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GPS SOFTWARE w/ VOICE NAVIGATION: The BEST OF THE BEST - Page 2

Poll Results: Which GPS Software with Voice Navigation Do you Use?

Poll expired: Nov 14, 2006 This is a multiple choice poll
  • 0% (0)
    CoPilot Live | Pocket PC 5
  • 0% (0)
    Destinator
  • 6% (1)
    iGuidance
  • 6% (1)
    Mapopolis
  • 26% (4)
    Street Atlas USA 2006 Handheld
  • 6% (1)
    OnCourse Navigator 5
  • 6% (1)
    Pharos Pocket PC Navigator
  • 6% (1)
    TomTom Mobile 5
  • 0% (0)
    Routis 2004
  • 40% (6)
    Others
15 Total Votes  
post #21 of 48
11/15/05 at 12:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bahama.Llama
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...equestid=88422

My GF has this one and it was awesome on the small trip we made to Orlando. I got our ass lost in Tampa one time ( i know... im a looser) and it was night time. Therefore... i didn't really stop at the stop lights. After we found the hotel (pretty nice actually... down town Tampa isn't bad... when you know where you're going) it was great.

So she acquired this GPS and it might have saved my ass once again. We went to Orlando for Halloween Horror nights (universal... it kicked soo much ass) and it helped a whole lot when finding a place to eat. Not that there wasn't Wendy's next door... I just wanted a selection.

One gripe about this one is that during the day time... i with the screen was brighter. This is because it lends itself to have glare, making it difficult to read sometimes. This isn't exactly what you want: something that makes you squint and concentrate to read a screen when you're supposed to be driving.

Keep that in mind with your purchase. Do any of them come with matte screens?

Thank you Bahama.Llama for your input...

That is a good stand alone GPS...

The good thing about having a GPS on your PDA is
1. Its cheaper... $100-200 (plus you can still use your PDA) compared to $$$$ in stand alone GPS which is for GPS use only
2. You can bring it with you coz the size of a GPS receiver is just the size of a matchbox or a cigarette pack in some models
3. Portable... You can easily transfer it to any car
4. You can use it personally... when you are hiking
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post #22 of 48
11/15/05 at 7:05am
Over here(and this is 2005, not 2004), Tomtom 5 is pretty much the only GPS choice, the others you've listed are not even considered rivals because they don't match up to it. I found this frustrating as Tomtom seem to be rather complacent over the state of their software, hopefully they will get some proper rivalry soon so they up their game. The reason I mention 'over here' is because I guess there can be quite a large difference in the software packages, our road system is quite different and of course it's using completely different maps.

Anyway, I like your topic, especially since I initially found the GPS world quite daunting, this is a full review I did of my equipment here:

http://www.rockforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2078

In general I was impressed with Tomtom, it's very easy to use and seems packed with features - I like being able to customise the main navigation display, on mine I have my current speed, compass, miles to go, time to go etc. for a tech geek like me it's cool having all the information up at a glance.

As for the shortest route/money etc. no satnav system can match the human brain, they simply can't encode that much intelligence into every map. - for example, tomtom will generally route me through busier areas, when the best routes are to go further out, the distance is longer but you save a significant amount of time. But of course, when you don't have a clue where you're going, Tomtom's directions are very welcome

I fully agree with you on the PDA with GPS, I chose the Dell Axim X50V which means when I don't need Satnav I have a portable device capable of going online, media player (it can take microdrives etc). My BT GPS receiver as you mention is tiny, so I have used it to navigate on foot with the GPS receiver sitting in my pocket, which works great. I did have few teething issues getting it go, I guess with standalone systems you get more convenience but now it works flawlessly, power up GPS, activate BT, fire up Tomtom and you're ready to go.

John
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post #23 of 48
11/15/05 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnmcl7
Over here(and this is 2005, not 2004), Tomtom 5 is pretty much the only GPS choice, the others you've listed are not even considered rivals because they don't match up to it. I found this frustrating as Tomtom seem to be rather complacent over the state of their software, hopefully they will get some proper rivalry soon so they up their game. The reason I mention 'over here' is because I guess there can be quite a large difference in the software packages, our road system is quite different and of course it's using completely different maps.

Anyway, I like your topic, especially since I initially found the GPS world quite daunting, this is a full review I did of my equipment here:

http://www.rockforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2078

In general I was impressed with Tomtom, it's very easy to use and seems packed with features - I like being able to customise the main navigation display, on mine I have my current speed, compass, miles to go, time to go etc. for a tech geek like me it's cool having all the information up at a glance.

As for the shortest route/money etc. no satnav system can match the human brain, they simply can't encode that much intelligence into every map. - for example, tomtom will generally route me through busier areas, when the best routes are to go further out, the distance is longer but you save a significant amount of time. But of course, when you don't have a clue where you're going, Tomtom's directions are very welcome

I fully agree with you on the PDA with GPS, I chose the Dell Axim X50V which means when I don't need Satnav I have a portable device capable of going online, media player (it can take microdrives etc). My BT GPS receiver as you mention is tiny, so I have used it to navigate on foot with the GPS receiver sitting in my pocket, which works great. I did have few teething issues getting it go, I guess with standalone systems you get more convenience but now it works flawlessly, power up GPS, activate BT, fire up Tomtom and you're ready to go.

John

But then again ...recently learned that...

this year TOM TOM is the winner...

Beats the 4 year in a row champion Copilot.
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post #24 of 48
11/15/05 at 6:23pm
Thread Starter 
THE WINNER AND FINALIST OF POCKETPC MAGAZINE were announced...

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/awards/ca....asp?catid=223


CoPilot Live | Pocket PC 5
Navigation bundle with mapping SW and a choice of two GPS receivers:CF GPS, and Bluetooth GPS. It has a Download Wizard for easy download of the mapping and routing data to your Pocket PC. It gives you turn-by-turn voice directions and automatically recalculates your route if you go off course.

Developer: ALK Technologies
Email: salesinfo@alk.com
Web: www.alk.com

Destinator FINALIST
Locate your position on the accompanying 3D or 2D rotating map, get turn-by-turn directions. Recalculate the directions if you miss a turn; it directs you to nearby points of interest such as restaurants, gas stations, and ATMs.

Developer: Destinator Technologies Inc.
Email: info@destinatortechnologies.com
Web: www.destinatortechnologies.com

iGuidance FINALIST
GPS navigation for Pocket PCs AND laptops with turn-by-turn directions, voice prompts, detailed map display, and more. Also, dynamic rerouting and detour. Includes 3D, geo-features, full screen, weather report, multiple map color themes, etc. Uses Navteq digital maps.

Developer: iNav Corporation
Email: sales@inavcorp.com
Web: www.inavcorp.com

Mapopolis
A mapping application - you can purchase maps for the entire U.S. from the developer's Web site. Maps are available in four versions: Basic, Enhanced, Platinum, and Platinum+GPS. The dynamically generated maps support fifteen zoom levels with street labeling, map panning, rotation, and the ability to increase or decrease the level of detail. Maps can be searched for locating streets and landmarks.

Developer: Mapopolis.com, Inc.
Email: info@mapopolis.com
Web: www.mapopolis.com

MobileNavigator5
Door to door navigation covering 3 continents (35 countries) in 16 languages. Includes: easy and professional modes, CleverMap concept, seamless North American and European map, route planning with unlimited stopovers, Voice Command, signpost information, speedinfo, coast-to-coast navigation, voice guidance with more than 430 speech files, and 2D and 3D Views.

Developer: Navigon Inc
Email: info.us@navigon.com
Web: www.navigon.com

OnCourse Navigator 5 FINALIST
Door-to-door navigation covering 3 continents (37 countries). Easy and professional modes, CleverMap concept, seamless North American, European and Persian Gulf maps. Also available for Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Supports route planning with unlimited stopovers, voice command, Signpost information, SpeedInfo, coast-to-coast navigation, 2D & 3D views, and native support for VGA and QVGA.

Developer: Easy PocketNAV.com LLC
Email: info@OnCourseNavigator.com
Web: www.OnCourseNavigator.com

Pharos Pocket PC Navigator
This navigation software can do route computation with turn restriction. It can do GPS tracking with moving/rotating map. It can give driving directions with voice prompt. It also gives off-route warning with one touch re-route. This application shows detailed US street maps with a variety of points of interest.

Developer: Pharos
Email: info@pharosgps.com
Web: www.pharosgps.com

PocketMap Navigator
GPS software that provides routing information anywhere in the continental United States. It provides turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance and dynamic re-routing, and shows your location on a moving map. The next map is automatically loaded when you reach the edge of the previous map to provide seamless coverage.

Developer: Space Machine, Inc.
Email: sales1@spacemachine.net
Web: www.pocketmap.com

Routis 2004
GPS navigation software that uses Navteq digital maps and provides turn-by-turn voice directions and other features. These include detailed map display, automatic re-routing, Point Of Interest (POI) and 3D map view.

Developer: Deluo Electronics
Email: info@deluo.com
Web: www.deluoelectronics.com

Street Atlas USA 2006 Handheld
Mapping and GPS solution with street level data for the entire US, and primary and secondary roads for Canada. Users can create address-to-address routes directly on their handheld devices. Store maps on removable-media devices. Voice prompts available. Locate your address book contacts, plus 4 million points of interest, including restaurants, hotels, attractions, banks, schools and more.

Developer: DeLorme
Email: sales@delorme.com
Web: www.delorme.com

TeleType GPS
A mapping and data collection program for vehicle navigation and tracking. It can perform door-to-door routing and has visual and voice alerts. It includes U.S. street-level maps and allows storage and display of your own location points. Maps for Europe are available.

Developer: TeleType
Email: info@teletype.com
Web: www.teletype.com

TomTom Mobile 5 WINNER
3D and 2D map display GPS navigation software that routes and does turn-by-turn directions with text and voice alerts. The 3D angle-of-view can be adjusted to view the route ahead from different heights above the road. Compatibility with Pocket Outlook allows route planning directly from your Contacts. It also has a "night" mode to dim the display.

Developer: TomTom
Email: info@tomtom.com
Web: www.tomtom.com
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post #25 of 48
11/15/05 at 7:04pm
Thread Starter 
Recently informed by Allgire about the updates above...

I am surprised on the results ...

What happened to Copilot???
They were the 4 consecutive year winner.
Now I am curious why they are not even a finalist...
What made TOM TOM the winner ?

Just checked out the alk.com website.
Copilot released a new version (Version 6.)
Oooh... that was creepy fast...

Did they already made a remedy to overtake this year shortcomings???
OR is it just a map update?

NOW I AM INTRIGUED
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post #26 of 48
11/15/05 at 7:21pm
Is the TomTom 700 not appropriate for this category? You all looking only had handhelds?
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post #27 of 48
11/16/05 at 5:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarthBeavis
Is the TomTom 700 not appropriate for this category? You all looking only had handhelds?
I believe you are right... TomTOm 700 is a stand alone GPS
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post #28 of 48
11/16/05 at 6:17am

GPS software..

I use MS Streets & Trips 2006, but opted for a different receiver than MS offered. (I use it on my lappy in the car, so the screen size is excellent!)

MS bundles their software with a SiRF II chip receiver.
I opted for the newer SiRF III chipset receiver. It's much more sensitive.

The software and the receiver after rebates, costs $85.00, plus I have the use of a computer when not using the GPS.

The software map covers the entire US, Southern Canada and Nothern Mexico.

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post #29 of 48
11/16/05 at 6:29pm
Just another thought..there is a forum, for those interested in GPS..........

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/t...TOPIC_ID=37982

I think some of you may enjoy it.

Cheers
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post #30 of 48
11/17/05 at 6:53pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by porciniman
I use MS Streets & Trips 2006, but opted for a different receiver than MS offered. (I use it on my lappy in the car, so the screen size is excellent!)

MS bundles their software with a SiRF II chip receiver.
I opted for the newer SiRF III chipset receiver. It's much more sensitive.

The software and the receiver after rebates, costs $85.00, plus I have the use of a computer when not using the GPS.

The software map covers the entire US, Southern Canada and Nothern Mexico.
In your link, the software is for laptop use. They do have one for pocket PC PDA users but according to the thread it is not updated.

What kind/ brand of SiRF III chipset are you using?

I read somewhere that the previous GPS were intentionally made inaccurate/ insensitive so as not to use it for sending missiles to the US...
Reminds me of James Bond movies and Mission Impossible
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post #31 of 48
11/17/05 at 10:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HERBOLARYO
...I read somewhere that the previous GPS were intentionally made inaccurate/ insensitive so as not to use it for sending missiles to the US...
Reminds me of James Bond movies and Mission Impossible
Yeah, several years ago civilian GPS users were granted access to 12 satellite technology, allowing 1 meter accuracy. I think prior to that they were only allowed to track 5 satellites at once, allowing ~ 10 meter resolution. Still pretty good, but...
Quote:
That's about to change. Thales, the French aerospace giant, says it has developed the first GPS-correction service that's accurate to within 10 centimeters virtually everywhere on the planet--compared to the one-meter precision guaranteed by similar existing services. "This makes something that was once very difficult much easier, because you won't need expensive equipment,"
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post #32 of 48
11/17/05 at 11:26pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks olyteddy for that info.
Would it be for a fee for service in case the French launch it???

Otherwise, any terrorists would like to get hold of that technology...
Pardon me... still inspired by James Bond movies and Mission Impossible
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post #33 of 48
11/18/05 at 8:06am
HERBOLARYO, I use this receiver with my MS Streets and Trips

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=455
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post #34 of 48
11/18/05 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by porciniman
HERBOLARYO, I use this receiver with my MS Streets and Trips

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=455
How accurate are the new GPS by the way? (by meters ??)

I wish there were wireless options e.g. bluetooth...
But uses ordinary AAA or AA rechargeable battery...

(Lithium batteries are expensive and they are unusable after 300+ or so charging.)...
So that means you have to buy a new battery every year if you use your GPS everyday...

Another hidden cost
... just like in shipping charges for defective sager laptops discussed in the Sager Reseller Customer Service...
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post #35 of 48
11/18/05 at 5:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by olyteddy
Yeah, several years ago civilian GPS users were granted access to 12 satellite technology, allowing 1 meter accuracy. I think prior to that they were only allowed to track 5 satellites at once, allowing ~ 10 meter resolution. Still pretty good, but...
What is the accuracy of the new GPS coming out... the siRF III ????
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post #36 of 48
11/18/05 at 6:32pm
Where are porn arcades listed in the POI in TomTom software?
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post #37 of 48
11/19/05 at 5:35pm
Thread Starter 
GPS is trully one promising technology ....
Perhaps DarkBeavis there are Adult stores in the POI...
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post #38 of 48
11/19/05 at 7:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by YankeeDeuce
Don't need GPS. I never get lost.
wuurd.
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post #39 of 48
11/20/05 at 6:14am
HERBOLARYO, I find this chip set (SiRF III) to be accurate to 10 meters.
In the 2 mos I've owned it, it has been able to get me to anyplace I want, especially when it's dark and there are no street signs.
As long as that red arrow tells me to turn, or the voice prompt tells me, I DON'T GET LOST ANYMORE!
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post #40 of 48
11/21/05 at 7:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HERBOLARYO
What is the accuracy of the new GPS coming out... the siRF III ????
Sirf III has been out a while, it's available in many different receivers these days.

My Globalsat BT-338 uses the Sirf III chipset, it can get its first lock usually within 40 seconds from a completely cold start, it can pickup and maintain a lock within a building, whilst in heavy forest or amongst tall buildings - these all caused problems for older GPS systems, the little BT-338 is so small I can pop it in my pocket and still have no problems navigating while on foot, it's a superb little device.

I've had to drop my car in for its service and MOT, not going to have it for a week so I had to take the 155 mile back down to my flat by bus - something I don't like because I can't see where I am, which leaves me uncomfortable. However, I fired up Tomtom and left the PDA just sitting by my side - it was quite eerie watching it closely in action (rather than glancing at it as I do while driving), it followed the road perfectly, despite being in pitch blackness I could tell exactly what section of the road I was on, and how far it was until I reached my destination. Sounds a bizarre use of sat nav, but I'll be doing the same on the return journey.

John
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