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gpspassion
93402 Posts |
 Posted - 10 janv. 2009 : 11:48:51
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UPDATED 20090813 : Paul shares his thoughts on the PND-428A with PMN v4 below.
Product page for this AIO : link
PDA SOFTWARE - POCKETMAP R4
 
Product page on the PocketMap site : >> LINK <<
Out of the blue a new version of PocketMap is now available, almost 5 years after the release of PocketMap 2004/R3. Needless to say no one was expecting a new version anymore! So it seems Space Machine decided to return to the PDA/Smarphone platform after giving the WinCE/AIO platform a try, and a major win on paper for the Alpine Blackbird, but it failed in the market.
Looking at R4, we're back in familar territory with a rich GUI and map display and some new oversized turn indicators. For maps they have switched from TeleAtlas to Navteq, still considered to be the BOB in the US. Possibly as a consequence of that, the software is now locked to the microSD card it is sold on, which is sure to upset potential customers who don't want to part with their memory and likely larger memory card.
We'll inquire about a review copy, in the meantime if you give R4 a try let us know how you like it!
quote:
Key Features
* Intelligent Key Filtering and Auto-Completion features for ease of use
* Turn by Turn Voice Directions
* Auto Re-Routing
* Route Avoidance (Avoid Highways, Tolls etc)
* 3D, Heading-Up, and North-Up Map Views
* Enter up to 10 Waypoints in a Single Trip
* Optimize Waypoints for an Efficient Route
* Supports English, Spanish and French languages for Voice prompts
Key Enhancements
* Large Finger-friendly Buttons
* Outstanding & Sharp Map Display with Improved Performance
* New Map Display Options
* NAVTEQ™ Maps
* Keyword Search
* Smooth-Scrolling Lists
What's Included
1. MicroSD Card with SD Card Adapter, Preloaded Navigation Software & US Map
2. Quick Start Guide
3. "Getting Started" Documentation
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Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
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paulkbiba
USA
5064 Posts |
Posted - 10 janv. 2009 : 17:27:09
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| Wow! That's a surprise! I wonder what has been keeping them alive. They were one of the pioneers in this industry and its good to see them still around. If my memory is correct they were the first ones with a 3D view. A bit expensive, however, since you can get OnCourseNavigator for $75 and Garmin XT for a similar price. |
Don't forget the GPSPassion Club! |
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Crawfish
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 17 janv. 2009 : 16:13:31
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| That's the good news inlight of today's economy situation. PocketMap was my first GPS software and I feel deja vu again -- hope they can still keep alive like before (by hibernating?) |
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cgavula
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - 17 janv. 2009 : 20:13:32
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I've ordered a copy, but I have some concern since the website doesn't indicate any support for VGA displays. If that proves to be true, it will be a serious failing in the current market.
That said, PMN was always one of my favorites and I'm looking forward to checking it out! |
Forum Moderator
hx4705, Treo 750, iPaq 310, & a variety of BT receivers running TT6, OCN 8,
MacBook with OS X & Win XP Pro and even a GPS-306 AIO / Mobile, Alabama
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Crawfish
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 17 janv. 2009 : 22:36:31
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| Cgavula, did you order the upgrade verison ($50)? |
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paulkbiba
USA
5064 Posts |
Posted - 17 janv. 2009 : 23:38:06
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| PocketMap has promised a review copy in a couple of weeks so stay tuned. |
Don't forget the GPSPassion Club! |
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Crawfish
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 18 janv. 2009 : 01:00:56
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| Cannot wait...;-) |
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cgavula
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - 18 janv. 2009 : 05:54:51
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| Yes, I've ordered the upgrade version. There is a place near the end of the order process where you must provide your v3 serial number. Paul - I'm anxious to see how you like it! |
Forum Moderator
hx4705, Treo 750, iPaq 310, & a variety of BT receivers running TT6, OCN 8,
MacBook with OS X & Win XP Pro and even a GPS-306 AIO / Mobile, Alabama
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Edited by - cgavula on 18 janv. 2009 05:56:25 |
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mkss55442
USA
319 Posts |
Posted - 22 janv. 2009 : 21:59:40
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quote:
Originally posted by cgavula
I've ordered a copy, but I have some concern since the website doesn't indicate any support for VGA displays. If that proves to be true, it will be a serious failing in the current market...
I can't find anything on TTS. Only voice "directions". That would be another serious omission these days. |
Nothing is never "no problem".
Mio C320, 01.10.08 MioMap 3.3 with 10.06 maps, Mio c310x, Axim x51v, Axim x50v |
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Crawfish
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 23 janv. 2009 : 22:38:24
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| As far as I remember, PocketMap R3 already supports TTS? |
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cgavula
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - 26 janv. 2009 : 18:46:31
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I have been working with it for a few days now. PM3 broke on a lot of newer devices and this version seems to restore functionality - but they only directly list having tested for compatability with a small number of devices).
First - there is voice support, but not TTS. I don't necessarily think lack of TTS support is a "serious" omission, but if you do be warned - it doesn't appear to be there. For me TTS is actually a nuisance since I haven't yet found a TTS-enabled GPS that could properly pronounce the road names in my area.
Having said that - PM4 is not bad. It doesn't seem to have a lot of the features that the newest generation of apps have (like TTS, 3D buildings, elevation views, etc.), but it builds on what was good in PM3. It also now includes Navteq maps (introduced originally on their PNA offering a couple of years back). Depending on where you are this may mean more accurate maps (in the U.S.). I've found the change to be a mixed bag - more accuracy near my home, but a big flaw in map data near my mother's home - namely the road she's lived on for 20+ years simply isn't on the map at all.
This version also requires more memory than it's predacessor and it was a little fussy in my 64MB PDA, but I'm not certain it wasn't more of an OS problem (I'll post if I can draw further conclusions). Once running, it was pretty well behaved, including the calculation of a 1000+ mile route.
Anyway - I'm still checking/testing things. Paul should be doing his review for this site soon (I believe), and I'll probably be doing a review on an unrelated site soon as well. |
Forum Moderator
hx4705, Treo 750, iPaq 310, & a variety of BT receivers running TT6, OCN 8,
MacBook with OS X & Win XP Pro and even a GPS-306 AIO / Mobile, Alabama
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paulkbiba
USA
5064 Posts |
Posted - 26 janv. 2009 : 19:42:55
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| Pocketmap will be sending me a review copy of their next update, which they are still working on. So it may be a while before I do a review. |
Don't forget the GPSPassion Club! |
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Crawfish
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - 26 janv. 2009 : 22:22:20
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| Thanks Cgavula, PM4 sounds like a product of 2-3 years ago. |
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cgavula
USA
230 Posts |
Posted - 26 janv. 2009 : 22:44:20
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| I don't know - sometimes cleaner is better. I'd wait and reserve judgement until after the update Paul mentions. |
Forum Moderator
hx4705, Treo 750, iPaq 310, & a variety of BT receivers running TT6, OCN 8,
MacBook with OS X & Win XP Pro and even a GPS-306 AIO / Mobile, Alabama
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TechnoGuy
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - 05 juin 2009 : 07:28:47
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| Any News on PM4. I dug out my old copy and want to see what you all think about it before I order. |
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paulkbiba
USA
5064 Posts |
Posted - 11 août 2009 : 23:24:09
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PocketMap and Space Machine bring back fond memories to all of us who were around in the days when GPS meant PDA only. In those days Space Machine was an innovator. They had the first 3D display and you will find posts on GPSPassion calling this, now standard display, mere fluff. I also remember being shocked when they came out with the clouds in the daytime display and moon in the nightime display. It was a big deal then.
Space Machine tells me that they have survived well by concentrating on the OEM business and now they want to get back into the consumer market. They sent me a loaner of their PND-428A so that I could take a look at their current software. I no longer have a working PDA to try their other software on. This isn't a full review, but an overview of some of the nicer points of the PocketMap implementation.
One of the things I like most about their display is the "split screen" view when entering a turn. I think this is about the easiest display to take in at a glance that I've seen. Michelin had a similar display in their short lived device here in the US, and I really loved it. Notice the "Space Machine clouds" and us old-timers will recognize the vehicle icon. Unlike other units, PocketMap's clouds acutally change when you change direction. Neat!
Here is the standard driving view, which is very easy to take in at a glance. I took these pictures in the demo mode, but there is no real difference "live". The unit was snappy and calculation and re-calculation were fast. The terrain display, however, is a bit sparse compared to other units and I suggested to them that they need some more landmarks, such as bodies of water, parks, etc. to help orient the driver.
Another feature that I really liked was the exit display. After to plan a route the software will display upcoming exits as you drive. This is an extremely useful feature.
I was also surprised to see a lane guidance display. I was surprised because the unit sells for only $149 and this is not a common feature at this price level. The unit does not have full text to speech, but will pronounce the numbers of interstates and will speak the exit number when leaving an interstate.
It's nice to see Space Machine back in the game and I'm looking forward to what they will do in the future.
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Don't forget the GPSPassion Club! |
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[TOPIC] GPS Systems with PocketMap - PND-428A
