Laptop GPS Navigation Options

CM4 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 10, 2003 Posts: 20

Hi,

I am a very happy Tom Tom 3 user with a Fortuna Clip-on GPS (flashed to Xtrac v2) and an IPAQ 4150.

However I have decided to have a go at building a "Car PC" (see www.mp3car.com for loads of info). I have bought a 7" Touch Screen and can hook everything up to my Laptop to give the impression of a built-in system.

I can do everything with this system (DVD, MP3, TV, Radio, DivX etc). All I need is a a good GPS Navigation system. Ideally I want 3D maps.

In the UK my options seem to be limited when considering PC based Voice Navigation:

--> InfoMap Navigator 4 (seems OK but heard that re-routing is slow and no 3D Maps)
--> Desinator 2 PC (Seems that Destinator 3 is not going to be released for PC Sad

- v2 is too old)
--> Co-Pilot Live 7 Laptop (looks like the best option, but again no 3D maps)

Will their be an update to Co-Pilot Live 7 Laptop?
With the release of Co-Pilot 5 for PPC (great review! Thumbs Up

) surely they will be incorporating all the new features into the Laptop version?

I can wait a few months - I am just gathering the items I need at the moment.

I don't really want to go from using Tom Tom 3 to a poor crappy old PC based system - but then again I don't really want to mount the PDA in the car in addition to the other screen.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

lbendlin · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 12:24 am Post subject:

Routis/Prymenav/Socket/Intellinav should have 3D maps for PCs
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Lutz

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CM4 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 10, 2003 Posts: 20

These packages seem to be more geared towards the USA?

I have heard alot on USA forums about a package called iGuidance 2.0 which seems really good in the USA - but no UK maps seem available.

Is this an updated version of Routis?

lbendlin · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 4:01 pm Post subject:

They are all Intellinav clones. Prymenav and Socket should have UK maps.
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Lutz

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Darren · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 4:07 pm Post subject:

3D maps are a plus but not an essential. Give InfoMap a go, it's inexpensive and has features that blow away everything else under £100 but it's user interface is 'busy' and will be a problem on a small dispaly.

I reviewed Socket's My Navigator product and whilst that version did not have 3D mapping the later version which we shall be reviewing shortly does have and this should also apply to the PC Client.

If money isn't the limiting factor here then CoPilot's Laptop edition is the one to go for, it's screens are optimised for that hardware and will look great on a 7" screen but it is four times the cost of InfoMap!
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Darren Griffin

CM4 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 10, 2003 Posts: 20

Thanks for the replys.

They have been most helpful.

I realise that 3D maps are not an essential, but I do find them very useful and easier to navigate with.

I currently use Tom Tom Navigator ALOT and have gained confidence in its routing ability.

The way I see it, if I move to a PC based system I should have something as good if not better then my PDA based system - otherwise it sort of defeats the object of the excercise.

I have looked at Socket and Prymnav and both seem good - but without the ability to test them before purchase - I don't really want to take a risk with them. I would rather stick with something with widespread support.

The established software to go for as Darren suggested is Co-Pilot Live Laptop.

The problem I have with it is that the current version was released in January 2004, so I am assuming and hoping that a new version incorporating all the new features in the Pocket PC version (v5) will be released soon (January). I do really like what I have read about Co-Pilot 5 PPC, so I would want these new features incorporated.

I have emailed ALK about the release date for the next version of Co-Pilot Live Laptop - no response so far.

Anybody here heard anything?

Thanks

Darren · Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:02 pm Post subject:

One major point here, do not assume that a PC based system = a better system. The development is concentrated on PocketPC versions and hence there are a great deal more and they have many more features.

It's worth pointing out that a good PocketPC based system is far superior to any PC based system I've ever tested and the same goes for £2000+ factory fit or accessory systems from the likes of Alpine etc. None of them have Speed Camera, Post Codes, Custom POIs etc.
_________________
Darren Griffin

twotonemark · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 10, 2004 Posts: 85

Hi,

I have recently purchased PrymeNav software with Fortuna BT clip on. I haven't used it extensively but for the price I can't complain. I've only used it on my Dell Axim X30 in the real world but have played with it on the laptop.

It doesn't support postcodes so you need to know the street your destination is on or an 'intersection' of 2 streets.

As I said I haven't used it a lot yet so I might not have the answers to questions you might think of but feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer. Mr. Green

CM4 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 10, 2003 Posts: 20

Thanks twotonemark!

You said I could ask so here goes:

Any idea how up to date the maps are?
Can you memorise your current GPS location, so you can use it as your destination next time?
How responsive does it seem to be when you miss a turn and it has to re-route?
Can it be integrated with the PocketGPS Speed Camera POI database?

Darren · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:16 pm Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 9:17 pm Post subject:

twotonemark · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 10, 2004 Posts: 85

I'll do my best to answer them Laughing

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