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gman
USA
306 Posts |
 Posted - 23 mai 2003 : 22:05:53
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I received my copy if iGuidance yesterday. I've already played around with it quite a bit and have road tested it. I have version 1.00.1850US. In a nutshell, here's my initial review of the software......
The Good:
- Pretty good UI. I like the big Menu buttons...don't need a stylus. Decent nav screen once u get used to it.
- Pretty good voice commands although not quite as 'quick on the draw' as Mapopolis voice cmds. Nice female voice though ;).
- Map loader is much better than Mapopolis and does have the city radius feature (like CoPilot) which is nice.
- Navigation seems to be accurate (so far)...didn't have any misguided turns.
- Nav screen shows you street block number you are passing
- True heading up.
The Bad (bugs noticed and wish list):
- The program will not stay active if I try to do ANYTHING else on the PPC, doesn't matter what. If I try to use another app, file explorer, contacts, calendar, anything...iGuidance quits, and I have to restart it. This is extremely annoying. I'm hoping this can be fixed, because this alone makes me want to consider other software. There is no option to start/stop the GPS data, so if you plug in your GPS after you've started the program, you can't start receiving w/out a program restart.
- Finding a route is not intuitive, and not user friendly, IMO. You have to go to the 'Destinations' menu, get your starting location, beit an address, POI, whatever, then hit 'Map', then go back to 'Destinations' and find your destination, then hit 'Nav' (pain in the a**). Mapopolis has them beat here, much more intuitive and friendly. They need to implement a 'Starting Point' menu in a bad way. Hope this changes in the next version.
- Navigation works pretty well, but is not as responsive as Mapopolis (maybe its better on a 400mhz as opposed to my 206mhz). Rerouting is pretty quick, but doesn't seem to be as 'intelligent' as Mapopolis in that it just tells you to make a u-turn asap as its first choice when you go off route. If you just ignore it and keep going, eventually it figures out you are not going to make a u-turn and it reroutes you down another street. I like Mapopolis better here, as it seems to use U-turns as a last resort - Not a 1st choice. Every time you start iGuid., you have to agree to a 'disclaimer' that scolds you about safety while using your PPC in the car. I find it ironic that it chooses to U-turn every time you go off route, which IMO is not the safest thing you can do.
- Needs to have a 'Zoom Box' implemented like Mapopolis for the map screen. Zooming in and out is not UF.
- When panning the map, the entire display, including the UI, moves off the screen and you can't see ANYTHING until you let off the screen, and then it all shows up again....this is annoying and IMO is a bug that needs squashing. Mapopolis map interactivity is better all around.
- Needs option for bigger Nav graphics (turn arrow, street name) when driving...Mapopolis is better.
Well, my 'Nutshell' review got way too long. Couldn't help it.
Hopefully iNav supports their product and improves it, but who knows, since they give no contact info, and there is nothing that comes with the software to indicate they will ever give support.
- GMAN
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gpspassion
84985 Posts |
Posted - 23 mai 2003 : 23:20:11
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It takes some time to get the knack of it, but I can tell you that this is the best thing arouns IMHO for the time being ;-)
Sounds like you have some conflicts because bug#1 is not something I've seen reported before. To select the GPS after plugging it, select tools/gps options/select com port and it will kick in. The panning isn't really a bug, just needs some getting used to.
You've got HUGE Nav graphics when approaching a turn, with a visual countdown bar. Did you maybe deactivate it?
Play with it a bit more ;-) and read this thread for tips and comments that will guide you.
__________________________
www.gpspassion.com
It's all about sharing the info
GpsPasSion Club - http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/smileys.asp
email: info@gpspassion.com |
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gpspassion
84985 Posts |
Posted - 23 mai 2003 : 23:23:46
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Posted by Portus and moved here for consistency
"Just received iGuidance, played with it a bit but haven't taken it on the road. It is visually appealing with elegant and compact UI design plus some useful features.
But as one message pointed out, the program often seemingly gets into a loop doing nothing - the program UI is frozen with the system UI components (title bar area) barely responding to stylus/finger commands. It is most obvious when the GPS is activated. Although I was playing with it at home with the GPS on, this behavior happens at times when clearly the position fix icon is showing (green) a GPS fix so I don't believe the frozen behavior is due to the program vigrously polling for a GPS fix.
The other thing that is bothering me as a long-time Mapopolis user is that the initial route calculation/creation is painfully slow on the iGuidance, taking more than 40 seconds in general. I'm assuming that it is taking much longer than Mapopolis because it is always using the "exhaustive" routing option comparable to what Mapopolis provides, which also takes longer if the "exhaustive" routing option is used.
I am going to take it on the road this weekend starting today to see how it fairs in practice. I hope I can figure out (or someone who already did please post your finding on) how to work around this seemingly UI frozen issue."
__________________________
www.gpspassion.com
It's all about sharing the info
GpsPasSion Club - http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/smileys.asp
email: info@gpspassion.com |
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gman
USA
306 Posts |
Posted - 24 mai 2003 : 01:00:07
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I'm sure I may like it better after more use, but there are some quirks that I don't understand.
The problem with the program terminating if I switch to anything else is a big problem. There is no support for the software, so I'm not sure what to do about that. I am using an Audiovox Maestro (206mhz) w/32mb ram. Shouldn't that be enough memory? I have the program and maps on a 256mb sd card. Maybe somebody else with a Maestro can tell me if they are having the same problem?
I agree the panning isn't really a bug, but it is, well, 'sloppy'..I guess I just prefer the way Mapopolis pans. The zooming is limited also...unlike Mapopolis, where you can zoom all the way out.
Yes, I have used the Nav screen. I do like the visual distance bar and the ETA/REM/SPEED info. But, I really like the Big turn arrow and large text that pop up on the Mapopolis Nav Pane - it is much bigger, and only requires a very casual glance to recognize what you need to do. It would be nice if iNav could have an option for 'Big Turn Arrow' (CoPilot has that also).
On another note... I have noticed that if I am indoors w/the GPS plugged in (no signal), and I'm trying to plan a route, this becomes very difficult. I think this is why I'm having problems entering a destination and getting it to generate directions. It seems it doesn't want to accept anything other than the GPS location as a starting point, and since it can't get a fix, it doesn't want to cooperate. If I start the program w/out the GPS plugged in, I can pick any starting point, pick a destination and it works correctly the first time. This is why there needs to be a GPS on/off feature (like Mapopolis). However, when I start iG w/out the GPS plugged in, I get a little 'Warning' box that pops up w/no message in it..I hit 'Ok', then iG starts...another little quirk.
-GMAN
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ToolGuy
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 24 mai 2003 : 06:01:39
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gman,
I have discovered that free program memory is VERY important with iGuidance. When I first tried using my copy, I had the same problems. Turns out that I had a bunch of programs loaded into RAM memory (which is shared between storage and running programs). As has been mentioned elsewhere, iGuidance must load all or most of the map information into RAM.
After I removed a bunch of no longer used programs and re-installed some others to an SD storage card instead of main memory, I have no problems. I can now run iGuidance (with several state maps loaded) at the same time as the Audible Listener program (I like to listen to audiobooks while driving)and perhaps a few other programs, and easily switch back and forth.
BTW, kudos to Intellinav for allowing you to adjust the audio volume separately or even mute it. It makes it handy when you are listening to two audio sources at the same time.
You might have problems with only 32MB though. All of the systems I have tested iGuidance with, have 64MB of RAM.
Most of your other comments and suggestions are right on the money in my opinion, but I still think that iGuidance (and the rest of the Intellinav family) is a fantastic first effort. I have used well over a dozen GPS programs on PocketPC's, PalmOS, and laptops, and, for me anyway, iGuidance is the most useful and useable so far. |
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topcat2001
7 Posts |
Posted - 26 mai 2003 : 20:13:37
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Just wanted to add my $.02 to this discussion. I have been using iGuidance for about two weeks now. Overall I would agree with most of the things that have been said on here. Out of the programs I have used(mapopolis and pocketmap) this seems to have the best UI and guidance. But the program is pretty unstable for me. I have never had pocketmap crash on me once. iGuidance doesnt work very well if the map is on the SD card and the GPS reciever is tracking. In this case while it continues to guide doing anything else freezes the program or makes it AV. So I either have to calculate everything before hand or load the map in memory.
Also the clover leaf routing is completely busted. So when iGuidance tells you to take a left onto a highway watch out!
Support seems to be pretty bad once you buy the product. I havent had either Intellinav or Inav respond to my mails about the cloverleaf routing.
If pocketmap fixes their POI search(in 2.12) and also get address interpolation then I wont have much use for iGuidance especially if support continues the way it does once you buy the product. |
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msprague
147 Posts |
Posted - 27 mai 2003 : 18:55:09
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I just got iGuidance today.  I loaded up the state of Michigan (45 MB) and took it for a spin. I am having the same issue as gman with iGuidance quiting whenever I do anything else. It looks like it is a free RAM issue and Pocket PC 2002 shuts it down whenever it goes to background. I am also using a Maestro (32MB ram) and I knew I would be pushing the limits with it. It looks like those of us with 32MB devices will not be able to run any software alongside iGuidance on our devices.
This is what my memory usage looks like:
Free memory Program/Storage (MB)
Soft reset: 8.3/8.6
Insert Socket Bluetooth card: 6.7/8.6
Launch iGuidance w/ maps of MI: 4.0/4.4
Get route for 104 mile trip: 2.9/4.4
Run Agenda Fusion to check Calendar: 10.19/4.4 ( iGuidance got shutdown by the OS)
I am just glad that iGuidance runs on this device! I installed the software to my Lexar 256MB SD card and everything is working fine, as long as I keep iGuidance active that is. It will be interesting to see how it works when I add a second state to the equation.
_________________________
http://michael.sprague.name/pocketpc/ Maestro, GPS, Wifi, Bluetooth, yada, yada...
Pocket PC Geocaching FAQ |
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msprague
147 Posts |
Posted - 27 mai 2003 : 21:02:16
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I tried loading Michigan and Illinois (99MB total) and it is not usable on my Maestro.  After a couple of failed attempts it did open the data and came up to the Map view, but iGuidance hung after a little bit of panning and I have 0.34 MB free program and 0.80 MB free storage memory. Is anyone running a 32MB device and loading a couple large states successfully?
_________________________
http://michael.sprague.name/pocketpc/ Maestro, GPS, Wifi, Bluetooth, yada, yada...
Pocket PC Geocaching FAQ |
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paulkbiba
USA
5023 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 03:28:01
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| Based on my experience with a 64MB Ipaq, I don't thing you will have any luck. These programs are memory hungry and load up lots of data. They really aren't meant for a 32MB machine. |
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gman
USA
306 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 04:36:59
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After more iGuidance usage, I can add the following: (I'm using a Maestro w/32mb ram)
I have been able to load IN and IL into memory (83mb of data on the SD card) and the program works fine. I should note that I ALWAYS choose to install any new software to my SD card. I avoid installing anything to system ram like the plague. In fact, I don't believe I have any programs installed to system ram. I think this does help with iG.
I previously stated that I couldn't run any other software while using iG. Actually, I have been able to run at least one other piece of software while using iG IF I go through the Start Menu. If I try to use the Home button, iG always closes...very odd. I use a little system monitor program by PHM that I can use to kill apps or switch to others...this helps the frustration a little. I also often check the system memory and slide it over so I free up as much program memory as possible...I can usually get 20mb or so freed up before I start iG. It seems that the OS always takes over however, because when I check sys memory later on, the slider always moves back over giving more back to storage ram. I wish there was a way to prevent this. Is there?
It seems that the folks over at iNav need to work on there software's memory management. There is no reason why iG shouldn't be able to run with at least one or two other 'minor' apps on a Maestro. I say this because I can load up all of IN and a big chunk of IL, including Chicago, into Mapopolis and it works just fine even after switching to other apps. iNav needs to work on dynamic data management within their program I'm thinking.
So, if you have a Maestro: Don't install any programs to system ram. Do a soft reset before u start iG. And, use the Start Menu to start up other programs - don't use the Home button.
Lets hope iNav continues to develop what could be a really great piece of software.
- Gman
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offandon
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 14:15:13
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I have also just begun getting my feet wet with this program and a couple of things are sticking out to me.
1)I would sometimes like to route to an intersection of roads that involve an interstate. It seems that iGuidance does not know what road is intersecting with the interstate, just the exit number. For example, exit 5B off of I-280 is CR-527. The program does not think that I-280 and CR-527 intersect. It does however have a 5B and I-280 intersection. This would be fine except I do not always know the exit numbers.
2)This has probably been mentioned already, but the POIs around my area of New Jersey are way off. The ATMs are sometimes close, but gas station icons don't correspond to a gas station about 75% of the time around my area and on a trip last week to Princeton.
Otherwise I find the program relatively intuitive although I think I suffer from some of the quirky behavior that other 32MB PPC users have seen. |
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gpspassion
84985 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 14:18:07
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offandon -
1. Great idea, but for now at least you're asking a "bit" too much ;-)
2. Unless there's a coding error, that would be a NavTech data error. Do you have examples we can check against Mapopolis or other NavTech based programs?
__________________________
www.gpspassion.com
It's all about sharing the info
GpsPasSion Club - http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/smileys.asp
email: info@gpspassion.com |
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msprague
147 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 17:36:02
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quote:
Originally posted by gman
I have been able to load IN and IL into memory (83mb of data on the SD card) and the program works fine.
gman, how much memory do you have free after the soft reset and after loading iGuidance with IN and IL? Thanks. |
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gman
USA
306 Posts |
Posted - 28 mai 2003 : 18:57:16
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msprague,
I have 20.86mb allocated (to program memory), 14.73mb In Use, 6.13mb Free.
-gman
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offandon
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 29 mai 2003 : 03:51:48
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GPSPassion - Thanks for the reply. It would be great to compare these examples against other programs to see where the fault in data lies.
On my map (iGuidance) in Dover, NJ on Rt. 46 between W.Blackwell St. and W. Clinton St. (approx 40.88N, 74.56W) there are 2 gas stations (Mobil and Coastal). In reality there are no gas stations there (just a diner and a car dealer). Further West on 46 in Mine Hill (about 3 miles) there are actually gas stations at 46&Central and also at 46&Canfield, although none are listed. These gas stations have existed for years.
Am I expecting too much? ... the omissions I don't mind so much, but if I travel to find a gas station and it actually is not there I could end up with a real problem. |
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paulkbiba
USA
5023 Posts |
Posted - 29 mai 2003 : 04:04:59
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| To be honest, I've looked at the POIs in Routis, Mapopolis, PocketMap, Pharos and Xmap, and have never found any that are really very good. I don't think you should expect too much in this area. |
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