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Hy!
I was wondering out if tomtom is running over every kind of bt GPS device or not. And, in such a case, which device to buy.
Grazie!
You can buy whatever BT GPS device you want with TomTom.
No problem
Any suggestion? Best HW?
Tanks
I've bought the BT GPS receiver from the Route66 site (http://www.66.com).
It works flawlessy and is quite inexpensive (~150 Euro) compared to similar devices, most of which come in bundle with the software. If what you need is just the hardware, go for it.
Ciao.
Have a look at this article on GpsPasSion : GPS Chipsets Compared
You'll see that the last SiRF Chipset is the best one : SiRFstar III
An example of product : Globalsat BT-338
I use a XAiOX Wonde-X Bluetooth GPS with Nemerix chipset (16 satellites, lasting 18 hours).
Works like a charm with Tomtom and also quite cheap on ebay. Bought mine for 70 Euro.
Cheers
Mundl
Have a look at the test on GpsPasSion, Nemerix chipset has been compare to SiRFstar III... and unfortunately the results of Nemerix chipset aren't very good
"Let's start with the problems and it appears that the NemeriX chipset as tested with the iTrek is having a hard time producing a clean GPS position even though it kept the fix with a good number of satellites throughout, it's all over the place really and it's going to be difficult for the navigation software to give meaningful guidance at times and you will likely see some confusing map rotation."
I cannot follow that bad results of the test of GPSpassion. I bought it because of positive feedback in www.pocketnavigation.de and I must say that the performance is better than that of my former GPS mouse.
Cheers,
Mundl
I currently have a Blue Angel and I'm considering upgrading to an Orbit 2.
How would the performance compare between the 2? They're both 400MHz, but I just wondered how the Qualcomm is compared to the XScale?
Apart from the video driver issue, are there any other problems with it? I'd mainly be usig it for a phone, and running Tomtom.
Thanks!
Seriously... Don't bother!
LOL...it's that bad?
Can you explain why?
You will miss your qwerty. I don't know your Blue Angel, But my TC (i think all PocketPCs) has a delay when somebody calls you. Your phone will ring/vibrate after the one who calls you hears the first ring. So if somebody just gives you a call with one ring (bip) you won't hear it! Is it the same in your case, or mine is special? Maybe somebody else with TC can confirm/infirm this...
Yea, mine sort of have that sort of dealy.
I don't use my QWERTY keyboard anyway so that's not a problem.
the_scotsman said:
LOL...it's that bad?
Can you explain why?
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Just everything about it...
The build quality is terrible. Feels like a new hobbyist threw it together in 5 mins.
It seriously underperforms compared to my Old SE P990i and older XDA's
The modifications o2 have made to the software are rubbish.
I'm miffed I didn't hold out for the SE X1i
^ In your opinion, yes its not perfect, the screen is less than ideal but the build quality is great I think. Much better than my old SE P series phone which used to creak whenever squeezed etc and the flush screen is better than orbit 1
But I would hold out for the Diamond
I want the built in GPS, and the Diamond prices ae too much for what it is...
Any other decent HTCs with built in GPS?
the_scotsman said:
I currently have a Blue Angel and I'm considering upgrading to an Orbit 2.
How would the performance compare between the 2? They're both 400MHz, but I just wondered how the Qualcomm is compared to the XScale?
Apart from the video driver issue, are there any other problems with it? I'd mainly be usig it for a phone, and running Tomtom.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just switched from a Hermes/Tytn to the Orbit2. HardSPL'd it and installed the WM6.1 that's been floating about here and installed TomTom.
Losing the keyboard is a bit annoying (on screen is usable, but nowhere near as good) - but I realized I very rarely typed anything and smaller sized massively outweighs it.
GPS works very well - especially as Quick GPS which really does work.
Downsides:
Lost keyboard.
Upsides:
GPS - now just not having to lug around and charge my BT GPS module, but now much faster and lets me do all manner of stuff (geo-tag photos with a reg tweak), GPS trackers allowing me to see where I've been in google maps blah blah.
Much better camera - not so much the 2M -> 3M change - but AUTOFOCUS.
SMALLER - now it's not a small phone, but it's not an f'in brick like the last one.
No real difference noticed between the processors. Latest 6.1 I put on my Hermes made it lovely and snappy - and performs exactly the same on the Polaris. Only reservation I've got with the polaris is the screen res (i.e. same old rubbish). Not entirely convinced Hi-res WM is much better though after playign with colleagues PDAs - I've got an ipod touch and THAT is what i'd want somehow wedged into my phone..
In summary, if you want a phone now, I'd definitely get the XDA. If you can wait maybe see how Diamond and 3G iPhone stack up.
#edit - and build quality on my XDA (at least) is perfect. Nice solid feeling thing, love the slightly rubberized case.
Thanks very much for your opinion...I think I might just go with the Orbit 2 after all...a VGA screen would be nice, but I'm happy enough to have the standard one...and it's a little smaller than my BLue Angel so that's always a benefit.
Seriously this is an outstanding device. Software is software and any issues can 99% of the time be sorted with it and normally are, especially when you browse around these forums. Also bare in mind that all these devices now use windows mobile so I don't understand why someone would fault the Orbit 2 over another windows mobile device because of the software it comes with.....anyway the hardware itself is exceptional, I've posted a mini review if you look through my post history and there's plenty of in-depth reviews out there.
Losing the keyboard is a good thing in my opinion. A keyboard isn't necessary, its just as easy (if not easier) to use the software input (my personal preference is a T9 style pad that learns words and is very quick to use with just one hand like a normal phone) and obviously you save on weight and bulk.
The Orbit 2 looks great, is extremely responsive and comfortable to use and in my opinion is the best windows mobile device availible at this time.
Quick edit! - regarding the SW, the rom that the O2 Orbit 2 comes with is actually fine anyway, i've never encountered any issues with it - it would be nice to have the threaded SMS that 6.1 has but aside from that its fine and works great. Cheers!
SOunds like you're pretty damn happy with it then
So the 200MHz processor isn't an issue? Still responds well? Thing like TOmtom run well?
The Orbit 2 has a 400MHz CPU, it was the original Orbit that had 200 -it also has twice the amount of memory. TomTom was perfectly useable on the original Orbit but it noticeably runs smoother on the Orbit 2 - The Orbit 2 is a lot better at managing multiple tasks at the same time.
I was in two minds before upgrading becasue I had the original Orbit and wasn't sure if I'd get my money's worth. I was going to send it back if I wasn't happy with it. I'm more than happy with it though as you can tell! its a great device. You've always got that 14 day cooling period with O2 anyway so you may as well give it a go for yourself.
doh...you're right...I was thinking of the original Orbit.
No 14 day cooling off for me..I'm in Australia so the only way to get at a decent price is eBay.
I think I've been convinced to get the Orbit 2...just a pity it doesn't have VGA...and the diamond will probably be a fair amount more than the Orbit 2
Actually a the Diamond will be cheaper then the Polaris/Orbit2... But my oppinion is that the VGA is too much on a 2.8" screen...
The Orbit 2 is a damn good toy... after tuning the cache and graphic settings..speed was even better than before..
also gps works great...a lot of stuff in a small little case...
I am also happy with my orbit 2, copilot in mo is better then tomtom i have both installed.
I like golive's interface and extra settings plus the website for tracking is a good feature.
The Software available is none stop from here and other sources, unlike the iphone i had that you could only load decentish software if you hacked it..
a couple of minor gripes, the screen is a little shiny for sunny day use and the camera could be alot better.
apart from that i am very happy with it, let hops the diamond touch flo 3d becomes available then that will make this device look great.
the hsdpa speed is great when in the right areas, 50k download speed from my laptop...
the gps seems acurate enough, fast on a warm start as well.
its performance could be a little better but overall its very good.
I would install opera mini as i have found this much better then ie and opera mobile for day to day use.
as for the missing keyboard, try touchpal or the diamond keyboards, also make sure you adjust the sensivity of the screen do a search on here, i think the keyboard is great been software as you can load loads of different types and type quicker with the stylus on some over a flip out keyboard.
the flip out keyboard types can be a little thicker as well you cannot replace or remap keys like a software keyboard so there are plus's and minus's to both concepts...
if you type alot then get a bluetooth keyboard, or a laptop.....
i don't think you will b unhappy with your purchase...
Actually imho any HTC device when just introduced will very rarely be upto my expectation and initially i am always dissapointed,for the first few days,its just a matter of customizing(a heart felt thanks to this forum for teaching us how too) to our personal choice and then i just can't seem to live without them.When i took the Cruise i returned it the next day,very dissapointed with the handset,nothing it could do(and in the factory state it could'nt domuch)was enough,I thought that my Kaiser was far better,then after going through the Cruise forum went and picked it up again,customized it and now wonder how did I ever think negatively abbout this handset,I just love it the feel of it in my hand and also the perfomance,ended up keeping both the Kaiser and Cruise without regrets.
HI all! Any of you using MWg Zinc II? I am thinking of buying it but would like to know whether is it good or not. Any of you using Zinc II and experience problems? Can you watch youtube videos on Zinc II?
Why not have a read of this thread? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441449
Mike
mikealder said:
Why not have a read of this thread? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=441449
Mike
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Hi Mike! Thanks a lot for taking time to reply. You are a MWg Zinc II user? I am currently using O2 XDA Zinc. I am planning to get a new MWg Zinc II PDA. I have a lot of problems with WM6 O2 XDA Zinc. So far have you experience any problems with your MWg Zinc II? A lot of people complain that after setting the password, your phone cannot recognise your password at all. Meaning to say u cannot set a password to your Zinc or else you wont be able to unlock it when it locks. Do you have this problem?
yoho.... anybody out there using a MWg Zinc II?
Did you read what I put in the thread I linked to above:
The Zinc-II is a decent device for the price, BUT the GPS takes quite some time to acquire its initial position fix, and if you go into areas where the signal coverage is weak it will quickly lose the signal.
The keyboard is useless, it is like typing on a slab of illuminated plastic there is no feedback from the keys at all.
The screen is one of the best I have seen on a PDA, very vibrant colours and excellent contrast, battery life is good, although the battery meter seems to have a mind of its own
I have been using the Zinc-II for a number of months now, it is far from the best device, but for the price it is a good buy - Mike
mikealder said:
Did you read what I put in the thread I linked to above:
The Zinc-II is a decent device for the price, BUT the GPS takes quite some time to acquire its initial position fix, and if you go into areas where the signal coverage is weak it will quickly lose the signal.
The keyboard is useless, it is like typing on a slab of illuminated plastic there is no feedback from the keys at all.
The screen is one of the best I have seen on a PDA, very vibrant colours and excellent contrast, battery life is good, although the battery meter seems to have a mind of its own
I have been using the Zinc-II for a number of months now, it is far from the best device, but for the price it is a good buy - Mike
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Click to collapse
Yup. I read it. I have a question. A lot of people complain that after setting the password, your Zinc II cannot recognise your password at all. Meaning to say u cannot set a password to your Zinc or else you wont be able to unlock it when it locks. Do you have this problem?
No I don't have that problem, but I don't lock the device with a pin code, it serves little point IMHO - Mike
mikealder said:
No I don't have that problem, but I don't lock the device with a pin code, it serves little point IMHO - Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for enlightening me. Have a great day.
Hmm. Just got mine a couple days ago and have not noticed any issues with the gps being slow. Drove around with it yesterday (tom tom 7 NA) and it was pinpoint accurate with no lag at all. You can not get a better standalone receiver. Keyboard could have another line added but overall it is one huge step up from that t9 garbage and it looks great too.
Youtube mobile when opened in IE plays just fine using Core Player 1.2.5 build 4506. As well, the latest Skyfire browser comes with built-in books for news, sports, social, and video sites (10 for video alone (blog-lol)).
RETURNED MINE!
It is not that the MWg Zinc is a bad device - it is ok. However, it has some (design) flaws which really drove me nuts!
For example:
Unlike its sister models ETEN M750 and ETEN M810, the MWg Zinc II has no hardware softkeys beneath the screen! If you enjoyed playing java games on other PDA phones, forget it - it is almost impossible because of the lack of above mentioned keys. You sure still can open the keypad and use the hw softkeys there, however, that is really inconvenient!
A second design flaw:
Take a close look at thye keyboard. It looks cool at first but the moment you're starting to use it, you will most likely do what I did in the end: working with the on screen keyboard rather than with the hardware keyboard. The symbols are strangely arranged. Already the arrow keys are almost useless since they are "second level", meaning: you have always to use the FN button first! Using them for scrolling in documents or web browser won't be possible. You most likely will find almost all other symbols 'misplaced' as well. Even after 2 weeks using the device on a dayly basis I haven't gotten used to the strange arrangement.
A QVGA screen in these days is also not what I would expect in a $450.00+++ device!
If above things do not bother you as much as it did bother me, well, then you can expect a very reliable device with excellent performance and long battery life! GPS worked excellent, better than on my N95. I still was not really happy with the audio quality but it is more than loud enough and it might even have been my network provider.
Well,
I still think the Zinc II is a good device, however, the design flaws made it to a 'I-can't-work-with-it' device for me. Besides that, I find it a bit overpriced since you can get the ETEN M810 for US$399.00 on eBay - and that one has the hw softkeys beneath the screen + a front camera for video calls ...
The zinc is now only $300 on expansys. I don't gas about games to begin with, so fewer hrdware keys is not an issue. The keyboard IS somewhat redundant as I never use it really. Would have bought the touch hd but it is still at the $700+ mark.
I can run tomtom7 all day and still have plenty juice. A true 480x640 screen at 24 bit depth would be nice but would require 2 batteries and from what I can tell most phones have bat issues when they try and cram every hardware thing in.
Interestingly enough voice command is not present and nor is the advertized usp-pc direct capability (activesync is the only way).
I bought mine for the faster cpu (my last was an omap 850 way the **** toooo slow), winmo6.1 touch screen, and of course the solid sirf III chip.
It is a very user friendly piece of hrdware which under the latest rom is also very stabile.
I've got the Zinc II, Wondering if its the same as any other devices, it hard to fine it listed in many websites or support forums
I'm looking to get a registry hack similar to the kaiser to speed up keyboard response, and to shut off LED coverage indicator.
Thanks
Hi all,
not been here for ages. anyhow,
i am getting a varioIV on saturday, i was wondering should i carry on using my sat nav (if it works) with the external gps unit or use it with the phones gps.
i ask because i have breifly read about lag with internal gps, and it would be no big issue for me to use the external still.
if i want to use the internal i can use it with google maps or something.
i am actually dilemming over the touch pro or touch HD.
any suggestions greatfully appreciated.
mahender
Use either depending upon the access of the situation.
An external unit will provide a faster performance and a better receiver thereby returning better precision. When not in a car and at a much slower pace, use the internal when you need a quick fix for a location.
GPS issue
Great Question,the forums are full of fear for the built in gps on touch pro devices! However the vast majority of these quotes are 2008, I just picked up an 02 serra (touchpro) and it works great, the first ever gps link on googlemaps took about 5 minutes and the second ten miles away was around fifteen seconds. My tomtom gps receiver has been gifted to my (happy!) eleven year old!
Hmm, if you ask me, I would recommend trying the internal GPS first to see whether it works to your liking or not, then buying an external receiver if it doesn't.
See, I prefer internal GPS due to sheer convenience. I only have to charge one device and I only have to carry one device. However, it is true that external GPS receivers are just way better. I have an i.Trek M6 GPS receiver that works so well, it can get a signal deep inside my house, and it can do it quickly. The Touch Pro, on the other hand, eh...
Concerning the Touch Pro/HD, I would prefer the HD, but that's because I love WVGA phones. They're definitely not for everyone, though, and I would suggest you research each device carefully in order to make an informed decision.
thanks for your suggestions guys,
i have co pilot from my old vario 2 days just move it along with each phone.
i will keep this in the car and use that. then when im out and about i will use google maps with the internal gps.
as for my decision, i like them both i am unsure of the size and practicality of the HD but love the screen and hope the interface is good.
but i really love the qwerty key vario 4.
and i know beleive the HD is free on t-mobile woohoo.
it is also the carrying aspect HD big (ish) and the touch pro fat(ish) i think i will go and see them in the store.
thanks....
Hi!
I want to buy a 2nd hand Touch Pro, to use as a GPS.
I want to know what's the best and fast GPS software for this device.
Thanks!
tomtom seem to be liked by many
google maps
its free
Navicomputer is awesome if you don't have a data plan. Hell, it's awesome if you do have a data plan.
Hum tomtom or navicomputer... ok.
What about IGO?
Do you think that is a good device to replace my touch dual?
The earlier problems with GPS lag are solved??
Thanks!
I just bought Copilot Live 8 for $24.99. It's on sale right now and was $20 around thanksgiving. The reviews I saw for it seemed pretty good too.
sorry to change the subject, but why not buy a stand-alone GPS device? it will be cheaper and you'll most likely have a larger screen and a louder speaker than what's on the touch pro.
I also think that if u want to use it only as gps, just buy a gps, it's better then any pda. If u want to use the other functions of the touch pro tho, the gps in it is not that bad
and to the question - i use IGO 8, very good software with very good maps
If I buy the TPro, it will replace my Touch Dual.
Then, I wont need to have a solo GPS device.
OK, between TomTom or IGO, wich one is faster?
Depending on where you're located, I would also add Garmin Mobile XT if you're in the US.
It performs just as good as the Nuvi standalone units and uses the same, trustworthy routing system.
It also has nice online features, such as traffic, gas prices, google local search, etc.
I also love iGo's interface, especially since you can have different skins to make it even better. The biggest downfall for me is the routing. Some of the routes it has picked for me just don't make sense. And also the ETA on trips always seems to be off until you're close to your destination.
I liked iGo and Destinator! I used them on the Kaiser and liked how they work!