mastaboywonder

I've read a lot about receivers and such, but what about mapping software? What is the best? and why? I want to knw from everyone
I'm running a X51V that I just bought.

dlweston

There is no best as none of these programs are perfect. Depending on your preferences, one may be better than another. Example 1, many people complain about the 3D map in OnCourse Navigator version 5 not displaying street names. I do not use the 3D display and think the space used to program it is totally wasted, so that is not a big deal to me. Example 2, I prefer OCN5, because nobody comes close to matching their map compression. I want to load the USA and Canada maps and never have to mess with it again. The USA plus Canada Seamless map only takes slightly more than 1GB of space. Other programs take 2 GB or more for the same maps.

0gopogo

Example 3, many people incl. me do not like the OCN activation requirement. Example 4, compression is not an issue for people who have enough storage. Speed is. Example 5, iGuidance does not allow you to zoom out far enough. Mapopolis and Garmin Que do; I don't know about OCN. Example 6, iGuidance and, from what I have seen but not experienced, OCN, have very nice and "finger friendy" human interfaces, which is very nice to have if you absolutely must interact with the software while driving. The list goes on, and on.

dlweston is right. "Best" is a very personal predicate.

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Transcendental x50v: 4 + 8 GB SD and CF Transcend cards

mastaboywonder

I didn't mean to say that one was better than the other, but i'm a first timer looking for software and hardware. So I could use recommendations on both, but I mainly want to hear about the mapping software. So I'd like to know what people are using, what they think, pros and cons of their softwares. Also any recommendations on where to shop for budles or hardware/software independently would help.

Thanks all who reply :approve:

alzellogin

Hi!

I have also a x51v and use iGuidance. It's simple to use, have all features i need..
take a look:
http://www.inavcorp.com/products/iguidance2.html

alanstrand

I have the oncourse package for my X51v. Aside from ordering the wrong map the first time, i havent had any problems. I've tried other software (TomTom 2004, and TomTom 5) and OnCourse looks a lot better on the vga screen. Not saying this should be your only reason to buy the software but it weighed in heavily when i made my choice. Some things i dont like about On Course; You cant change the voice giving you directions like you can with TomTom, again a small issue; Also one of OnCourse's selling points when you are looking is the speed limit function. This is suppose to let you know when you are past the speed limit, etc. After i bought it, i came to realize that this would only work in larger metropolitan areas. ( I live in Southern Minnesota) But aside from those 2 small problems, its been rock solid.

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Owned PDAs
Dell Axim X5 Advanced
Dell Axim X50 (2003)
Dell Axim X51v (WM 5.0)
Ipaq 3800

kulnet

If I had to buy today, I would most likely go with Iguidance. That's just my two cents.

AximTT

From my experience with iGuidance, TomTom and OCN, iGuidance seems to be most stable and problem free.

bryanbellis

I've used Mapopolis, and hated the interface and graphics, but many swear by it. I've used TomTom 3 on PPC, TomTom for Palm (4) and TomTom5 currently. I love it, have no problems at all, find it very stable, and the mapping as good as other products. Most of the software vendors use one of two companies for the map data (damn, what's their names?), and they're always out of date by a tad, but it hasn't bothered me too much. Great purchase.

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Axim X30H (Nice) - Sold
XDA Orbit - Very sweet
Palm IIIx (for if the Orbit goes on strike!)
Ex Palm T3 owner

EngrPaul

I'm like you, I want the best. I'm [almost] willing to pay whatever that costs. Right now I use OCN5.

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"I'm a perfectionist, but not very good at it yet."

AweStun

I use iGuidance and like it alot.. but I used to use TomTom but the new version won't work with my CF gps.. But I liked the interface better for in the car.. Larger buttons and street input method.

cbs01

I use iGuidance and find it wonderful.

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mastaboywonder

If I don't have time to order online, (say a trip that's happening right away) where can i find iGuidance software in stores? or Tom tom?

n1oty

You've got nothing to lose by downloading the Mapopolis demo. The software is free and they allow you to download two county maps for a nine day tryout. I believe that this is the only major program on the market that allows this try before you buy approach. I have personally used this program on a daily basis every work day to route myself to customers houses throughout Mass and RI. I haven't opened a paper street atlas in ages.

John

sportster44

I've found OCN 5 to be very stable and the maps are up to date.