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(More customer reviews)I have a dream: a super car navigation system based on my laptop. This is the reason why I couldn't wait to rush to the nearest Micro Center to buy a Navman e series when I knew a laptop based GPS is available.
However, the following days proved to be a nightmare and challenge to my intelligence and patience. The USB GPS driver crashed my system a hundred of times. It does not support XP well. Note that my XP platform used to be so stable that I can run application servers, such as Oracle and Weblogic, without interruptions. To make things worse, the USB GPS is not compatible with most third party software.
I am not the kind of guy who gives up easily. The following two weeks I tried my best to fit the Navman into a position in my final goal: the super car navigation system. As an experienced software engineer, I managed to narrow down problems caused by the new device. I searched their support site to download patches and new drivers. Unfortunately, the solution only relieves the problem a little bit. I contacted supports from both Streets Finder and Navman. Their totally ignorance drains my patience quickly. I even exhausted third party software and related discussion groups to try to find a work around.
As to the software part, I didn't waste any time on StreetsFinder. If Navman still has its value in their products, StreetFinder is totally useless. You have to connect to internet to find a direction on your way in the car or download it in advance. Suppose you have 10 points on your map, if you want to find direction between each pair of the points, you have to download 45 directions from a website and store them onto your software before hitting onto the road!
Finally I got so exhausted and reached the decision: I have to switch to other products. I am happy now with the decision. The followings are some quick facts and comparison of the different solutions:
A) GM 210 $150 + MapPoint $240 + AGPS $10: expensive but almost 100% functionalities
B) GM 210 + Streets and Maps $40: 70% functionalities
C) Navman + StreetsFinder: 40% functionalities of my dream navigation system
Go to http://www.gpscity.com/products/gm/gm210ipaq.html to see the product specifications, compared with Navman e series at http://www.navmanusa.com/land/e_series/index.html
Hardware: NavManGM 210
WAAS No Yes
USB YesYes
Serial No Yes
Software: StreetFinder MapPoint+AGPS Streets and Trips
Direction: Internet based!! YesYes
Real time navigation: NO Yes No
Finally I have to admit I love Navman's windshield mounting bracket. If you want to spend $150 on a great bracket, useless software, and a non-compatible GPS sensor, then Navman is your best choice.
I wish all GPS fans can share my experience and enjoy their smooth trips with their dream car navigation systems!
Denis
BTW, I got my GM 210 from http://www.thegpsstore.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/site/holux.htm?L+thegpsstore+mefb8253+1044338931)http://www.thegpsstore.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/site/holux.htm?L+thegpsstore+mefb8253+1044338931
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Navman GPS e Series for Notebook Computers with USB connectorsGPS e Series for Notebook Computers with USBThe NAVMAN GPS e Series for notebook computers is an easy-to-use solution that turns a notebook computer with a USB port into a complete navigational system. You get everything you need for real-time mobile GPS direction and mapping capabilities. Just load the Rand McNally StreetFinder« Deluxe Travel Navigation Software onto your PC. Plug the GPS receiver into your notebook's USB port and you're ready to plan trips, locate destinations and find points of interest such as hotels and restaurants. Your navigational solution operates using your notebook's power source and provides precise information on your location and how to get to your destination.The heart of your NAVMAN GPS solution is our powerful antenna which connects you to up to 12 satellites - pinpointing your position anywhere in the world. And the Rand McNally StreetFinder« Deluxe Travel Navigation Software includes detailed street maps for the contiguous United States and Hawaii; plus the location of over a million points of interest and businesses.
Click here for more information about Navman GPS e Series for Notebook Computers with USB connectors
