I3 newbie - some observations

[ninjagaiden]

Hi Folks,

Just got my I3 yesterday, mainly thanks to comments from this forum. Thought I'd share some observations and ask some questions :

1. Big thanks to MaFt and regulars for explaining about firmware Update, POI Loader and POI database. It meant I didn't have a coronary when there was no software CD in the Box!

2. I went to Thurrock to get mine yesterday. Maplin said they had no current stock in UK. PCworld did not even have the item in their inventory list. Currys had 1 left (which is now mine). Have since read post from MPET explaining how to get Currys On-line price down to £170, but with the units going this fast, thought I'd take the one they had.

3. In car performance is great except suction cup will not mount onto my widscreen due to windscreen curvature. I followed tip from friend who has Tom-Tom and mounted it on drivers window, making sure it does not obstruct mirror. The unit works well here and this might avoid problems with heated windscreens. Not sure what I'll do If I come to a toll gate though 8-)!

Questions

1. What is the difference between regular GPS and WAAS mode?

2. Does anyone know if I3 charges NiMH batteries when you plug it into the cigarette lighter socket? Otherwise I'm inclined to leave alkalines in the unit for memory backup.

3. I think the mini-USB connector for the I3 is the same as that used on the Creative Zen Micro. In which case it might be possible to use the same cable to recharge a Zen Micro on the move. Anyone tried this?

4. Is the current package a promotional bundle or not? Maplin suggest it is. One sales rep said the price will go up on 8th October.

5. The US bundle includes City Select North America in the box. I wonder if the £299 bundle will include City Select Europe V7 in the box? I'm quite happy paying £100 less, but for some people doing a lot of European travel, a £300 bundle with city select might be a better option.

Be interested to know what you think ...
_________________
1999 : Etrex
2005 : Streetpilot I3 FW 2.40

[Jaz666]

1: WAAS (known as EGNOS in Europe) is a way to improve accuracy, it's in the final stages of testing with official launch in January. You need a good view of the southern sky. No Harm in enabling it.
2: Not sure.
3: Don't try it unless you're 100% sure, it sounds possible, but best checking a Creative support site.
4: This is tricky. Maplin featured the i3 in their latest promo leaflet (they run one per 4 weeks, this one ends Saturday), but it didn't mention a "full price". The confusion has come from the original price Maplin set the i3 at when it was announced (before Garmin released them). It now appears Garmin are happy for the RRP to stay at 200 (just my opinion, your best of checking with Garmin themselves).
5: The plan for i3 mapping seems to be similar to the Tom Tom, regions released on Transflash Card - so I don't think we'll see an i3 package that includes mapping on CD.

[ninjagaiden]

Thanks for the advice Jaz666

- Creative forum shows plenty of people buying 12v to 5v cigarette lighter adaptors from other sources, and plugging USB cable sinto them.

- I'm sure you are right about the european regions being sold on individual transflash cards. It's kind of in keeping with the 'plug & play' concept of the i3. Still at least you still have the option of buying full city select disc and downloading what you need onto blank transflash cards.

Those transflash cards are seriously tiny - aren't they!
_________________
1999 : Etrex
2005 : Streetpilot I3 FW 2.40

[MaFt]

2: no, the i3 doesn't have a recharge circuit... ehich is a shame really!

3: yes it should work. what it basically is is a 12v to 5v convertor with a usb fitting on the end.

MaFt

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