The best GPS mapping software

[Motard69]

At least i've modified the Arkon support and now i've the GPS sensor connected via RS232 to my Qtek. It's working! And now?

What the better program to use in the car? Tom Tom? Destinator?

Support autorouting?

Any suggestion?

Thanx... M.

[Oggi]

I use TomTom 3 with their own bluetooth GPS. Works great!!!
Additionally I use Checkpoint v3.2 (freeware) which is a great complement for TomTom (http://checkpoint.oabsoftware.nl/)

I tried Destinator 3 last month, but returned very quick to TomTom. I didn't like it at all.

/Oggi

[Inspector Gadget]

Oggi - I see you use TomTom BT/Jabra BT250. Do you have any issues using the headset in the car at the same time as GPS? And does the TomTom BT GPS have a replaceable battery pack? Wouldn't want to throw the whole thing out when the rechargeable battery had had its chips...

I am currently considering buying a GPS. Software-wise, TomTom 3 seems pretty good to me, but I want to be able to use GPS in any car and don't want anything fitted permanently. Seems to me that the options are:

1. Get a BackPack, use SD slot for map storage and CF slot for plug-in GPS

2. Wait until GlobalSat adds memory to its SD-501 SDIO GPS http://www.easydevices.co.uk/products.asp?partno=EDGSATSD501 and use just the one slot for both functions

3. Bluetooth GPS - but I have seen in this forum many issues regarding simultaneous pairing of 2 BT devices, and I don't want to lose phone functionality, as mentioned above!

4. Bearing in mind that even a BT GPS needs power (and therefore a cable), bite the bullet and go for a wired GPS.

Any thoughts/experiences/other ideas would be welcome...

Gadget 8)

[Oggi]

I had problems when I used ROM-version 1.52.00, but now I use 1.66.00 and it works great for me. My version on the Jabra BT-250 headset is "48B". I don't use the Pocket Bluetooth Tools (http://bluetooth.i-networx.de/index_e.html), just the TomTom GPS driver v3.03 and normal pairing of the devices.

Tips: Don't choose to assign a virtual COM-port when pairing the BT-GPS (unless you really need this). This had a negative performance effect on the display speed of the maps on my device.

I also have a wired GPS, but a bluetooth GPS offers many more options. When you leave the car you can easily continue to navigate by foot. TomTom can even optimize the trip for walking.

The TomTom BT GPS-kit comes with a small dockingstation where you can place and charge the GPS in your car. Pretty smart :wink:

The battery holds for about 6 hours on a full charge, which is quite enough for me.

I don't know if you can change the battery in the bluetooth GPS.

/Oggi

[griffog]

Oggi - I see you use TomTom BT/Jabra BT250. Do you have any issues using the headset in the car at the same time as GPS? And does the TomTom BT GPS have a replaceable battery pack? Wouldn't want to throw the whole thing out when the rechargeable battery had had its chips...

I am currently considering buying a GPS. Software-wise, TomTom 3 seems pretty good to me, but I want to be able to use GPS in any car and don't want anything fitted permanently. Seems to me that the options are:

1. Get a BackPack, use SD slot for map storage and CF slot for plug-in GPS

2. Wait until GlobalSat adds memory to its SD-501 SDIO GPS http://www.easydevices.co.uk/products.asp?partno=EDGSATSD501 and use just the one slot for both functions

3. Bluetooth GPS - but I have seen in this forum many issues regarding simultaneous pairing of 2 BT devices, and I don't want to lose phone functionality, as mentioned above!

4. Bearing in mind that even a BT GPS needs power (and therefore a cable), bite the bullet and go for a wired GPS.

Any thoughts/experiences/other ideas would be welcome...

Gadget 8)

The TomTom BT GPS does not have a user replaceable battery pack. It's made by Leadtek and their latest model the 9537 does.

Forget a CF or SD GPS, they don't perform as well as a wired or BT GPS. I use a BT headset and BT GPS without any problems. Most BT GPS will last for a min 6hrs on battery and some 12hrs+. Having said that, if you don't intend using it out of the car get a wired version, simpler and less issues although BT is pretty solid now.

[griffog]

The TomTom BT GPS-kit comes with a small dockingstation where you can place and charge the GPS in your car. Pretty smart :wink:

TomTom in their infinite wisdom decided to discontinue the GPS cradle for their BT unit and it's no longer available even as an option :(

[noviur]

does any body klnow if TomTom3 has a map for Canada? Please...
Appreciate your help with info...

[griffog]

No, TomTom do not have any Canada coverage, the best option would be Alk's CoPilot.

[Inspector Gadget]

Thanks for your helpful advice.

I am leaning towards the BT option now, but Leadtek rather than TomTom. I want to use the system in both my own and my wife's car (the family long-distance-mobile) but I know she would have a fit if I expressed a wish to wire anything into it. Even a cradle would probably induce an apoplexy (doesn't matter, she can hold the xda2 for 200 miles, no sweat!)

Cheers again, mate

Gadget 8)

[griffog]

No probs, if you're looking at the Leadtek 9537, just to complicate things! Rikaline also re-badge it as the GPS-6030 oh and Delorme have just released a version that has a logging facility called the DeLorme Earthmate Blue Logger GPS.