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admin_0
1 Posts |
 Posted - 05 sept. 2005 : 13:36:56
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http://mobile.garmin.com offer a new GPS/mobilephone service with maps, turn.by-turn, poi's etc. |
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gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 05 sept. 2005 : 13:57:45
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Interesting, but this looks like a Sprint PCS exclusive at this time "All phones require Sprint PCS Vision service."
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 12 sept. 2005 : 10:43:21
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I have used Garmin Mobile for 2 days, and these are my impressions that I posted in another thread, not knowing one existed for this. I thought I'd share it here for those who are interested:
Yesterday I downloaded Garmin's new mobile system into my cell. https://mobile.garmin.com/
That was my first GPS experience and I'm wondering if anyone can compare my thoughts about it to the 2720:
Moved to this thread http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=37350 |
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 12 sept. 2005 : 10:57:34
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In addition, the POI (6 million they claim) seem fairly well-updated in every category. Most of the places in my surrounding area of NY and CT are accurate.
The biggest drawback is that there aren't any preferences for highway/major and minor roads, etc., so some of the route choices are questionable, even if they get you where you want eventually.
It's my first GPS experience - I wanted to get a taste of one before my 2720 purchase, and although it gets the job done for the most part, I'm guessing that the 2720 is far superior and more pinpoint accurate. I'm tempted to compare the performance of the two side by side when I get the 2720 But, at $9.99 USD a month, with unlimited usage, it's a worth a look and seems like a reasonable price for what you get.
I also noticed that I get signal no matter where I keep the phone in the car. I made a makeshift mount with the carrying case clip wedged in the vent on my right, so I have good access and it takes away some of the glare on the small screen. It's not a bad map view if the sun isn't hitting it directly. |
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 13 sept. 2005 : 13:43:48
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Although Sprint's website claims you need a Nextel/bluetooth phone in order to use TeleNav, I downloaded it and it works perfectly well on my Sanyo MM7400. Now that I have purchased and used both Garmin Mobile and TeleNav on my cell, here are my impressions:
Garmin, has by far, the better POI. TeleNav's is awful, not many bank, shopping, food and gas stations are listed. This is important to me when I'm on the road. Also, with TeleNav, gas stations are sorted by gas prices, which is nice (though very inaccurate), but if I'm running out of fuel, I want the closest not cheapest.
Garmin gives you a map view that shows your vehicles movement while navigating AND a turn by turn view if you choose. TeleNav, as it navigates, only gives you the turn arrows. You do not see surrounding streets on the TeleNav as you navigate your route.
Garmin is MUCH more user friendly and instinctive throughout. For example, while navigating you can simply find POI from whatever location you are at with a couple of touches. With TeleNav, you have to stop navigating. Overall, the Garmin is set-up logically and intuitively, while TeleNav is cumbersome.
Both have some questionable, strange routing, though with TeleNav there is a good feature - you can set prefs (more highway use, less, shortest and fastest times). With Garmin you don't have this choice. That said, some of the routes both choose are odd (even when setting prefs with TeleNav), especially when you are familiar with the route.
The ONLY important positive aspect of TeleNav is it's re-routing ability. If you go off course, TeleNav will tell you immediately and try to get you back on track quickly. Garmin is AWFUL at recalculating and re-routing; sometimes you drive a mile or so before it realizes you are going the wrong way, and then for the next mile or two it tries to get you to U-Turn, even if you can't. Also, with Garmin Mobile, once you reach your destination that's it; game over. I intentionally passed up the destination and the Garmin refused to re-route. On the other hand, TeleNav gives loud chimes if you pass your destination or miss a turn, and quickly tries to get you back on track. Much faster than Garmin in this area.
On both, the voice instructions can barely be heard unless you use an earpiece speaker.
The bottom line is both serve a purpose at a decent price. I favor Garmin because of its map, intuitiveness, ease of use, POI and nicer set-up. However it is frustrating waiting for it to get you back on track if you miss a turn (which I often intentionally do to test it).
I'm guessing that if you want better accuracy, re-routes and ease of use, a dedicated gps unit is the way to go. If you don't want to fork over almost $1,000, then these mobile services Sprint offers are decent, even if far from perfect. Hopefully, the problems I mention will be corrected in time. That said, it looks like the 2720 will be my choice, once I see Garmin works out some kinks I'm reading about. Actually, I'd prefer to go with the TomTom Go (I think it's the best value and it's feature-rich, plus I like what gpspassion has to say about it) but from what I understand, it's U.S. mapping leaves a lot to be desired. If it had better U.S. maps I'd have one by now. Maybe Mr. gpspassion or somebody else can convince me it does in fact have good U.S. maps. ;) |
Edited by - robogps on 13 sept. 2005 14:13:22 |
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gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 13 sept. 2005 : 19:57:28
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Excellent feedback, thanks, you might want to give some details on the installation/configuratio process or is it just matter or going to a website with your phone and downloading the apps and being up and running in a jiff ?
As for the TomTom GO maps, they are by TeleAtlas and yes they still seem to be less "consistent" in the US, another thread on that topic has been started here.
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 14 sept. 2005 : 00:08:22
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You're welcome. Both Garmin Mobile and TeleNav are downloaded straight into the cell from Sprint's site (accessed via the cell of course) and install in a matter of seconds. Once up and running they are a breeze to figure out, though I do wish they offered more options and preferences to tinker with.
Thanks also for the info on the TomTom Go. I hope that they work on the mapping because the Go 700 definitely would have been a strong consideration for me. |
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gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 14 sept. 2005 : 00:19:52
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They've likley tried to keep them as stragithforward as possible, but yes it's always nice to tinker! I take it there are no GPS settings whatsoever or indication of when assistance data might be sent over the network?
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 14 sept. 2005 : 00:50:27
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TeleNav offers a routing preference - "Highway/No Highway," "Fastest" or "shortest" while Garmin offers none. Also, with the TeleNav System, within the map screen, there's a satellite signal strength bar. This is also useful, though I haven't lost signal on either for any length of time, only quick spurts as the map redraws. I still haven't driven with them through Manhattan, but when I do, that will be a good test.
For the most part it's whetting this novice's appetite for the real deal with REAL controls. :) I must say that I do especially like the Garmin Mobile in the interim, and anyone interested in a basic GPS with no frills; one that does the job for the most part, should be satisfied with either. |
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 14 sept. 2005 : 11:02:43
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I thought that I'd add to my impressions in case anybody is considering one of the two. If it's overkill, I apologize.
Tonight I did a fairly reasonable accuracy/re-routing comparison between the two (at least I thought it was). I came away very disappointed with Garmin Mobile. Here was the test:
Test #1. I used the same location as my starting point both times on 2 separate trips; once with Garmin Mobile, the other TeleNav. My destination was "home" and both services instructed me to go south on a road toward the highway. I intentionally went north to pick up another entrance - actually an extension leading to the highway. I went 4 miles and actually got on the extension without the Garmin re-routing me. As I approached an exit to get onto the highway, Garmin told me to take it, almost a bit too late. If I were in the wrong lane, I'd miss it.
TeleNav, on the other hand re-routed and tried to get me back on course every .1 miles or less. After it picked up that I was going toward the extension, it finally gave up on getting me back to the original route, and asked me to take the proper extension well in advance - about 2 miles from it. As I got on it, it gave me enough forewarning to take the exit onto the highway.
Test#2. Both told me to take "Exit 21." Both times I intentionally passed the exit. Garmin Mobile actually started routing me as if I took the exit, and told me what my next turn would be on the street. Finally it realized I was still on the highway, about 2 miles past the exit, 1 1/2 miles to the next (Exit 20).
TeleNav immediately picked up that I missed the exit and within .4 miles told me to take the next.
Test#3. Rather than drive to my arrival (home) I intentionally passed it up. With Garmin, once you reach your destination, that's it. It stops navigating after you pass it. I drove for another 5 miles and it never once re-routed. As a matter of fact it went into the map-mode (even though I was in navigation) as if I never chose a destination. That's completely shoddy.
With TeleNav, every few seconds it would chime loudly, trying to get me back to my destination - at ever single block. I drove off for a few miles and it flawlessly got me back.
Another two Garmin quirks that are annoying: It continually announce improper information. Westlake Road is "Lake Road." CT 9 (Connecticut Route 9) is "Country 9." Roads that most people would know as RT 71 is called by a name that probably exists somewhere on that road -"Eastern St." TeleNav gets it all right. What boggles my mind the most, as I've mentioned before, is Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, S.I. and the Bronx don't exist in Garmin - it's all "New York" which is a problem because many of them share the same streets, i.e. "West 11." Even when doing a search by city, "Brooklyn" etc., don't exist! TeleNav recognizes all boroughs as separate entities.
Here's the dilemma. Garmin Mobile shows so much more promise in how it was designed. Their POI's are amazingly current, accurate and complete. On the other hand, TeleNav looks like a hack job in comparison. Navigating through the menus, selecting choices and entering destinations is cumbersome. You cannot even save an address you pre-plan as a favorite as you can with Garmin. TeleNav's POI's are awful; I don't think many businesses participate with their program. Grocery stores on the Garmin include all the major chains. In TeleNav, you get little holes in the wall you never knew existed. Forget about finding a gas station with TeleNav. It goes solely by gas price (which is inaccurate) only, and it appears that Exxon/Mobile aren't on board.
So far I discovered that if you're using the mobile service just for accurate navigation, and don't care about POI's and eye candy, go with TeleNav. If you want a service that will be awesome all-around; a more complete package, and want to wait for Garmin to get their routing and re-routing act straight, go with Garmin.
I've concluded that if you want to spend the money, buying a dedicated GPS is the only way to go. From what I understand, and from what I'm reading here is that on most units, the routing re-routing is as accurate as TeleNav Mobile appears to be, if not more, PLUS you get all the goodies, including the eye candy and various options and prefs.
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gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 16 sept. 2005 : 10:24:37
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More of that excellent feedback, thanks, I'll link it from the front page so people looking at these phone options can follow your steps.
I think that what this shows is that TeleNav was specifically designed from the ground up for phones where constraints are different than for dedicated GPS devices, so that means they've optimized the routing based on the limited data available at a given point in time (any sense on how much bandwidth you're using ?) although it seems they could use some revamping of their UI ;-) Still at the end of the day you want a system that you can rely on and it sounds like it does the job more so than Garmin mobile at this point. I must say I was surprised to see Garmin Mobile coming out and they seem to be spreading themselves these days, with numerous dedicated navigation solutions coming out.
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Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
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jeffcarp
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 17 sept. 2005 : 14:57:33
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I've got a Sprint Sanyo MM-8300 and have downloaded the new Garmin mobile. I am looking for a GPS solution for walking in major cities and hope this does the trick.
The new Garmin Mobile website has a login and talks about some method of synchronizing data between that website and the phone. The Garmin mobile login wants a username and password. Where do you get it? |
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 17 sept. 2005 : 19:59:28
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quote:
Originally posted by gpspassion
More of that excellent feedback, thanks, I'll link it from the front page so people looking at these phone options can follow your steps.
I think that what this shows is that TeleNav was specifically designed from the ground up for phones where constraints are different than for dedicated GPS devices, so that means they've optimized the routing based on the limited data available at a given point in time (any sense on how much bandwidth you're using ?) although it seems they could use some revamping of their UI ;-) Still at the end of the day you want a system that you can rely on and it sounds like it does the job more so than Garmin mobile at this point. I must say I was surprised to see Garmin Mobile coming out and they seem to be spreading themselves these days, with numerous dedicated navigation solutions coming out.
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Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer?
You're welcome. I'm glad to be able to share my experiences with both systems so that it'll at least give some people familiarity with them. I'm also shocked to see my name up in lights on your front page. What an honor! :)
You might have hit the nail on the head. With Garmin releasing so many products in such a short amount of time, perhaps they didn't give have the resources to give each product and service the necessary attention they deserved or would have normally got. That's what normally happens when a company spreads itself too thin by trying to do too much; quality, engineering and subsequent support suffer.
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 17 sept. 2005 : 20:03:52
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quote:
Originally posted by jeffcarp
I've got a Sprint Sanyo MM-8300 and have downloaded the new Garmin mobile. I am looking for a GPS solution for walking in major cities and hope this does the trick.
The new Garmin Mobile website has a login and talks about some method of synchronizing data between that website and the phone. The Garmin mobile login wants a username and password. Where do you get it?
If I'm not mistaken, you just select any username and a temporary password is given to you immediately on the cell. This gives you access to log onto their site https://mobile.garmin.com/ and the ability to change the password to your liking.
It's a great site, by the way, and you can do most of your pre-planning, additions and deletions there.
I hope this helps. |
Edited by - robogps on 17 sept. 2005 20:08:07 |
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jeffcarp
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 17 sept. 2005 : 20:08:22
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| I just downloaded the app and started using it. I never received any sort of password or further information. |
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robogps
USA
471 Posts |
Posted - 17 sept. 2005 : 20:17:15
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quote:
Originally posted by jeffcarp
I just downloaded the app and started using it. I never received any sort of password or further information.
I'll have to refresh my memory as to what I was doing and where I was navigating within Garmin Mobile when I received that particular message to create a username. It just popped up when I was doing something, but now I forget exactly what I was doing.
If I cannot remember and you want to start going on their site immediately, I'm sure that Sprint can provide all of that for you. In the meantime I'll try to remember. |
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Garmin Mobile service compared to TeleNav
