[TUT] VDA GPS aka Toshiba G710 - Non-Touchscreen Windows Mobile Other

Hi,
This device, the VDA GPS, can be purchased new for around 100 Euro at the German eBay.
It will be without any SIM-Lock.
I have bought one, to add to my collection, but I am still waiting for it.
Anyway, I like to stay ahead of things and already I am searching for information.
1. Customisation
How bad is the Vodafone customisation? I read missleading statements on different forums, i.e. the whole menu-structure being different than what Windows Mobile normally offers.
Can that be surpressed by a Soft-Reset after an Hard-Reset?
Can one remove customisation afterwards?
2. GPS
Seems that some claim it runs TomTom, Route66, Google Maps, ..., while others seem to have problem detecting the GPS device at all.
3. Firmware
I have not found any firmware update for this device, not even WM6. Because older posts reference this device with WM5, I assumed that there must be an upgrade to WM6 somewhere...
This would be interesting to revert from a Germanized and customized VDA GPS ROM to a standard G710 ROM.
4. Hack
Question to the Pro's: is the installer to bypass the CountryID-check for i.e. the Universal compatible with this device, if one changes the firmware files in the folder?
Any knowledge on other hacks for this device?
Hopefully, one can get something usefull of this "el cheapo" device. Yes I know, the battery does provide that much of an autonomy, it has only 2.5G and no WLAN. But hey - what do you expect from a 100 Euro phone? Normally you do not expect: WM6, 320x200 screen, full keyboard, GPS...
Thanks,
vma

Found some stuff (and still waiting for the device to arrive):
- SDHC support: search for SDHV_V2.RAR or SDHC.777.CAB. This seems to allow the use of any SDHC card on the G710/VDA GPS
- GPS: use COM3: with 9600 baud. Seems that Garmin XT Mobile, Route 66 v7 or v8 do work. There is a guy seeling a bundle of the VDA GPS and TomTom 5, so I guess it will be v5.20. Others complain that neither TomTom 5,6 or 7 works. needs to be confirmed. Google Maps seems to work for some.
- Reset / Hardreset: there is no button for that. Reset by taking out battery, Hardreset by accesing menu item in settings... Not a good choice in my opinion.
Cheers,
vma

Phone arrived like new.
Here the first things:
- GPS works with COM3 / 9600 baud
- Google Maps works
- TomTom 5.20 crashes the phone
- Route 66 (older release) does not work properly
- Vodafone Navigator works
- English can be selected (requires reboot, other supported languages: German, French and Turkish)
Overall I liked the first impression.
Not bad for 100 Euro.
I'll keep you updated - but some feedback would be appreciated!
Cheers,
vma

Update:
- Route 66 v7 works great
- TomTom v5.2 will not work: black screen, one has to reboot phone
- TomTom v6.x and v7works but requires touch screen, so one can't insert address
I'm still happy with the device and yes, it is a bargain. I see not real advantages over Q7 or other phones with the same form factor which cost 2x-4x more money and often don't have built in GPS.
The phone is manufactured by a chinese company called AMOI (http://www.amoi.com). It is model 6711.
Cheers,
vma

vma said:
Phone arrived like new.
I'll keep you updated - but some feedback would be appreciated!
Cheers,
vma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting this info, makes interesting reading, as I'm actually looking for a dirt cheap, qwertybar, GPS enabled WM standard device.
How bad is the Vodafone branding?
Was it SIM locked?
Is it as sluggish as the reviews suggest?
How is the battery life & phone reception?
Do any of the vendors on ebay.de ship to the UK?

"How bad is the Vodafone branding?"
It says vodafone on the phone under the screen, so you cannot remove it. It does not annoy me, though I am using a different operator. I compared it with a real life Toshiba version and it looks as good (the colours of the keys are different on the Toshiba version and it says Toshiba instead of Vodafone).
On the software side, it will boot after a hardreset into German language and with the Vodafone skin. You can revert to the default WM6 skin and choose the language between English, German, French and Turkish.
The annoying customization is with some few icons, which have been replaced by Vodafone ones, like the Explorer icon. Nothing dramatic, but a little weird. That is supposed to make life easier for existing customers, who are already used to those icons... What a stupid idea, I say, in case the decision makers are reading this.
"Was it SIM locked?"
No. It did not have any lock what so ever.
I wonder if those phones where distributed by Vodafone unlocked and I actually tend to believe that, because:
1) I have found no reference what so ever about unlocking this phone.
2) There are so many of them being sold, all of them unlocked, even the ones being sold by private sellers, whom I cannot imagine to have found an unlocker that I did not find.
Anyway, to make sure, search for the words "ohne SIM-Lock".
"Is it as sluggish as the reviews suggest?"
It is the fanciest phone I own now and I have Nokia nGage, Nokia Communicator 9210i, Qtek 9090, 2x Universal, HP iPaq 514...
Even my wife liked it (must be the first time) and the finishing of it is quite good. It looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The bad side of it: the screen is always with grease spots from fingers or the ear, much like the iPhone...
Regarding the software, I have not many complaints. I dont think it is sluggish. It runs Route 66 acceptably well and TCPMP runs the same episodes properly, which I already watched on my Universal.
So overall, I have no issues with speed, BUT I do not intend to run software on it like I do on my Universal. Of course there is a difference between 260MHz and 520MHz... The Universal has twice the speed!
But the phone does not feel more sluggish than the other smartphones I have. Beware this is a subjective opinion...
"How is the battery life & phone reception?"
Battery life is OK for me, as I let my phone charge over night. I simply cannot risk going out in the morning with battery at 50%, as I might have a bad day with lots of customers calling.
Still, I think the battery is pretty good. It has 1100Ah. And it seems to charge very fast. I imagine the battery should manage two days of normal use.
"Do any of the vendors on ebay.de ship to the UK?"
I live in Portugal and still got mine... Yes most will ship within Europe, but you should clarify this BEFORE.
However, bear in mind that you may have increased costs regarding money transfer. Within EU, all countries using the Euro can make transfers at low charges (i.e. I pay 1 Euro). I don't know how expensive it will be from the UK.
"I'm actually looking for a dirt cheap, qwertybar, GPS enabled WM standard device"
Well, I was looking for a cheap GPS enabled WM mobile phone, that would allow for easy chatting and mailing.
My HP iPaq 514 is a great device and was very cheap (new in a shop with 2 years warranty 129 Euro... no GPS but with WLAN). I have an external Bluetooth GPS device, but it was the lack of a keyboard that I did not like. Being always online, thanks to a flat rate, is inviting me to write text. Forget T9 for that... Plus, I don't care for WLAN anymore.
The Universal is of course the best phone and can be bought at good prices on eBay, but not always do I want to walk around with a brick.
So this phone does:
- look pretty good
- is slim and small
- has built in GPS
- has a usable keyboard
- is cheap
Problems:
- no WLAN (don't need it anyway thanks to the flatrate)
- QWERTZ keyboard (not QWERTY!!!): basically the Y and the Z keys are exchanged, one gets used to it pretty fast
- not the fastest CPU, but that does not matter much, because:
- WM6 Smartphone Edition has no touch screen functionality (logical) and because of that, won't run most programs designed for WM6
- many programs for WM6 Smartphone Edition have been designed for mobiles with the smaller screen resultions (276x200 (not sure if that is right) instead of 320x200) and won't run, either
So the last two points mean you won't have that many programs and games. Still I found all I need.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
vma

I got a G710 from my job and I found that the GPS was a little difficult to work. But I also found a small utility from Microsoft that helped a lot: "GPSID Settings".
This tool is easyly found on any freeware site, so I think it won't be a problem if i join it here, and allows to fine-tune on which port the GPS will be found.
Hope it helps.

Anolnx said:
I got a G710 from my job and I found that the GPS was a little difficult to work. But I also found a small utility from Microsoft that helped a lot: "GPSID Settings".
This tool is easyly found on any freeware site, so I think it won't be a problem if i join it here, and allows to fine-tune on which port the GPS will be found.
Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thanks, but which parameters are right for gps?
program port: ? (com3)
hardware port: ? (com3)
hardware baud rate: 9600
Thanks for answer

I have been using this device almost every day and I love it.
It is an excellent purchase for the money!
Regarding GPS: I have Route66 and Google Maps running without issues.
Just assign COM3 and 9600 Baud. No tools are needed. These tools are for devices where GPS has to be turned on first. No need to use it on this phone.
Beware that getting a link can take up to 5 minutes! And I am speaking of real 5 minutes... Plus you need a good sight to the sky. For your first trials, just turn on Google Maps activate the GPS, set it to COM3 and 9600 baud and leave the device outside for a few minutes (take care it is not stolen).
Cheers,
vma

Regarding GPS: I have Route66 and Google Maps running without issues.
Google Maps runs, but it is not so good for navigation.
Which version do you use for Route66? I can't find a version for windows mobile, only versions for Symbian.
Can you send me your version number or a link?
Many Thanks

I learned that some of you have updated to WM 6.1 already.
From where to get the firmware update? Any link or download file is appreciated...

I have never seen any WM6.1 upgrade for this device.
And by the way: it is not polite to ask the same question in all threads...
Cheers,
vma

Toshiba are notorious for not supplying firmware upgrades. They buy cheap crap from cheap ODMs like Techfaith and Amoi and support is non existant. Ask anyone who has a G900 or G910.

Sorry, for having posted in several threads. I should learn the board structure first
Somewhere in the VDA GPS threads I saw a vodafone accouncement, which read like there will be an update to WM 6.1 via vodafone available soon.
Also, there is somebody who claimed having the update already on the device. That's the reason for all my questions. If there really exist an update to WM 6.1, I would like to try it out, as well.

Regarding the simlock: yes it can be simlocked, at last the G710 version. The one I got is simlocked to Orange and refuses any other sims.
Well, if anybody knows how to make it free...

Anolnx said:
Well, if anybody knows how to make it free...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only can bee unlocked by the operator by payment of an unlocking fee or by a firmware update with unlocked firmware, which currently is nonexistent but planned by vodafone for instance. The vodafone ROM is unlocked.

tuo_kaerf said:
It only can bee unlocked by the operator by payment of an unlocking fee or by a firmware update with unlocked firmware, which currently is nonexistent but planned by vodafone for instance. The vodafone ROM is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In France the law makes mandatory for an operator to unlock a phone for free after 6 mounth of ownership. But I'm not that patient.
Too bad, seems I have to be patient...

vma said:
- GPS works with COM3 / 9600 baud
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried with Google Maps and Windows Live but none seem to be not working.
Do you have GPSID.dll in Windows? I guess it is MS driver for GPS.
I love this phone, but this missing GPS is driving me crazy

slolam said:
I have tried with Google Maps and Windows Live but none seem to be not working.
Do you have GPSID.dll in Windows? I guess it is MS driver for GPS.
I love this phone, but this missing GPS is driving me crazy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Phone's GPS is handled by the OS, as far as I learned. It should work instantly when an application requests positioning.
In Google Maps you should enable the GPS feature first and do proper setting of port and speed manually. This is COM PORT 3 @ 9600 baud.
It works after a few seconds under goog conditions...

Hi,
Thanks for your response.
I have done the required settings
COM3 & 9600 baud but google maps says "Seeking GPS Satellites (0)..." and nothing happens :-(
I understand that GPS requires GPSID.dll in the windows directory which is missing in my device. if you have the dll in your windows directory then that means this is the culprit.
If you have it can you please send it to me.
Thanks in advance
slolam

Related

Help & advise needed - Sat Nav

Hi there,
As a new owner of the o2 XDA mini s I would like to install a sat nav program, preferably one that covers Europe, any suggestions on which to use and how to obtain it would be appreciated, thanks.
I find TomTom to be pretty good.
I suppose Expansys at Expansys.com would be a good start. Also, checkout TomTom's own web site.
@mx5duncan
I have used all three major versions:
TomTom 5.21
Navigon 5
Destinator6
TomTom is nice, but it's full of bugs, old cards and way to many strange problems
Navigon looks very nice but SOOOOOO SLOW (takes minutes to enter an address) and recalulate the route will give you mist turns TOOO SLOW
Destinator is clearly my winner easy to use, excellent maps and very fast.
Don't need your manual very intuitive
Tuurtje
Re: @mx5duncan
Tuurtje said:
I have used all three major versions:
TomTom 5.21
Navigon 5
Destinator6
TomTom is nice, but it's full of bugs, old cards and way to many strange problems
Navigon looks very nice but SOOOOOO SLOW (takes minutes to enter an address) and recalulate the route will give you mist turns TOOO SLOW
Destinator is clearly my winner easy to use, excellent maps and very fast.
Don't need your manual very intuitive
Tuurtje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help guys. The Destinator6 sounds OK but how do I go about getting hold of it? Is it available to download anywhere or do I have to purchase it? As I said, I'm new to this phone and also to sat nav so any help, however small is hugely appreciated, cheers.
Hi if you are intrested in a tomtom system on your pda I have a uncracked version with full europe mapping (Requires a 2Gb mini sd card
Or a GB+ Major roads of europe (can get away with 512Mb but 1GB is better)
If you are intrested i will put it on a CD for you and post it out for a small charge (about €10) if yo like.
You will have to purchase a Code from Tomtom or get your own crack tho
Hi,
You can visit the Destinator 6 site see link below:
Ill plug my own company DSL Developments as we are an authorised reseller, but also heres the Destinator link to the resellers also, hope that helps.
D6 is proving very popular, its very easy to use and install, and very upto date, latest maps and postcodes, and if you are new to PDAs and sat nav, its a doddle to install and use each day:
Hope that helps!
Bryson
DSL Developments Destinator page:
http://www.dsldevelopments.com/Destinator/destinator.asp
Destinator 6 site: http://www.destinatortechnologies.net/uk/products/purchase/

Ipaq 6915 and GPS usage....???

Hello
I will shortly be the lucky (I hope if the purchase goes ok) owner of a Ipaq 6915 and wanted to know if anyone has got any experience at all with running TomTom on this unit...?
I have found the software that I want to buy....
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=48M0&fb=22&InMerch=1
...but I am struggling to know if it will work on my device. I am reading of problems with maps not found or TomTom only supporting devices that are on their list of approved devices, I'm not sure if that is right....?
Reading the link above I can't see the 6915 listed and would appreciate any help on whether I should buy from them and am I right in assuming that there are no demo of this software to test compatibility...???
I have mailed TomTom support from my account but still have not got a reply.
Sorry if the above is a really obvious question but I am rather new at this.
Actually the 6915 should come with a built in version of TomTom (the model I've seen had it, but this may very depending on region) specialized for it. It also has a map downloading app, but you will need to pay for an account.
I suggest you wait until you receive the device before considering purchasing additional navigation software.
<hangs head in embarrassment> - thanks for your help, it shows how new I am to thing. I understood it had a built in GPS but I didn't know a version of TT come built in, it seems to get better..!!!!
When you write about it needing an account would that be to register for the map in the area that I live...?
No need to be embarrassed.
GPS PDA / phones don't usually come with a built in navigation software. HP did good on this one.
I am not sure how it works exactly. I just saw that the app can download one free map as an example, some small area I think.
I know you need to pay if you want to download additional maps, but I have no idea how the registration process works.
I only had the device to play with for a few days, so I didn't get very far with it (Not to spoil your joy of the new toy but I really didn't like the square screen).
Thanks for your help, again. I will now wait to conclude the purchase of the device (the seller is waiting for his latest gadget before letting me buy the 6915)
I have spent so long trawling through forums and posts to find out as much as I can (obviously it didn't do me much good) on whether TomTom is approved on the device and will work. And then what I need to buy.
Good job they didn't have TT in stock at the above supplier as I would have bought it ready, now that would have been an embarrassment....!!!!
Thankyou again for your help and maybe its just me but my navigation skills around TomTom's website on finding more information is poor, I suppose that is why I need the GPS function....!!!!
Here is hoping that I only need to have ONE device and not a pocket full of the things, including several chargers and leads...!!!!!!
Well, I have been using this ipaq with TT version 6 and without any problems. The original ipaq did come with a TomTom pre-installed with a map of a small area. Well, I ended up installing another copy of TT6 - had no problems at all. A very good PDA - used to use xda2i earlier, but now do not need to carry any gps receiver as it is built in.
Thanks for the feedback spahwa - with it having the built in GPS, and other features, that is why I am interested in it. This means I will hopefully only have one device to carry around etc etc etc.
Glad to see that TT6 can be installed if required.
ttn6 is a great app... the 6515 however uses agps, so be warned. it requires the download of lto dat files every 3 days or else the gps wont function there are alternative 10 day lto files out there...
i was unhappy with the performance, or more accurately, the way the agps system works on my 6515 and more recently my 6945... ttn6 installed fine to both devices. i currently run ttn6 on my h5555 ipaq with a navman sleeve. i also like iguidance for either device.
just wanted to give you a heads up about the agps, cause i didnt know anything about it untill ofter the fact. there are devices out ther with different chipsets and quicker satelite recognition, so shop around a bit if you can
digit
mmm... You certainly have given me something to think about that I wasn't aware of that could real implications on the practical use of the device.
Thanks VERY much for your post.
i should add that my primary device is an hw6945 and im very happy with it. although i dont use it as my primary gps device, its a very well rounded device. the only short-comming is the 240x240 screen which for some is a huge limitation (for me its not too bad as i have other devices which fill the void)... again, i would read into some alternatives before you dive into something. there are many devies and many new devices that are coming out with gps now
jd
edit: i would google "6515 tt6" and like searches to get a feel of some of the issues people have been dealing with regarding tomtom, and the agps unit on this device in general
jdigitL said:
ttn6 is a great app... the 6515 however uses agps, so be warned. it requires the download of lto dat files every 3 days or else the gps wont function there are alternative 10 day lto files out there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's not true. the GPS will still function w/o the lto files, although the ttff may be affecte as a result. There's a tweak (let me know if you don't have) to download the 10 day lto files, but otherwise, I don't really think this is a showstopper. The performance of the agps is defnitely on par with a sirf3 chip in a mobile device.
i was unhappy with the performance, or more accurately, the way the agps system works on my 6515 and more recently my 6945... ttn6 installed fine to both devices. i currently run ttn6 on my h5555 ipaq with a navman sleeve. i also like iguidance for either device.
just wanted to give you a heads up about the agps, cause i didnt know anything about it untill ofter the fact. there are devices out ther with different chipsets and quicker satelite recognition, so shop around a bit if you can
digit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy with the performance, no problem with the fix or what soever.
"There's a tweak (let me know if you don't have) to download the 10 day lto files"
... idont have please enlighten me is this based on either device or limited to the 6515, as im using a 6945 at this point...
thanks,
john
srry, doublepost
hey i also own a hw6945 and i was wondering if you have anywhere specifically where i can get programs for this screen size? im particually looking for an aim program that fits this screen sizze....thx
On my HW6915 there is no single problem running TT5. TT6 also runs great, however TT5 runs smoother.
Although AGPS is builtin, there's no need to use this software. Without updates the builtin GPS normally gets a fix within a minute.
i bought the hp 6915 at christmas and its the first pda ive had, i installed tt 6 on it and it works fine for me,
as far as the tomtom they give you on the hp 6915 is the vertion 4.0
you can the download for free a map of your town but you will have to buy any other maps or download them on bit torrent (grin)
if you do that there is a small mod to do in the windows system if tomtom can't find the gps radio
change the "IsEnabled de 1 to 0." in the \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\GPS Intermediate Driver\section using a system editer like resco
What is true though is the screen size is too small. The next pda i buy will definatly have a bigger screen but the hp is certainly a pda swiss army knife
thats my opinion anyway
larry
6915 manual said that the 4 files for the gps can be downloaded through activesink but i use free wifi spots to download them every few days.
the main advantage about agps is that it get's fix much faster

What's so great about WM6?

Hi,
While I am waiting for my MDA Pro to arrive, I have been reading a lot in the Universal section (have a BA myself).
May I ask for some valid reasons why someone would want to use homebrewed WM6 releases instead of official/customized WM5?
I do understand the fun it is to try out new things, but is it really worth it? I did not find many posts that would clear this question.
Thanks,
vma
WM6.0...
The new look and a lot faster device...
Is there any feature that won't be available with WM6, that did work fine in WM5?
Thanks,
vma
Video call isn't working yet.
Rolud said:
The new look and a lot faster device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way I see it, WM6 may or may not work for you and may or may not do it for you. Try it. You can always go back to WM5. Most people don't.....
Well .... the simple answer is that I did a lot of searching and reading, and finally tried it out for myself.
I asked this very question a while ago right here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1130569&postcount=88
And came to the follwowing conclusion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1155497&postcount=89
In the conclusion, the thing about the Bluetooth Stack / Voice Command - it was actually Voice Command that was the problem and this issue was fixed in Jrwightmcps' 2.02.00 WWE http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=297256
Crossbow ONLY!
Tell you the truth... i see the new WM6 is better eye-catching GUI not to mention the enhancement in the functionality and other usability such as email related functions. I know that MS wont just upgrade for no obvious reason nor for desktop OS compatibility.
Yet i reckon i wont -never- go back to magento! Crossbow ONLY!
@nvatvani:
Indeed your posts where the only ones I read, that contained some usefull info about the subject.
No offense to all the other members of course!
I was simply wondering about what to do when my MDA Pro arrives: replace the German firmware with a WWE WM5 one or go straight ahead to WM6 without even looking at WM5.
Also, I had some problems with my Blue Angel, when I tried WM5 on it: it may have been a coincidence, but one day after the upgrade the screen went mad and totally messed up. Only 1 Hardreset in about 100 tries would bring it back to normal for some period of time and even reflashing it with WM5 or 2003SE would not make it work normal again. The screen would get messed up suddenly for no particular reason. At the end I had to send it in for repair, which was actually a good thing, as I complained about the loose stylo and bad working hardkeys, all within warranty. I got a new key-pcb, backside and they reflashed the device with 2003SE. I posted this issue in the BA forum, but got no usefull hint. This means I am a little scared of upgrading to unofficial releases.
Other than that, I have no problems with flashing, as I do that on my other hobby (satellite receivers) frequently, including JTAG-operations for repairing bricked devices. The same applies to games consoles. (Note: I do not sell or benefit commercially from that activity and my goal is not to get illegal software or TV - not that you guy's get the wrong idea about me).
Anyway, thanks for your replies!
Cheers,
vma
What Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU 2.0 has and Windows Mobile 6 (the cooked ones, having tried them all) doesn't have, according to my experiences:
1. Videocalling - at least not a proper one
2. Bluetooth Dial Up Networking (the DUN profile)
3. Wireless Modem (yet some WM6 ROM's have it, although without shortcut in the start menu)
4. Cyberon Voice Dial by default (some WM6 ROM's have it by default, others will need a 500kB CAB to activate it)
The reason why I went back to "good old" WM5 is mainly the reliability. Ok, the OS may be a bit slower here and there, but it has all the functionality (e.g. videocalls and Bluetooth DUN), and NEVER hangs. It just always works and that's what I desperately need right now.
---
The things Windows Mobile 6 has for me that 5.0 hasn't which I miss the most:
1. High resolution browsing in the normal Internet Explorer (I don't want to use alternatives)
2. HTML email support
3. The impressive speed of the OS
Applications like WM6's Windows Live and the superb Remote Desktop Client are also available for WM5, so I don't need to miss those, otherwise I sure would, and then I might have sticked with WM6.
The new sounds and GUI are great, but I don't really miss them, since that's not a true functional thing.
Having WM5 up and running again, without freezes and memory leaking and with full HTC Universal functionality, is enough for me to be happy with it and to stick with it. If there ever will be a ROM that actually ADDS Windows Mobile 6 on top of all of this (without a single registry tweak or CAB fix needed), then it's the time for me to upgrade again.
If such a ROM will ever see the daylight, since it won't be officially available for the Universal, I don't know. I think the HTC X7500 (Athena) will be there sooner (April 2007 over here), and that one will have a official WM6 upgrade for sure. That'll be my next one, so until then: WM5 for my Universal!
So far for my opinion.
why do I use WM6
vma said:
Hi,
While I am waiting for my MDA Pro to arrive, I have been reading a lot in the Universal section (have a BA myself).
May I ask for some valid reasons why someone would want to use homebrewed WM6 releases instead of official/customized WM5?
I do understand the fun it is to try out new things, but is it really worth it? I did not find many posts that would clear this question.
Thanks,
vma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I used them all and later delteted them after 5 2 hours. They leak a lot, ram is at minimum and useless third party applications, and a lot fo thing sodn't really work or missing (I just want a vanill aone without 3rd party applications).
Except for one rom, Darkforce, it is fast and furious, and so far I have using it for two days; battery usage is good, and no leaks. However, no video calling, and no way to set com ports for bluetooth devices. any1 has this problem?
However, common to all ROMS, no video calling, old calculator, speed dial messed up (some work and some don't), wireless connection bubble missing (yes you can install a cab but I don't want to do that).
<Mind you, contrary to other reports, I never had any freezes with any rom.
The thing that attracts me is HTML in email, High resolution mode in explorer, better remote desktop connectivity.
So I thhink I am sticking with DarkForce ROM, so far so good.
Thx

Best car navigation solution for Raphael?

Hi there,
I am looking for a good car navigation solution for Raphael (for travelling in Europe). After reading infos about TT which seems to work at least with the latest releases and Navigon (for which I am not that sure ...), I now read about Tele Atlas McGuider which also seems to be quite good and even less expensive, but it seems to lack TMC or other traffic assistance support which is crucial for me (radio broadcasted or via internet, I do not mind, but it is a must).
I know that there are some other solutions out there. I wonder if you guys have experiences to share, also w/regard to VGA screen resolution and so on.
Thanks!
Eriol
I like the CoPilot Live, works very well and has a nice look and feel.
Co Pilot live is ok, but the traffic part of it is rubbish compared with tomtom. There is no visual display of traffic incidents ahead on the map, only a description that pops up with incident details which you either avoid or ignore. You can set it to automatically reroute, but you dont know whats going on. In my opinion, tomtom is currently the best.
I also found co-pilot slow to scroll around the map, but there again i dont have a fast mem card. Unfortunately there si no trial version available. make sure you get the version specific for the HTC diamond (also compatible with Touch Pro). It can be purchased online (from handango) cheaper than most retail stores.
Thx to both of you! I still would like to compare TomTom with McGuider ...
Eriol
McGuider
Hello,
I am using last version McGuider (7.x I think) and it work fine, but map and icons are too small, I and don't know if it can be repair.
Please if some one use thist program please write down here about how work.
Bye
Garmin XT is the best imo. TT cannot hold a candle to Garmin.
iGO 8
I think iGO 8 is the best solution for Raphael
Navigon
I really like Navigon !
Search Youtube for Navigon 7 !!
Greetzzz,
Jochen
jochenandries said:
I really like Navigon !
Search Youtube for Navigon 7 !!
Greetzzz,
Jochen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jochen,
I have a stand alone PNA running Navigon 6.5, and I like it, too. But my experience with Navigon, especially running on my HTC Wizard (MN 6.x), is that the route calculation is rather slow and the whole app is not that fast on a PDA. This might be different on a Raphael due to processor speed, though. We also will use an Xperia X1 here: Is it possible to run MN7 on 800x480 screens?
Eriol
i maybe wrong, but some navigation programs will only run when the supplied memory card is installed. Installing the maps to another card will not work which therefore means you have to swap cards when using the software. Check before you buy!!!
jochenandries said:
I really like Navigon !
Search Youtube for Navigon 7 !!
Greetzzz,
Jochen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Navigon is nice-- but once you're in the tunnel and lose signal it would say you've reach your destination I also don't like its route calculation-- it's giving me a longer route than tomtom
To my mind ist the default navigation (TomTom 7.451) the best. it uses vga, is fast, new maps
Eriol said:
Hi there,
I am looking for a good car navigation solution for Raphael (for travelling in Europe). After reading infos about TT which seems to work at least with the latest releases and Navigon (for which I am not that sure ...), I now read about Tele Atlas McGuider which also seems to be quite good and even less expensive, but it seems to lack TMC or other traffic assistance support which is crucial for me (radio broadcasted or via internet, I do not mind, but it is a must).
I know that there are some other solutions out there. I wonder if you guys have experiences to share, also w/regard to VGA screen resolution and so on.
Thanks!
Eriol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ardsar said:
Co Pilot live is ok, but the traffic part of it is rubbish compared with tomtom. There is no visual display of traffic incidents ahead on the map, only a description that pops up with incident details which you either avoid or ignore. You can set it to automatically reroute, but you dont know whats going on. In my opinion, tomtom is currently the best.
I also found co-pilot slow to scroll around the map, but there again i dont have a fast mem card. Unfortunately there si no trial version available. make sure you get the version specific for the HTC diamond (also compatible with Touch Pro). It can be purchased online (from handango) cheaper than most retail stores.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Copilot7 there is indeed visual display of incidents ahead on the map, you also can get to incident-specific info in just three taps, reporting delay and other usefull info........
No need for automatic rerouting, you can let Copilot ask you what you want to do, after you have read the incident-info and delay time.....
No need for the diamond-version either, regular version runs great on my Touchpro....
See.......................you we're allmost right.....
Someone tried Navigon Mobile Navigator 7 for PDA on Raphael?
Is it compatible and full working?
Before then I buy, I asked to the support team, but no clear response about it.
Thanks.
NAVIGON Mobile Navigator 7 can work fine on Raphael, with this simple workaround.
You need a GPS port replicator (like Franson GPSgate) to solve the GPS signal stability problem on MN7.
I hope this can help who love this product family.

Navigation software review for HTC Vox / S710

Hi,
i tried several navigation solutions for vox, and here is a little review:
1. Sygic Mobile / McGuider
+ works on WM Standard without additional software (like FakeCoursor)
+ good graphics while navigation
+ no bluescreens (at all)
2. Navigon Mobile Navigator 7
+ best graphics while navigation
+ fast route calculation
- doesnt works on WM Standard without additional software (like FakeCoursor)
- crashes operating system so that you have to do a hard reset.
- doesnt recognize GPS-settings from last use
3. Garmin Mobile XT
+ works on WM Standard without additional software (like FakeCoursor)
+ fast route calculation
- works to slow to navigate, gives hint "turn right" when you already passed the crossing.
4. Route 66
+ works on WM Standard without additional software (like FakeCoursor)
no further testing because i didnt find a "free" map to test
Hope this "little" review helps some people looking for navigation software for vox.
I use an external gps - Jentro BT-GPS-8U.
Greets
Alex
Nice little compilation.
I am using Garmin Mobile XT and I never found it too slow (except when you're using the preview of turns which then takes too long to switch back to normal view). I have been using it here in Germany as well as in Scotland and it always found a pretty good route (except for a small street on a small scottish island hehe).
I am using a Bluemax GPS receiver.
You forgot to mention Tom Tom which with version 7.915 (I don't remember the build...maybe 9196) has become pretty usable without a fake cursor.
Also regarding my experience...McGuider is the nicer but the less reliable...something you can't thrust in.
GarminXT, is pretty decent to use, and more reliable...as stated by Frauhottelman...sure it isn't the smoother thing you'll see in your life...but, hei, you're running it on a 200 Mhz TI OMAP CPU.
TomTom ...i'm starting hating it...it does whatever it wants...IMO...On my Fuze it simply ignores the settings you set in it...and keep you crossing field roads...LOL.. damn it!
So my 2 cents go for the Garmin.
P.S: Whenever you'll go to the WM Pro platform...my suggest point all theway out for the Igo experience.
Did you test any of these without GPS connected, i´m thinking it could be used as a normal roadmap for finding your way without GPS.
Hey
anybody know why i cant get the device id for my vox in ttnavitor.bif?
flyboy
Murd0ck said:
Did you test any of these without GPS connected, i´m thinking it could be used as a normal roadmap for finding your way without GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were talking to me...only for some seconds, just to see what path did they decide...not in real driving need. Sorry.
TheBo said:
If you were talking to me...only for some seconds, just to see what path did they decide...not in real driving need. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just new users for vox ) - toons of questions, without prior reading - just new phone where user is very new to wm or ever smart phones
m32
dear brothers
do you mean that s710 is GPS enabled ????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no gps built into the vox BUT it has bluetooth + if you have a bluetooth gps mouse like from ebay etc you will have a gps signal as good as or better than most gps enabled cellphones...

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