GPS solution for Axim

anspa · 01-12-03, 01:12 AM

Guys, I just got my bundle this morning: Holux GM-270 GPS CF card with external antenna plus Mapopolis platinum for 1 year (all U.S. maps from NavTech) - $220 (arghhhh...) with shipping from http://www.semsons.com (just Holux CF card also available for $185 with shipping)... and it works! Even with limited experience (since this morning) almost 100% smooth operation so far.

What I like:
- quick map loading
- easy map browsing
- generating directions - fast, accurate, close to the routes I am already using
- quick, precise, real-time GPS navigation
- detailed all-US maps available, NavTech quality - great value for $35!

What I do not like so far:
- I could not use "Active Route Guidance" - when it supposed to provide voice directions in real time. That feature stays gray (disabled) in the navigation menu of Mapopolis. Maybe I did something wrong like loaded not a right map or similar, let's see what Mapopolis tech support would say.
- car mount is not included in the bundle.

Anyway.. I am satisfied! That's what retail GPS should look, in my inexperienced opinion of course. I will keep you posted.......

anspa · 01-12-03, 01:21 AM

I guess I just have found answer to my problem on Mapopolis website:

...Enhanced map plus the information necessary to generate driving directions. Navigator maps include the same data as Platinum maps and in addition support dynamic route guidance...

That's not right. Hmm.. That's not right big time...

JakeRich · 01-12-03, 02:40 PM

The Mapopolis that comes bundled with Holux is the Enhanced version, not the Navigator version. Mapopolis has a great upgrade policy, so if you contact them I think you can upgrade to Navigator for the difference in price between the two instead of having to buy a whole new license. Enhanced generates directions, but not voice commands. Navigator provides those voice commands. BTW, the difference between the Holux with and without Mapopolis is the price of Mapopolis Enhanced.

anspa · 01-12-03, 05:22 PM

JakeRich: Thank you for the explanation. That's something I've already figured out (please see my second message). BTW Enhanced version is not part of that bundle, what it supplied is called Platinum+GPS.

In fact the difference between Holux + Platinum Mapopolis bundle and just Holux CF card is $34.95. Mapopolis with GPS navigation costs $44.95 on Mapopolis website.

Mapopolis offered to upgrade my subscription for $55... but it seems to me like buying the same horse twice. Let me explain why. I already paid for the maps. Navigator map itself does not have "voice" commands. The Platinum and Navigator maps are of the same size. I believe the difference between them is only a couple of bytes in the file header. It is not my intention to fix it, I am just not going to use Mapopolis for voice guidance.

In my opinion the bundle would gain a lot of attention if it would include car mount, Navigator maps and would be priced at $199. Those guys are just loosing a lot of potential sales, but the products are still very good.

anspa · 01-14-03, 08:52 AM

A tip from an insider: starting tomorrow, 01/15/03, most likely Mapopolis's Navigator price will jump to $149.95. So if anybody is still thinking, it may be a bargain at $99.95 right now...........................