I've been using Pharos GPS (Ostia) on my PDA for almost 6 years and am very unhappy with the direction they're devoloping the software. As with any GPS program, Pharos posts maps once or twice a year. Typically, but not always, the new maps require an upgraded application. So, I occassionally pay a minor upgrade charge.
I emailed TomTom a number of questions. Besides the fact it took weeks for them to respond (after several emails), their response was uninformative. Here are my basic questions.
The price of TomTom Navigator 6 USA (PDA version) is $149. Do I have to pay $149 each time they release new maps? If not, what is the charge?
Is there a demo available somewhere?
Does anyone know where I can get the program discounted?
Is TomTom the best choice?
My street is finally on the Pharos map! That said, the program has become extremely un-intuitive. I spoke at length to their product manager and software engineer, asserting that they're killing the program by developing it for non-technical users (icons for everything). In their latest release, it takes 10 screens to obtain the same information older versions presented in 3. As a result, I'm using version 7 that came out roughly two years ago. They have released two updates since version 7 and I refuse to use them because they are so bad.
Can't exactly answer your question, but my experience may be relevant.
I have used iGuidance for a couple of years. Originally used the 2.1.3 ? version, and recently upgraded to 3.0.1. I used iG on a couple of X50vs, an 8125, and recently used the new version on a Treo 700Wx.
iGuidance was always solid. Good updated maps, clean and functional interface and map-view--especially on a VGA screen--and overall solid performance.
Gripes: no one-handed operation, although decent button mapping capability, and frustrating BT GPS switching. (I have a couple of different BT GPS receivers and sometimes go back and forth between them.) The BT was mainly a WM5 issue, as it wasn't too much of a problem with WM2003SE, but it has been on both my Treo and my old 8125.
Anyhow (I'm rambling), when I got my Treo, I bought my wife a Palm OS 700P. (Don't ask, long story. :rolling: )
And, unfortunately, iGuidance won't work on the Palm OS. So, I needed to shop for a package for her.
I ended up buying TomTom 6 and an OnCourse BT 359 slim SirfIII BT GPS for about $180.00 total, from buygpsnow.com. (I've previously bought packages from Semsons.com and they're just as good.)
One reason I chose TomTom was that the software worked on Palm OS and WM OS.
So, I installed it on my wife's Treo 700P and it was pretty easy to use. She was able to figure it out without any help. (She had been using iGuidance for a couple of years, too, but TomTom was easier for her.)
I decided to install it on my Treo (while leaving my iGuidance on my PPC, too.) I really was just curious how it worked on WM compared to Palm OS, and to compare it to the new iGuidance. (As an aside, the TomTom license allows two concurrent installations, so no problem with my actions as far as I could determine.)
From what I read on various forums, the maps used my iGuidance are a little newer than those used my the new version of TomTom. (For USA/North America) But, the TomTom are new, too.
The verdict: I'm now using TomTom almost exclusively. The program is very WM5 softkey friendly, the BT connection is almost effortless at turning on and off the BT when you start and end the program. I like seeing my satellite strengh at all times, as it fluctuates a lot where I live. (iGuidance required setting a hardware button or tapping an onscreen icon to show the GPS status.)
Bottom line for me, TomTom isn't perfect, but I keep finding lots of nice little features it has that more than make up for the little issues I have with it.
And, from what I've read, the updates will cost existing TT5 customers about $50.00.
I just submitted the following questions to TomTom support. We'll see what comes back....
I'm currently using Pharos Ostia and am considering switching to another program. I posted questions already, but the answers were a bit vague. Let me try again.
1. What was the price of your last map update?
2. What is the smallest map area I can save on my PDA? I don't want to store the entire United States.
3. Invariably, I will eventually upgrade my PDA to a different model. What is your policy? Is it as simple as re-registering the application on the new PDA?
4. Since you don't have a demo, what is your return policy if I don't like the program?
Here is the dialog between TomTom and me for the past two days. If I am interpreting their policy correctly, how can they succeed as a business? I hope I'm wrong...I should receive clarification tomorrow. Feel free to comment if you know the answer and please share your experience.
I am only pursuing this because TomTom is said to be the best GPS software for the PDA. If my interpretation is correct, I will pass on the product with great disappointment. The dialog reads from bottom to top.
Customer (Jeff Kelly) 12/07/2006 03:19 PM
I think I put too much detail in my last response.
I upgrade my PDA about every 6 months. When doing so, I hard reset the old one and sell it empty. So is my interpretation correct that I will no longer be able to activate the TomTom software I legally own if I upgrade to a new PDA more than twice? Further, am I correct that a PDA failure and subsequent unit replacement from Dell will cost me one of my two licenses?
The software is registered to you and is non-transferrable. We do not support software sold through e-bay. So, in essence, you would lose a license were you to sell it as described in your e-mail. Once a licence has been activated, it has been used and cannot be unregistered. Were you to need to upgrade a device due to a hardware malfunction, etc., we can extend your activation a third time, at our discretion, if you provide us with documentation of ownership of the software.
We do not have a desktop version of the software. We do have TomTom Home, which is an application that runs in conjunction with Navigator 6 to aid in installation and the purchase of online products.
Please let us know if we cna be of further assistance.
With best regards,
The TomTom Customer Support Team
Customer (Jeff Kelly) 12/07/2006 02:42 PM
"The software comes with two licenses, meaning that you can activate the software on two different devices."
I need clarification on the above statement. Does it mean a second PDA or total licenses? In other words, if I decide to sell my PDA on Ebay and purchase another one, did I lose one of the two licenses? Is there a way to unregister a license to keep the two? I upgrade PDAs like people change their socks, so you can see my concern. I'd hate to upgrade to a third PDA (selling the previous two) and learn TomTom can't be licensed even though I am the legal owner. Could you clarify?
Lastly, I beleive you have a desktop version of TomTom correct? If so, does one of the two licenses apply to it?
The price of our last map update was $50.00, as will be the cost of our next map update slated for release later this month.
The smallest map area you can load to your device is a single state. Each state is different in size and therefore different in data size. THe smaller the state, the smaller the file size. You can also load small groupings of states or an entire region. It all depends on your personal needs.
The software comes with two licenses, meaning that you can activate the software on two different devices.
Unfortunately, we do not accept returns on software. If you purchase your software through a different vendor, we would recommend that you check with them regarding their return policy prior to purchasing the software.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
With best regards,
The TomTom Customer Support Team
Customer (Jeff Kelly) 12/05/2006 07:32 AM
I'm currently using Pharos Ostia and am considering switching to another program. I posted questions already, but the answers were a bit vague. Let me try again.
1. What was the price of your last map update?
2. What is the smallest map area I can save on my PDA? I don't want to store the entire United States.
3. Invariably, I will eventually upgrade my PDA to a different model. What is your policy? Is it as simple as re-registering the application on the new PDA?
4. Since you don't have a demo, what is your return policy if I don't like the program?
Has anyone using Tomtom 6 with Hx4700 ? In product's compatibility, the Hx4700 is not listed. Please let me know. Thanks.
TomTom 6 (6.010) works fine on hx4700, even works in landscape mode.
2D map show a lot of area, good for seeing surrounding points of interest, but in VGA is difficult to judge navigation turns, even when it autozooms.
3D is better for navigation, but narrows field of view a bit.
Map scrolling is acceptable with POIs on & very smooth without them.
You can use standard bells/beeps sound notification with each POI category, even your own custom ones, but even better, a hidden feature allows the use of individual sound files (.ogg format) when named the same as the POI file!
I have all UK speed cameras individually categorised, each with its own sound warning, each with different warning distances, when they are within proximity.
(better to be safe, than sorry! :) )
Here is the final exchange between TomTom and me regarding software activations. Read bottom to top.
Customer (Jeff Kelly) 12/08/2006 02:24 PM
Ok, thanks for the clarification. So you know, the "at our discretion" phrase bothers me. In plain English, it means "even though you can prove ownership, we could deny activation." That in itself is the reason I will not purchase TomTom. With Microsoft and other companies who require activation, a phone call is all that is needed if I activate too many times. I understand software piracy requires protective measures, but if I legally own the software and can prove the sale or replacement of my PDA, then I should be able to activate it as many times as needed. In other words, your policy punishes me for the personal choices I make -- like routine PDA upgrades.
Oh well, thanks for the talk. I am disappointed to say the least because I heard your software is the best. Guess I'll have to go with number 2.
If you upgrade your PDA more than twice and request an extended activation, we can request documentation of ownership and, at our discretion, extend your activation. The same holds true of a hardware failure that requires a replacement device, at which time we will ask for documentation demonstrating that your device was replacemd for you due to a hardware issue.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
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