8gb is.
OCN8 is based on iGO8 engine; actually is iGO8 rebranded for USA.
bottlefed1 said:
I was looking at the onc8 and cant figure out what the difference between the 2gb 4gb and 8gb is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OCN8 is sold only on SD cards -- you can't move/copy it to a different card, so you have to use the one you bought. You pick the size of the card you want to buy it on, depending on how much additional space you want to have left over after the application and maps. I think the 2GB card has a couple of hundred MB left, so if you're planning to use the navigation program and have a lot of audio or video, too, you'd want to buy it on a 4 or 8GB card instead of the 2GB card.
(This, BTW, is a deal-breaker for me; I love what I've seen of OCN8 in reviews and such and would definitely buy it if I could put it on my own card, but I'm not going to pay them for the program AND a large card when I already have a card.)
does onc8 on the fuze move and look like the screenshots on there site or is it more chopy then that it seems to move very smothly
also does the fuze support the sdhc standard so i can get either the 4 or 8 gb card
Yes, the Fuze supports sdhc. I have the OCN 8 on the 8GB card and use it in my Fuze. The map runs very smoothly just like in the demos if you can get the Fuze GPS working. I could not get a fix with any program. I finally found this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=457996. I did steps 1 an 2 in post 1. I then deleted the gps log file names as suggested in post 8 steps 5. 1. and 5. 2. I then completed steps 3, 4 and 5 in post 1. Now the GPS work great with OCN8, Memory-Map Navigator and GPS Test. I get a GPS lock in around a minute.
I thought OCN6 was good, but OCN8 has taken street navigation to the next level. There were several things missing in OCN6 like saving a route to name one, that OCN8 has fixed. OCN8 has all the bells and whistles. OCN4 and 5 had Navteq maps and OCN6 and 8 had/have TeleAtlas maps. I have heard the aurguments about which map datbase is better. To tell you the truth, I have seen no difference. I have also installed Memory-Map Navigator on the card. I have a little over 5 GB free.
sweet o guess onc8 it is then
Screen pin lock compatibility?
Of the applications listed, the only one that I am aware of that keeps the phone from locking is Live Search. If your IT org forces a pin lock after a given number of minutes, that can be a real problem when you're using your phone as a GPS device.
Does anyone know of a turn-by-turn program that works properly with pin lock?
Does NOT work:
google maps
at&t navigator
tom tom 6
I've read pages of GPS threads and I can't figure out what I should use. Some say TT7, some say Google Maps, etc. I want one that works that I don't have to pay a monthly fee for. I don't mind a one time purchase. I want GPS navigation.
brrymnvette said:
I've read pages of GPS threads and I can't figure out what I should use. Some say TT7, some say Google Maps, etc. I want one that works that I don't have to pay a monthly fee for. I don't mind a one time purchase. I want GPS navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TomTom 7 available here you only gey a free base map and there are no voices "you can downlaod a voice for free from TomTom on handset" then if you like you can buy the maps pretty cheap UK & Ireland £30, so one hell of a saving.
Hope this helps.
I know you siad free ,the free programs are not bad but they do not even compare to the ones you pay for. I have been using this for several years now,I travel a lot and they are very good about updates .
iGuidance 2009 Laptop & UMPC/Car PC Edition
http://www.inavcorp.com/product/navigation/iguidance_pc.php
screen shots
http://www.inavcorp.com/product/gallery/iguidance_gallery.php
I did get a good discount with my member ship at aximsite.com
Google maps is not a GPS
thebats said:
Google maps is not a GPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps does use GPS. It just doesn't work out routes for you and tell you where to turn left/right etc.
my vote goes for iGO8. Works very well on my kasier
dancj said:
Google Maps does use GPS. It just doesn't work out routes for you and tell you where to turn left/right etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yes it does.
It won't SPEAK the directions, but it most certainly does compute turn-by-turn driving directions. You have to "advance" to the next turn by hand (pushing the button) and it doesn't talk, but it does and will compute routes and use the internal GPS.
Its also more complete and up to date than the "packaged" solutions out there in my experience.
The disadvantage is that it requires an active data connection where the "prepackaged" stuff with the maps on an SD card do not.
Mines goes to igo8 also,
it may or may not be free, unless you look for it...
but its probably the best GPS software ive used. Its feature packed and super smooth on the kaiser.
Google maps would be nice if we can download the maps and keep them in sync through alternative data connections maybe in another year or so...
It depends with your country and the map also,.
i live in indonesia - surabaya, and the only map for surabaya that best is in ".img" so thats why i use Garmin Mobile XT and sometime Navitel, both are great,.
but if you want a better menu display, just try iGO,.
all cant be free, unless you unlock it,.
So what ones dont need a active data connection? I know google maps needs a connection but i need the maps on my device.
CoPilot Live 7 for me, worked fine on Kaiser.
Gmaps most certainly does tell you when to turn etc. No it doesnt have an annoying female voice that says it, but it pops up on the screen. Works great for me, hell w/ street view, sometimes when we cant find an address at work, we just hit street view and look at the front of the building.
You mentioned something about connection: If your not paying for data your not really using your tilt anyway.
Can't believe nobody has mentioned windows live search mobile. This is one of my favorite apps and does a lot more than just gps-enabled turn by turn directions.
I highly recommend it. It's no TomTom, but it's free and it does the job.
I will second the comment about Microsoft Live Search. They actually got something right! It's a very convenient program. I don't believe it speaks directions but it does do the turn by turn directions very well.
I personally use iGuidance on an iPaq for long travel navigation but it isn't as user friendly as Live Search which is what I use in a pinch and to get a second opinion on occasion. iGuidance you will have to pay for, and the mapping is very good and it will speak the directions as a normal GPS will do. But Live Search is very cool because you literally just say where you wanna go and it will look it up and take you right there. iGuidance also doesn't have very many Points of Interest but Live Search is full of POIs.
iGuidance will not require you to have a data connection but you will need a few GB of space to load all the maps. Live Search takes very little space but will require a Data Connection to download the maps as you go.
iGuidance ~ $100
Live Search = $0 (but need data connection)
Hope that helps!
shus said:
iGuidance will not require you to have a data connection but you will need a few GB of space to load all the maps. Live Search takes very little space but will require a Data Connection to download the maps as you go.
iGuidance ~ $100
Live Search = $0 (but need data connection)
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you travel a lot, or in area that have very poor connections a dedicated GPS software is the only way to go.....
IG =$100 but good for several years and if you change devices you can install on them, IG space requirements will depend on how big of a map you want to load ,1 gig will do the whole U.S.
if you have a good size contact list, with IG you can pull up the contact and it will take you there...
Live search + $0 but it relies a decent connection , and if you are a heavy user of your data plan , well it could put you over your unlimited plan..another dowside , updates can get slow if your not in a G or e network..
IMO spend the money on a dedicated GPS software..on use live search as you need it...
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/BSGPSPDA
NoNafs said:
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/BSGPSPDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that actually work for you? When I tried it, it always stalled trying to download the maps.
Plus it's nowhere as good as Google Maps or Live and basically the same function (downloads maps, shows your position).
Unfortunately, I'm currently seperated from my Kaiser so I haven't been able to try it. But, being overseas my options are limited, and Google Maps and Windows Mobile Live doesn't cut it. Christian72D has had a lot of success with this program though:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=452765
Free and working
Did you ever try NAV4ALL? It's totally free and works in a decent way too. It doesn't have the easiest interface of this world but it does work.
http://www.nav4all.com/
Enjoy.
First and foremost. This may be just my imagination, but I'm starting to think that part of the GPS issues that everybody experiences with the Raphael (Fuze) might be due to TomTom's DLLs...
I've used TomTom extensively on my past 3 phones - an 8525, a Kaiser, and now my Fuze. I just got Igo MyWay 8 - and have to say that overall, I'm much happier with Igo (and I loved TomTom in spite of it's shortcomings with this phone).
Satellite lock and speed
- Igo gets a satellite lock *MUCH* faster than TomTom ever could. I assumed that this wouldn't change, assuming it was a hardware anomaly - but it appears the DLLs used to communicate from software to OEM device vary from app-to-app. Igo wins this one hands down - I get locks inside my house inside of 20 seconds COLD and within 3-5 seconds "hot" or outside. No, I'm not on acid. That fast.
Ease of use
- TomTom *is* more customizable. But many of the customizations you can make are... well... useless. TomTom has the edge here, but not by much.
Features
- Igo has Text-to-Speech (TTS) - something that apparently TomTom has no intention of supporting. I've heard rumors that the current version of TT does support TTS, but I have the current version and could find nothing on it. In the directions, the saying of street names is VERY helpful. Igo matches TT feature-by-feature, the only thing I missed in Igo was the browse map of TomTom (you can browse in Igo - it's just not as intuitive). Also, Igo has actual 3D mapping of both topography and major cities. Way cool - know where the next big hill is, navigate based on building shape, etc.
Igo wins hands-down.
Cost
- Both have the pay-for-map business model, though Igo's at least for the moment are significantly cheaper. Igo wins again.
POIs
- TomTom seemed to have a bit more POI's loaded stock, but the difference was negligible. Even.
All in all, I'll keep TomTom on my phone, but purely for reference if needed. Since I installed Igo, I've not used TomTom even once.
I have to agree with you on all points. I used to be a big believer in Tomtom, but after trying iGo 8 i will not be going back!
I've read a bunch of good stuff about Igo... the thing that sucks is that apps like footprints are usually tomtom compatible and nothing else.
I guess it all depends where you are... I've researched igo a bit and I dont think the maps released for north america as up to date as TOMTOMS... I could be wrong though. If they are... do they have 3d landmarks like they do in Europe? By like they do in Europe I mean as many...
Contacts?
Can you navigate to your contacts addresses with Igo?
I used Igo before and the reason I switched back to TomTom was simply because I use it for business.
So navigating to my contact addresses is a must.
Does your version of Igo support contact addresses?
p50kombi said:
Can you navigate to your contacts addresses with Igo?
I used Igo before and the reason I switched back to TomTom was simply because I use it for business.
So navigating to my contact addresses is a must.
Does your version of Igo support contact addresses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I don't see any contact adress implementation in iGO8. Seems like a very difficult feature though... You never know if you wrote all street names correctly
I've used both IGO and TomTom and I disagree with the results here.
1. TomTom makes usage of special tools such as traffic, downloading extra extra POI with ease, and also editing your map with ease
2. TomTom has MANY more POI then IGO, my entire town had like 10 POI on IGO, on TomTom it has more than 100
3. I feel the TomTom is easier to manage in terms of locking on a GPS, setting it up (depending on where you configured it) and other methods.
TomTom wins
KRAZzysoldier said:
Nope. I don't see any contact adress implementation in iGO8. Seems like a very difficult feature though... You never know if you wrote all street names correctly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not really true.
If TomTom gets confused, it shows you the options that it thinks are most likely to match the contact address and you can choose the one you think it is.
So for me, TomTom wins by a landslide.
btw, with Igo, I had much more GPS lag than with TomTom.
p50kombi said:
That's not really true.
If TomTom gets confused, it shows you the options that it thinks are most likely to match the contact address and you can choose the one you think it is.
So for me, TomTom wins by a landslide.
btw, with Igo, I had much more GPS lag than with TomTom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! I didn't know that because I never used TomTom as they don't make uptodate maps for my country. Igo has always provided the best routes as it has the most up to date maps for me... it seems that the app one might prefer more depends on the location. Afterall that's what gps navigation software's main purpose is.
The definitive answers
When I saw a new Igo8 thread, why, I immediately pitched a tent in my pants, round house kicked and double fist pumped!
Igo8, when customized the right way, is the best hands down.
I currently have R3 Igo 8.3 (Jan 7). Now, you don't want to use the most current POI files that come with it (as they are limited)-use previous versions (8.0 or 8.01) and modify the ,txt file so the program recognizes it.
[poi]
enable_pois_before_090117=1
Igo CAN navigate your contacts, the only prerequisite is that NO APARTMENT/SUITE numbers be in the contact address. Igo will tell you which addresses cannot be found by going to (when running Igo):
menu/manage/geocoding errors
There, you'll be able to see which contacts failed.
Activate phone option (so you may call a poi/contact directly from igo). Sys.txt addition:
[Phone]
Driver=TAPI
Class_name=exe_path="/windows/prog.exe
Win_name="phone"
SKIN IT!
Full screen at its best, download the Gurjon (only 8.3.x.x) skin, Excellent.
BRAND IT!
Download a branding.zip to enable icons to be seen (Texaco, Schmcdonald icons seen on screen. Nice!
Okay, tent down...
Edit: Added skin (only for R3 igo8) and sys.txt
telegraph0000 said:
...
Igo CAN navigate your contacts, the only prerequisite is that NO APARTMENT/SUITE numbers be in the contact address. Igo will tell you which addresses cannot be found by going to (when running Igo):
menu/manage/geocoding errors
There, you'll be able to see which contacts failed.
Activate phone option (so you may call a poi/contact directly from igo). Sys.txt addition:
[Phone]
Driver=TAPI
Class_name=exe_path="/windows/prog.exe
Win_name="phone"
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! 10x, I really didn't know this feature was embedded, although I've been using iGo for 3 years now.
There are some newer TeleAtlas maps floating around for iGo 8.3. I haven't tried them yet though, but I think they're 2008.10.
TomTom uses TeleAtlas maps as well, although I don't know what the latest version is.
For me, Navteq maps are more complete in my area, but I might have to try the newest TeleAtlas ones to see if they have my subdivision yet.
Garmin Mobile XT has always been the most trustworthy for me, plus the embedded Google Local Search is the BEST thing for GPS on these phones. If you have data, you can search Google for POI's from within Garmin. This is so much better than relying on static, built-in POI's.
For example, last night I was going to Toys R Us in Rockford, IL. I knew where it was but when we got there we found out they moved. I wasn't sure where the new location was. I used the Local Search in Garmin and it had the new location.
Garmin has its quirks as well, but this feature, along with live traffic and fuel prices is the reason I stick with it. I do miss TTS and some other features of iGo, but I can also live without them.
The only thing that has kept me away from TomTom over the last few years is that the maps in my area weren't as complete.
iGo was great when I used it. I liked TTS and the terrain. Its choice of routes was questionable at time, and I've always had an issue with the ETA. For a 5-5.5 hour trip it would show about 6.5 hours and the ETA time wouldn't be accurate until I was within about 30 minutes of my destination.
It's a bit of a fault of the map. If it uses some default speed limits it can even suggest a wrong route. Example. There is a road in my city, that has speed limit 80km/h, but it's set as 50km/h so it usually doesn't suggest a side trip to that road, when it's much faster (also, almost everybody drive over the limit on that road), it's the road that continues as E80 .
I run TomTom on my Fuze and I can say that I have zero issues with it. It works exactly, if not even better, as it did on my 8125 (Wizard) and my 8525 (Hermes).
Igo
Igo, Igo and Igo !
I didn't know about the phone settings but it only make it more interesting ....
One other thing : maps files are a lot smaller in Igo than in Tom Tom so you can put more maps on your sd card.
Igo is a lot more customizable than Tom Tom and poi's are not really an issue because there is so much available. By the way, if it is for poi uses Google maps and its online search.
Garmin has a great reputation but I find it less interesting.
I have tested the latest garmin, Tom Tom 7.9 and I go 8.3 and I stick to Igo but the latest AmIgo (Igo 8.4) is something difficult to swallow. They say that they have removed all the difficult parts for the user but I think they have removed too much lol
I completely agree with your Amigo comment (flying carpet? Please). It is stripped down, bare bones, a beginner gps program that grandma can easily use.
The thing I love best about Igo (Besides using it as my own 411 directory) is its seemingly endless customization. The skinning makes it worthwhile to search for thst perfect skin. There are skins that alter/add menu options (more than just Route, manage, settings, find).
I upgraded to Gurjon GJ6.2p (www.Gurjon.com)...great upgrade. I can now:
1. Run a program (calculator, calendar, contacts) directly within Igo.
2. Multi-route (fast, short, economical, easy, scenic) and see all on the screen and color coded.
3. Add 10 additional Map screen settings (3d settings, lane info, short menu, turn settings, transparency, bars and pads, waypoint & destination, and more...)
4. Bluetooth enabled.
5. See the actual direction of a poi (with an arrow pointing the direction and distance based on your current location.
Yeah..lag, what can you do with it...
The TomTom version I have supports TTS but yeah I agree that it takes a lot of time to lock. Maybe after some time I will give Igo a shot
As I said - the lag issue seems to be a hardware issue and is still present with Igo (but I still say the positional lag issue is a non-issue for me - I can live with a 1-2 second delay).
For me, the maps (topography as well as 3-d building in major cities) coupled with the TTS makes Igo *very* attractive. I didn't even know about skinning it until I read the responses above this - another big plus for me.
As far as not (to my knowledge) having traffic or weather plugins - honestly - who cares? TomTom charges what I feel is an exorbitant fee for these services and thus renders them useless features to me.
And above all, I still say the satellite locking is faster with Igo.
Mileage may vary - and everybody will have features that are more important to them (like navigate to contact) - but as for myself - I've not loaded TomTom even once since putting Igo on.
A note about POIs... TomTom was anything but complete either - to the point that I never relied on it. When it comes to adding POIs, I'd say that both are equally adept and again makes this a non-issue.
Additionally, for me personally, any service that would rely on a data connection is out the window - I travel off the beaten path and into the sticks quite frequently where data connections are often a pipe-dream. That said - even if I were to pay for (eg) weather service, online poi ability - the services would be totally unusable when I've got no data connection. Again - rendering the ability a total non issue.
Hmm
I have been trying iGo8 and came to this discussion because I think it is awful to use, and was looking for something else.
I have it on an HTC Touch HD. From the outset it made little sense, wanting to plan a route from A to B seems impossible, only from GPS to B.
Today my iGo thinks Im somewhere on the M25 where google maps knows I am home in West Sussex. I have exited Igo twice and restarted, same issue.
Thumbing a map to see where you are or to look at surrounding areas on iGo is a joke, simply awful. It uncontrollably moves waaaaay past a mere gesture, and even when you press your thumb down to stop it moving, it continues.
I really hope TomTom is better, or I will need to buy a "real" GPS for my car... but at this point iGo gets a thumbs down.
Mark.
You probably have an addition to your sys.txt that makes the map move in that manner. Don't remember what the coding is...but I too hated it and removed it to scroll ONLY when I touched the screen.
As to routing...all you need to do is touch start point, 'cursor'-->set as start point. Then touch your destination, 'cursor'-->set as destination---simple.
Guys, if your using VZNavigator and your like me, you have spent some time looking for a reliable replacement for the 9.99/mo charge of VZNavigator.
Well after looking a bunch I found a viable solution that is only a 1.66/mo.
Urban Horizon. This is a full featured GPS app as well as 3D virtualization program revealing buildings and topology. I dropped VZNavigator today.
Also if your looking to avoid speedtraps and cop stops and red light pictures please give the free app trapster a full review. So far it has been very reliable and popular in my area. (New Jersey / New York) Its real time data tracking and maps / traffic in one app, very useful.
Links are helpful
TRAPSTER
http://www.trapster.com/
URBAN HORIZON
http://www.novlummobile.com/
Does the GPS app work good? i have heard that some Navigation programs are not that great. Is it a real Nav or does it use the browser? How do you think it performs?????? I thought you had to get one that was actually in a memory card to be a real GPS? I could be wrong and thats why I'm asking you about performance.....because I'm looking for a good one at this time...
thanks
I use Google Maps layered with Nav4All...Google has great map and turn by turn directions while driving, but not voice. Thats where Nav4All comes in. Just punch the directions in Nav4all, then open Google Maps repeat the directions and be on your way to your destination with visual and audio navigation!
I do not take credit for coming up with this, but thanks to wherever I saw it!
IGO 8, TT7, or Garmin XT are the only ways to go. Do some searching.
HTCexy said:
I use Google Maps layered with Nav4All...Google has great map and turn by turn directions while driving, but not voice. Thats where Nav4All comes in. Just punch the directions in Nav4all, then open Google Maps repeat the directions and be on your way to your destination with visual and audio navigation!
I do not take credit for coming up with this, but thanks to wherever I saw it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I never thought to do it this way...
GPS App
I am using CoPilot Live 8 and it is working very well. It has turn-by-turn, voice guidance, POIs, etc., etc., etc. Best of all there is NO monthly fee. I bought it on sale for $19.99 during the Black Friday sale, and it is on sale for $24.99 right now. No . . . I don't work for them - it just works really well for me! Give it a look.
Take a look at http://www.alk.com/copilot/
Does Copilot work in the US? Couldn't find the info on their website.
It does work in the US.
The version I bought has maps (to download) for all of North America. I downloaded them to my PC with the destop software (I think they call it Copilot Central 2.0) you can also download, and then copied that to my Imagio. Just remember to connect to your Imagio as a Disk Drive rather than ActiveSync when you copy the maps. This writes them directly to your storage card. I forgot to do this the first time and it attempted, unsuccessfully as you can imagine, to write the gigabyte+ file to the storage memory. :-(
Thanks, I'll give it a shot. I like VZNavigator, but I like $10 a month more ;-)
Yea, and for me - a one-time fee of $24.99 is all the better!