The new TomTom ONE all in one navigation system is currently retailing for £199 (and can be got for less if you shop around). For that money you get the maps for your region, built in SiRFstar III GPS Reciver, cradle for the car plus charging lead, TomTom Navigator software and a screen that works perfectly in direct sunlight.
If you want to purchase TomTom Navigator for your PDA you are looking at £80 for the software, £60 for the GPS Receiver, £20 for the PDA charging lead and £20 for the windscreen cradle. Total- £180.
If you want something different you can get Navicore Personal for £100 (+£100 for the receiver, charger and cradle) total £200 or Route 66 for £100 (+ the bits mentioned above) total £200.
Am I missing something here because besides the ability to advance plan a trip (as you always have your phone with you) you get the advantage of no crashes, more expansion card space and a device that is ultra stable and usable in all conditions.
Yes you are
that’s missing something.
Unfortunately, there is an increase in thefts from cars, where the thieves go for navigation systems. The cost of a new system, new window and cleaning your car, removing broken glass is too high for my comfort. With a dedicated navigator you are advised to hide both the device and the cradle when leaving the car.
I am running Wayfinder on my N70, which I carry with me anywhere,. a Bluetooth GPS is hidden in the car.
I would love a situation where I could just leave my Satnav in the car and not have to worry, but until then, I am happy with a all in one device.
Regards, Michael
(From my E61)
Comment by Michael — September 11, 2006 @ 8:13 pm
You should try Nav4all…
The E61 release is now available and it’s free !
You can find more details on my blog (sorry, it’s in french) or directly to the Nav4All website : http://www.nav4all.com
Comment by Pierre-Olivier — September 11, 2006 @ 8:34 pm
I would like to inform you that I have started publishing a new blog dedicated to Nokia E61 which is in Turkish. I would like to thank you about the inspiration the pioneer E61 blog sites like yours have given to me.
e61turkiye.blogspot.com
Comment by Melih — September 11, 2006 @ 8:36 pm
This is exactly the question I am facing.
I am using “Nav4all” and waiting for New Version of “Tara”, I tried “Wayfinder” and almost purchase “Route 66″ before I read review of “Which?. What is the benefit of GPS software?
Comment by Yasu — September 11, 2006 @ 8:56 pm
Not only can you plan your trips anytime or anywhere with Navigation Software on your Phone you always have your full address book with you and don’t have to type in your destination.
I don’t know if you can sync your standalone navi with Outlook and even if you can it would mean a second device you have to sync.
You can use a dedicated card for the maps, even with the E61 it doesn’t take more than 30 seconds to change a card.
I have used TomTom 5 for 2 years on a Tungsten C and it didn’t crash once. Don’t know about S60.
Comment by Bernd — September 12, 2006 @ 8:28 am
It’s not GPS enabled (well I don’t think) but
http://www.uk.map24.com/ is free and pretty neat, works great on my E61.
Comment by Charles Knight — September 12, 2006 @ 7:18 pm
Your question is a good one.
Guess Navicore and Route 66 should cut theire prices a bit.
Ive never wanted a dedicated GPS sollution - simply because i want all that i can have in one box ..
My dream;
3mpix camera with autofocus
Wlan
3G
GPS
So far no cellphone exist with all the features :-X
Comment by Trond — September 12, 2006 @ 9:28 pm
Go with a standalone. It will just work. You won’t need to worry about keeping two devices charged while they both use bluetooth. You won’t need to worry about crashes or losing your nav if the phone rings. You’ll also get a better screen and easier to use buttons.
Comment by Drew — October 12, 2007 @ 7:28 am