Navigation software could be a dream come true for IROs – a quick and easy method to find your way to and around any unknown city. Unfortunately, that dream still seems a long way off.
This month we look at two of the leading navigation software packages on the market: TomTom Navigator version 3 and Navman SmartST version 2. Both packages are designed for use with a pocket PC, allowing you to either mount it on your dashboard for driving longer distances or take it with you as you dash between meetings. A word of warning here, however: if you use these packages outside of your car, you have to strap an unwieldy global positioning system (GPS) navigation unit to your arm, bag or somewhere else about your person; definitely not the height of cool. Taxi drivers also may not much appreciate helpful suggestions such as ‘turn right here’ as you guide them to your next meeting.
But all this presumes the software packages and GPS hardware know where they are in the first place. Both systems have an enormous number of glitches, which can lead to real frustration on longer journeys. The Navman package, in particular, is prone to crashing, losing its Bluetooth link with the GPS unit, or simply providing wrong instructions. All too frequently the screen map indicates a left turn while the annoying computerized voice stutteringly instructs you to ‘turn, turn right’.
TomTom’s package is a little more advanced, with 3D map views and much easier movement around your planned route. The big downside in both cases, however, is that you really need to put a day aside before setting out to get to grips with the way the software works. User-friendly these systems are not. Add together Bluetooth downtime, messing about with programming your route and trying to persuade both packages that an address in your contacts book actually does exist, and you would generally be far better off simply stopping off every now and then to use a map. Chances are you would pick a faster route, too.
Navman’s stubborn refusal to recognize certain zip codes and several roads that have been in existence for a couple of years is particularly grating. Navman also requires users to download separate maps for the same country – in our case we were testing in the UK – which is absolutely fine until you change your plans halfway through a trip and realize you have forgotten to save Wales onto your memory card. It is an object lesson in recognizing the true value of your faithful old road map.
What will make these systems really useful at some point in the future is constantly updated traffic information. At the moment, with either package, you still have to listen to the traffic news on the radio, tap in the trouble spots and then ask TomTom or Navman to give you an alternative route. Both systems did this within a few seconds, although the likelihood of those being the quickest alternatives was a bit random.
Some other systems have already introduced traffic congestion data via a mobile phone link – an add-on service that, in theory at least, could make the satellite navigation systems worth their weight in gold. Once again, though, don’t hold your breath. Early indications suggest systems blessed with such constantly updated data can change your route so many times to cope with traffic conditions that they actually slow you down.
The TomTom and Navman packages will be good at some point in the future – but they are not quite there yet. You get the feeling both companies were rushing to release their latest versions, missing out on up-to-date maps or overlooking various glitches in the system. If you feel you must have a satellite navigation system for your pocket PC, then opt for TomTom 3 over Navman SmartST version 2. Personally, however, I would recommend you save your money and invest in a high-quality road map and a few city guides.
