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iboar
USA
382 Posts |
 Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 06:20:15
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I disagree with lizard_weasle. I didn't see the so-called sneak preview, but as Lamar states rather clearly it was not for or of the PPC version. To think that they will greatly improve the GUI when it has not improved much at all in the last two years is rather naive, in my opinion. Every time we have asked for real GUI improvements they have been shot down. I know they are working on software for other companies, and I assume this probably includes standalone boxes made by others. I also know that in the past certain improvements have been shot down with the explanation that they would violate agreements between Mapopolis and other companies. With all this in mind, I doubt seriously that we will ever see a truly good GUI on this PPC product.
Mapopolis is really very functional, but it will never be a contender against products that are slicker looking and much easier and more intuitive to use. Let's face it, this is a top notch product if you have the time to work with it and learn it's menu system. I'm used to difficult menu systems with HAM radios, but just like Mapopolis you better have everything pre-programmed before you start driving. Once your car is in motion you cannot do much with Mapopolis. A better GUI would allow for at least some functionality while driving, but you cannot even make simple changes the way the GUI is now without pulling off the road and using a stylus. I don't know about the rest of you, but that is a MAJOR obstacle to the usefulness of this product when driving around a metropolis like the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I really like the new Garmin commercials that show a human finger as the best tool for navigation. If Mapopolis would simply get a freaking clue and add some finger controls the product would be a lot more usable. I know they have the splashscreen with a few buttons, but they need a lot more and they need them to be easily accessible. Forget about using the mechanical buttons as these vary with each PPC model and usually don't work as well as large GUI buttons.
I realize I'm probably talking to a wall here as there seems to be a core group of users who always take Mapopolis' side. And amazingly enough, they seem to be the only users Mapopolis really listens to. But just once I wished Mapopolis would listen to those of us who have been requesting a usable interface for SEVERAL releases. I'm really sick of the Microsoft style of attitude wherein they tell us what we want rather than listen to what we want. Either that or we get a long list of excuses why they won't create a user friendly interface.
Of course this is probably a moot point because even if they decided to finally create a new interface it would take them at least a year to release it, probably two years as slow as they have historically been.
Thanks,
Jack Swinden (W5JCK, HAM operator)
See My Themes and Skins for Palms and PocketPCs at http://www.jackswinden.com
iPAQ 2495B | 256mb SD card | Mapopolis Navigator 4.7 | NC Maps | i.Trek SGR-605 Mouse |
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joshua362
USA
84 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 07:23:33
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quote:
Originally posted by JakeRich
quote:
Originally posted by joshua362
I used it extensivly this week on a couple of long trips and it seems fine outside of a few crashes that apparently only affects the Dell's. The few bug fixes around searches I pointed out in 4.70 appear to be fixed. I for one would be extremely happy if they never added another feature but fixed the crashing and water display issues...
Dell x50v, WM2003SE, 1GB CF & SD, Garmin BT GPS10, 4.71.05 beta, NGC / 07 Maps
On the other hand, I use it practically every day on my Dell X50v and it has never crashed. I suspect the crashing may be associated with some other software somehow.
Well this is postive news! However, I've sent every report and bug/diagnotisc file off to RIS and he has responded that its a known issue and that they were narrowing down the cause of it. Jake - are you running WM5 or 2003SE? I'd be glad to hard reset and start over if a software conflict was the cause of this. But RIS doubts that any other running software was the cause, even a MP3 player that I normally run at the same time when I travel. Thanks again.
Dell x50v, WM2003SE, 1GB CF & SD, Garmin BT GPS10, 4.71.05 beta, NGC / 07 Maps |
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paqrat
USA
90 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 15:15:15
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iboar is correct. There have been NO GUI improvments for the PPC. The PPC is the only platform I use so I don't care about Palm improvments. The industry is moving away from Palm. Lamar talked about "trickling" I think that might be too strong a word to use here - more like a V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W drip. I have hung there for 4 years. The software works well on my iPAQ 3955 but I use it on my motorcycle and need finger buttons. Mapopolis won't go "open source". That was suggested over a year ago. Many suggestions have been made for a "real GUI" by several folks on this forum. The only graphic change that I've seen is the splash screen - which I don't use. Ris got to close. I need to stop here......Good luck to Mapopolis and all the beta testers.
"iPAQ 3955 Radio Shack DigiTravler receiver 1 gig SD card 20 gig HD - Arkon Powered PDA Mount" |
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lamar@mapopolis.com
USA
2508 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 16:10:55
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So, did any of you that tried the .05 version get to play with the rotating menus? (I can't post it again because we have licensing issues involved - it can apparently make available every map in our inventory, and we don't have an agreement that covers that capability. It doesn't fit in with an existing product.)
I can't say the future is rotating menus, but that's one way to get finger friendly menus.
Lamar
What I'm using now: Palm - LifeDrive and Treo 650, Pocket PC - Axim X50v, Smartphone - MPX200, NEW - Globalsat BT-328, consumer grade GPS with good performance and good price - Coming (borrowed) Motorola Q.
"Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it."
~ Ned Rorem |
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paqrat
USA
90 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 18:20:49
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I missed that version. I'm afraid That would have only wetted my appitite with out beding her down. Let me see if I have the correct picture here. You can't improve the PPC product because of licensing issues? Who has the rights?
"iPAQ 3955 Radio Shack DigiTravler receiver 1 gig SD card 20 gig HD - Arkon Powered PDA Mount" |
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lamar@mapopolis.com
USA
2508 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 18:43:02
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Hi, Pagrat,
Where did you get that from? Hmm... Okay, let's try that again. It's a veiwer for a related product that does not exist yet. How and if it will be sold is an internal Mapopolis descision. That certain features, like the rotating menus or yet another configuration of nested, finger friendly menus with fingerable text entry fields, will probably be added to the regular version is highly likely. That it will be used as a testbed for new features in the mainline viewer is almost certain. That it points toward future development on the PPC/Smartphone platform is not certain. We are looking at our options now, and I hope to have more information for you later this summer. We are still committed to creating and selling a NavCardlike product for Pocket PCs and Smartphones this year.
Was that a better explanation?
Lamar
What I'm using now: Palm - LifeDrive and Treo 650, Pocket PC - Axim X50v, Smartphone - MPX200, NEW - Globalsat BT-328, consumer grade GPS with good performance and good price - Coming (borrowed) Motorola Q.
"Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it."
~ Ned Rorem |
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welmoed
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 18:47:30
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Lamar,
I managed to snag the illicit version and it's running very nicely on my HP 2215. Is the rotating menu thing an option I can't find for some reason? Or isn't it available on my unit because I'm not running WM5?
Also, is the development slowdown going to affect the release of new maps? I have no idea what your upgrade cycle is on maps.
--Welmoed
iPaq 2215, Pharos GPS |
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deichenlaub
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 19:04:00
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I'm wondering exactly what the real issue is here.
Those who are experiencing crashes / water inversion / other serious bugs have a legitimate complant. Those who don't like the user interface or feature set don't. Mapapolis is what it is. It will be what it will be. We live in a free market. We can all make our own decisions. Personally, I like Mapapolis for it's support, open Beta programs, free software (free updates!), good maps, and fast lean operating philosophy. But all this has been said several times here.
Maybe there's an elephant in the room that we don't want to talk about. I have quit jobs, and I have been fired from jobs. Ris' leaving has triggered some memories. But my memories and feelings have nothing to do with Mapapolis. I must say, Ris took the high road in how he announced his leaving. He's a class act. We all like him. Let's wish him and Mapapolis well. It's time to move on.
HP iPAQ 2490 / WM5 / Mapopolis / GlobalSAT BC-337 (Holux CF GPS) |
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gordias
United Kingdom
137 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 19:09:44
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quote:
Originally posted by welmoed
I managed to snag the illicit version and it's running very nicely on my HP 2215. Is the rotating menu thing an option I can't find for some reason? Or isn't it available on my unit because I'm not running WM5?
Also, is the development slowdown going to affect the release of new maps? I have no idea what your upgrade cycle is on maps.
Use the Quick Menu and go from there, you should get the hang of it! (Working from memory - I gave up that version, damn.)
Vodafone V1620 WM2003SE / GlobalSat BT 338 GPS |
Edited by - gordias on 16 juil. 2006 19:10:39 |
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welmoed
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 19:16:18
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Sorry, Gordias... I'm afraid your hint was a bit too obtuse. I've already gone through all the setting screens and fail to see any relevant option for rotating a menu.
--Welmoed
iPaq 2215, Pharos GPS |
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JakeRich
USA
584 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 19:25:02
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quote:
Originally posted by joshua362
quote:
Originally posted by JakeRich
quote:
Originally posted by joshua362
I used it extensivly this week on a couple of long trips and it seems fine outside of a few crashes that apparently only affects the Dell's. The few bug fixes around searches I pointed out in 4.70 appear to be fixed. I for one would be extremely happy if they never added another feature but fixed the crashing and water display issues...
Dell x50v, WM2003SE, 1GB CF & SD, Garmin BT GPS10, 4.71.05 beta, NGC / 07 Maps
On the other hand, I use it practically every day on my Dell X50v and it has never crashed. I suspect the crashing may be associated with some other software somehow.
Well this is postive news! However, I've sent every report and bug/diagnotisc file off to RIS and he has responded that its a known issue and that they were narrowing down the cause of it. Jake - are you running WM5 or 2003SE? I'd be glad to hard reset and start over if a software conflict was the cause of this. But RIS doubts that any other running software was the cause, even a MP3 player that I normally run at the same time when I travel. Thanks again.
Dell x50v, WM2003SE, 1GB CF & SD, Garmin BT GPS10, 4.71.05 beta, NGC / 07 Maps
WM 2003SE, no music player. I use SBP to launch programs from Today and PocketBreeze to display my calendar. One or the other actually shuts down things when I tap the upper right X instead of letting them get pushed into the background. I usually have about 20 meg of free memory when I start Mapopolis. My maps are 2-3 years old, but they work perfectly and in my area the changes are slow or I don't go through those changed areas that much. I typically open up about 20-30 counties at a time, although on longer trips I open up 2-3 states at a time. |
Edited by - JakeRich on 16 juil. 2006 19:25:42 |
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gordias
United Kingdom
137 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 21:07:45
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quote:
Originally posted by welmoed
Sorry, Gordias... I'm afraid your hint was a bit too obtuse. I've already gone through all the setting screens and fail to see any relevant option for rotating a menu.
No, seriously, several of the selections from the Quick Menu screen gave you new Quick-Menu-style screens, with some graphic arrows indicating that you could go back or select, or something. Not trying to be overly subtle or anything here - I only saw the feature briefly, commented on it here, and then overwrote the installer when Lamar reposted.
Hope this helps!
Vodafone V1620 WM2003SE / GlobalSat BT 338 GPS |
Edited by - gordias on 16 juil. 2006 21:08:58 |
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Lizard_weasel
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 21:16:50
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quote:
Originally posted by lamar@mapopolis.com
So, did any of you that tried the .05 version get to play with the rotating menus? (I can't post it again because we have licensing issues involved - it can apparently make available every map in our inventory, and we don't have an agreement that covers that capability. It doesn't fit in with an existing product.)
I can't say the future is rotating menus, but that's one way to get finger friendly menus.
Lamar
What I'm using now: Palm - LifeDrive and Treo 650, Pocket PC - Axim X50v, Smartphone - MPX200, NEW - Globalsat BT-328, consumer grade GPS with good performance and good price - Coming (borrowed) Motorola Q.
"Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it."
~ Ned Rorem
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of overwriting the isntall file assuming it was basically the same thing with some compilation corrections. Not like me as I usually keep at least the last couple beta's on file just in case.
I saw the new map management system and was able to get it to work, albeit I found it a bit cumbersome. Since the file was updated before I actually used it for any navigation I never got to see any of the rotating menus.
Axim x51v, A12 ROM/Globalsat BT-338 Bluetooth GPS/2gb PNY SD card/2gb Kingston CF card/Mapopolis 4.71.05 with NE maps. |
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lamar@mapopolis.com
USA
2508 Posts |
Posted - 17 juil. 2006 : 05:14:09
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Hi, Gordias,
Actually it was post about three pages back by you that mentioned "finger friendly menus" that made me think WHAT finer friendly menus. That's I found out that the wrong version got posted.
Lamar
What I'm using now: Palm - LifeDrive and Treo 650, Pocket PC - Axim X50v, Smartphone - MPX200, NEW - Globalsat BT-328, consumer grade GPS with good performance and good price - Coming (borrowed) Motorola Q.
"Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it."
~ Ned Rorem |
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mswlogo
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - 17 juil. 2006 : 07:50:34
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quote:
Originally posted by lamar@mapopolis.com
So, did any of you that tried the .05 version get to play with the rotating menus? (I can't post it again because we have licensing issues involved - it can apparently make available every map in our inventory, and we don't have an agreement that covers that capability. It doesn't fit in with an existing product.)
I can't say the future is rotating menus, but that's one way to get finger friendly menus.
Lamar
What I'm using now: Palm - LifeDrive and Treo 650, Pocket PC - Axim X50v, Smartphone - MPX200, NEW - Globalsat BT-328, consumer grade GPS with good performance and good price - Coming (borrowed) Motorola Q.
"Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it."
~ Ned Rorem
Yes, I tried it, you mean the startup menu with more items on it that you have to scroll. Didn't really think that much about it. It's really hard coming up with a "Big Button" UI that does evrything and does it without too many clicks. This really takes a total application design to apply it. I think Tom Tom did a nice job.
About the whole UI thing. I don't think you should be pecking the PDA while driving with any brand GPS. The one reason I stick with Mapopolis is I think it's synthetic voice is the best and allows me to keep my eyes on the road (same reason why I don't care about 3D views). So I have not minded the lack of a "Big Button" UI.
The app currently looks inconsistent. You want things done in a consistent way so users can predict where a feature will be even though they never used that feature. That takes some serious craftsmanship.
Mapoplis has some nice features. But you need to clean up what you have first before thinking about a new UI approach. My immediate knee jerk reaction to the startup menu is to always dismiss it (Even though it looks pretty) because it's different than the other menu's that do the same thing and (the application tends to default the old menus) and my brain likes to do things one way. I always hit View Map. Then use the software.
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PPC-6700 WM5, Fortuna Slim GPS Sirf III Bluetooth. North America NE maps (MA and NH) |
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