I have just got my hands on a Nokia N73. After seeing smart2go released I am in the market for a sat nav solution for the handset.
What would you guys recommend (please try not to be bias to a solution you already have but recommend a product for my needs).
I have no data plan and GPRS is very expensive on my contract so less the network connection where possible. Reading about smart2go I know I can get the maps and bulk onto the phone, but will I incure data costs on purchasing the navigation upgrade? And does it need the connection out on the road? It would be ideal if I could share my PC connection but do not think this can be done. Is all this correct and in comparrison what do the others give me etc. I think less the data cost is definatly the hurdle here.
If you are after a SAT NAV solution then you need to invest in a GPS reciever and SAT NAV product. Navigation solutions using GPRS can be expensive if you are not on a fixed data plan.
My personal suggestion is to buy a little GPS bluetooth reciever (I have a BT77 reciever from eaby, £30) and software like TomTom, Route66 or Navicore. You can also use Route2Go, priced for a set time period. I have TomTom on a 2GB card with a full map of the UK and western Europe.
TomTom is simple and clear to use, with no cost after purchase, and using a GPS reciever, you have pinpoint (ish!) accuracy as to where you are.
I'd go for TomTom! (make sure your f/w is upto date so the bluetooth works!!)
Definatly the type of response I am after. Can you reason as to why tom tom is the solution to go for over the others? Using no GPRS is perfect but is this not the same for the others also?
You mention BT77, is this good? I saw a SIRF III GPS which stated it could be left in the glove box the signal on it was that good. Can the BT77 do this, i'd prefer not to have to mount it on dash.
Finally where do I get just the TomTom software from and how much does this cost? From there site I am not 100% sure which package is what. I already have a 2gb card if that makes any difference.
Smart2go did take my fancy originally because of the licences but the licenced download uses GPRS and just this would prove expensive for me.
I have looked at the others, mainly route66 and navicore, and TomTom just looks better and is easier to follow. TomTom is europes best selling SatNav, so it's up there for a reason!
There are other out there that also use GPRS to navigate you, but to be honest, I don't understand the technology as to how it works. GPRS was never made as a navigational tool, GPS was built to tell you were you are... if that makes any point!
I've also heard that mine can be put in your pocket, but mine strugles to keep a signal... remember that sattelites need actual visibility of the sky to work correctly, you can't fit your sky digital dish in your loft!! The whole fitted away depends on the quality (price) of your reciever. the BT77 is a cheap one and you can get ones double and treble in price. The better the reciever, the more sensitive and powerful it is, and more chance you can hide it from 'sky view'.
If you're worried about where you put it, my BT77 is about the size of the N73's screen.. it's like a chunky matchbox and the battery lasts yonks!! I've charged it once since xmas and use it a few times a week!! It's got a grip bottom that sticks to your dash like glue, and you just pick it up and pop it in your pocket. Mine stay in my car though, it fits in the ash tray.
Another good one i've heard about is the Nokia one... you can leave it on, and when you take your phone the BT connection drops and it goes to sleep until if finds your phone again, so you never have to wait for a 'fix' time.
Finally.... go to Tomtom.com for the software options, it's called Navigator6. You can buy the DVD version and upload all the data to your card. Or buy the 512mb card version, copy the card to your 2GB and then you've got a spare SD card!
A good shop online (where I got my GPS reciever off ebay) is discountsatnav.co.uk. You can get reciever and software there, and they will throw in a speed camera database and are really friendly.
Steve
There are other out there that also use GPRS to navigate you, but to be honest, I don't understand the technology as to how it works. GPRS was never made as a navigational tool, GPS was built to tell you were you are... if that makes any point!
Not sure whether you got confused with something I said but a solution that DOES NOT use GPRS is exactly what I am after, that is why TomTom fits the bill perfect by the looks of it.
Feq questions:
1) Is TomTom direct the best/cheapest place to get it from?
2) Can the TomTom software be sold on later or is it locked to the installed phone?
3) Is navigator 6 the version I should be going for?
4) Does this work with the N73 OK (heard mixed reviews, crashes etc?)
5) Which package should I get? I dont understand the difference between the �85.51 and the �65.63 other than the DVD costs more which makes no sense. Is there different maps in one and not the other? Cheaper the better and I only need UK.
TomTom Navigator 6 is what you want. The price difference depends on whether you go for your regional maps (i.e. UK) or UK plus major roads of Western Europe, and also whether you get it on MiniSD or DVD.
DVD is the best option.
As long as you have a good quality GPS receiver, a good quality MiniSD card and are not running a heap of other memory intensive crap at the same time, TTN6 works brilliantly. I often have it running, make phone calls and send messages and other bits all at the same time, but it has yet to crash on me, ever.
I travel a lot for work and have TTN6 on my N73. It has never let me down yet.
As for selling on, I can't see any reason why you would want to. Check with TomTom themselves for the ability to sell and transfer licences.
I have tried aMaze, Nav4All and Smart2Go and none of them are in the same league as TomTom. End of.
Response appreciated and understood.
Can you send link tp TomTom software (just UK and on DVD). I guess the cheapest of all options. I can't seem to see this on there site. Cheapest option I see is Software & regional maps on memory card.
TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 - Software & Maps of Western Europe on DVD
TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 - Software & regional maps on memory card
These two are cheapest option. One on memory card the cheapest but surely this on DVD would be even cheaper. I guess regional just means uk? and that Western Europe is all main roads in europe?
I think there naming of things isn't too clear.
Regional Maps on their own are only available on memory card. If you want the DVD option, you have to have regional plus Western Europe Major Roads.
So Regional is just UK? Memory card is fine was just thinking if they offered the DVD as an option then that would be cheaper.
Since I have a 2bg card do you know whether I could move the data from the tomtom card onto the 2gb card? I would then either sell the tomtom formatted or keep just as a backup of the data.
EDIT:
I'm swaying towards the one sold on mobilefun, would any would disagree?
discountsatnav.co.uk/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=135
or
mobilefun.co.uk/product/10939.htm