TomTom or CoPilot?

LINavigator · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:33 pm Post subject: TomTom or CoPilot?

If this isn't the right forum please let this newbie know!

I've been a TeleType/iPaq user for some years and have finally decided that I need a change of software. I've been through a number of TeleType upgrades but the software always seems clunky and counterintuitive.

CoPilot are doing a competitor upgrade for $99 and I've found TomTom online for $130. I've read the reviews, but would dearly love some 'user' opinions, especially if anyone has used both.

Is TT worth the extra $30? I'm in the US (NY specifically) if that makes any difference regarding maps etc.

J.

lbendlin · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:53 pm Post subject:

Are you doing more ad hoc navigation or do you need route planning capabilities as well?
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Lutz

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LINavigator · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:15 pm Post subject:

It would mostly be for ad hoc nav, but the occasional route planning in the field. With TeleType I plan the route on the PC version and export to the PPC. What annoys me with TeleType is that if I go off route and attempt to reroute, the routing is diabolical.

lbendlin · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:22 pm Post subject:

TomTom has the better interface, CoPilot has the newer maps... I'd recommend you go with TomTom.
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LINavigator · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks Lutz - I'm leaning that way too. I figured that the interface is probably the most important feature on a day-to-day basis and maps can be updated more easily.

Do TomTom make updated maps available for download do you know?

Tim Buxton · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:29 pm Post subject:

LINavigator · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:35 pm Post subject:

Am I stirring up a pot here?!

Tim - so you'd recommend CoPilot 5 over TT3?

I wish they'd do 30 day trials so I can try them both out.

lbendlin · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:39 pm Post subject:

I think you can still buy the software, try it, and if you don't like it, return it to the vendor.

Yes, it's bad TomTom doesn't do demo versions. Copilot actually could do them (you have 4 days to register) but there's no way to download demo maps.

If you want to test a software, look at Mapopolis. It's going the opposite wy in terms of user friendlyness, but you can test it for nine days.
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Tim Buxton · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject:

To be honest, having used neither I could realistically recommend neither.

I submitted mapping errors to TeleAtlas a year ago and those errors are still in the latest incarnation that I have seen of their Geodata.
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Tim

LINavigator · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:45 pm Post subject:

I"m already using TeleType so it really is just a difference in the apps themselves rather than trying out a GPS system.

If I go for CoPilot for $99 and don't like it, they'll refund me but not send back my TeleType CDs!

<sigh>

If it makes any difference to the way I use it ...

I always use North Up;
I never use 3D maps (because on TeleType they're awful)

Looks like some more hours Googling for reviews and looking at screen dumps!

lbendlin · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject:

Another Always-North-Upper... That simply doesn't work with street navigation. Both the TomTom and CoPilot 3D modes are pretty good, by the way. Way beyond what Teletype has.
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Lutz

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icsys · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 12:04 am Post subject:

Read the reviews here to see screenshots:
CoPilot
TomTom 3
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Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

LINavigator · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 12:26 am Post subject:

icsys · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 12:51 am Post subject:

By having the map rotate as you drive what you see on-screen is the layout of the road ahead. If the route on the map is showing you to turn right at the next junction thats what you do!

With north always up, if you happen to be heading south then you are travelling down the screen. If the route in this case goes off to the right you should actually be turning left.

You really need to use it in better quality 3D mode to see that it is more natural to have the road layout displayed on screen as it is on the ground. The display is small on the PDA and therefore, as you will know, map area is limited so it is not the same detail as having a paper map (I never rotated a paper map either by the way)

In the end it's whatever you are used to I suppose. If it works for you then thats all that matters.
Either of those software packages are good so I doubt you will be disappointed.

Regards
Ian.
_________________
Ian.
iPAQ 2210 | Navman 4100 BT Receiver
Navman iCN 635
TomTom GO
Anquet OS mapping

LINavigator · Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2004 1:04 am Post subject:

After looking more (staring?!) at the CoPilot and TT3 3D maps I see what you mean. I may well get used to that style. I have an older iPaq (a 3635 with a 64MB upgrade); how fast is the screen redraw on the 3D maps?

Unfortunately these are the types of things that a review doesn't show. Perhaps I could suggest a short 'movie' demo?!

I'm still swinging towards TT3 over CoPilot. The screens just look that bit more 'polished'.

Found the s/w only for $130 with free 2-day FedEx. Anyone know any better?!

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