Question: Explanation on the GPS

[QuiXilver]

Hi all

Got my Kaiser a few weeks ago. Didnt come with any GPS apps or maps. I saw a few reviews on the phone about it being bundled with the Tom Tom maps, anyone know about this?

Also does the phone need an external device for the GPS to function? Any explanation on how the GPS functions and where I can get me some maps would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[neilm]

Some TyTnII's had a 'taster' edition of TomTom on the companion CD, but many didn't.

Your choice of software depends very much on your requirements, and also whether you have a comprehensive data allowance with your phone tariff.

If you want full point to point road navigation, then one of the SatNav programs is a must- I don't know which ones have SA Maps available. If you want a more simple location based software, then Google Maps is very good, and can link to the device GPS system. It does use a lot of downloaded data though, as it loads map segments over the air as needed.

The TyTnII has a full GPS receiver built into it, so you don't need any additional hardware. Once you have a compatible software loaded, just point it at the GPS port and find a clear open space to get your 1st satellite fix, which can take up to 15 minutes.

[The Mailman]

Agree with Neil and although some software will automatically find the Internal GPS some need pointing at it. The usual settings are COM4 and leave it at 4800kbs.

There is a GPS icon in settings but it is generally agreed that it is best to stay out of this and leave it as it is.

You miight also want to check out Navizon - Virtual GPS for mobile devices and laptop computers - there is a free version which will download maps on the fly but YOU REALLY DO NEED AN UNLIMITED DATA TARIFF! Also it has an anoying tendency to stick itself into WIndows\Startup. There is an option to earn money by mapping new WiFi points\Phone masts if you have GPS too. TBH it can be flakey but it is free. (there is a paid for option that alows you to download and store maps though)

[QuiXilver]

Cheers guys, I'll give this a shot. I'm looking to get a data bundle of some sort soon. I dont really have any requirements. I just wanted to see how the GPS works on the phone. And to use it if/when i get lost. I'll give those apps a try.

[JamesA]

Googlemaps mobile is worth a look once you have a data plan.

Mobile

Even though i use tomtom for navigation, i still have it loaded ans its very usefull in other ways. For example, last time i was in london my wife wanted to go to pizza hut for lunch. Not having any idea where the closest one was to covent garden, i punched it into googlemaps and it promptly showed evey pizza hut in london! Picked the closest and it gave walking directions to it. She was almost as impressed as i was

[waveydavey]

Sweet, I love it when a plan comes together!

[debonairone]

Definitely sweet... you can always use that as an excuse for a new device when the time comes to *cough* upgrade...

[boz]

I love the new avatar deb!

[debonairone]

"stolen" from my Windows Live Messenger WeeMee.... Thanxs... It does bring a certain comedic effect to it... better than my actual picture, I think...

[waveydavey]

Everybody loves cartoons!