[Touch HD General] sancmat:
Recieved OnCourse Navigator 8.3

Ok, I got my copy of OCN on tuesday and have used it for a couple of days. I thought I would write up my personal opinion of the product after two days of use. If my opinion changes down the road I'll make another post.

As a little background I have had a garmin standalone unit and garmin mobile xt on my phone in the past.

----------------------------Problems Section----------------------------

I had two problems getting the software working. I was sent an microSD card with the maps, software and manuals on it. When I put the card in it appeard to install properly.

The first problem was it did not recognise the gps (skip this section if you like as both problems were resolved). Solution to this problem was to go into Start->Settings->System->External GPS. On that screen select a GPS Program port (I selected COM4). on the hardware screen select none for GPS hardware port and access should be set to manage gps automatically.

The second problem was that the TTS voices were not working. After uninstalling and reinstalling this worked fine. This program did not show up in the remove programs window so I had to go to the programs\OCN directory to find the uninstall program.

-------------------------End Problems Section----------------------------

GPS Reception - This is the fastest application for getting a gps signal I have ever used. This includes the Garmin Mobile XT on this phone, Google Maps and a program I wrote myself. A small note on this is I do have QuickGPS updated.

Map Quality - I haven't driven around to much but it is very good so far. A major highway was added in my area last year and it is already on OCN (my wifes updated Garmin maps do not show the road yet). On the other hand my childrens daycare center moved a couple of years back and it still shows the old location. Overall I would give this a positive review to this point.

Screen - The main map screen is nice and easy to read. The Road signs that it shows are useful.

Battery - Does drain the battery but not to horribly.

Nice features that are better then on Garmin Mobile XT

TTS works great. slightly strange thing is if you get on HWY 212 WB (westbound) it states Highway 2 1 2 W B. It takes some getting use to.

It comes on a 8gb card (no 16 gb card to date, please ask about it if you purchase a copy. the more we ask the more likly they will eventually have it)

Works with internal gps, if you want larger then a 2gb card garmin must use an external gps

3D buildings in metropolitan areas is nice but not necissary.

Missing Features that exist on Garmin Mobile XT

On Garmin Mobile XT you can get the directions repeated if you miss them. At this point I have not figured out how to do this on OCN.

Garmin can search for POIs from Google for the most accurate poi list I have seen.

OCN does not seem to have any ability to get gas prices.

TMC (traffic) does not work in the US and on Mobile XT it is free if you have an internet plan.

OCN shows time left to destination but it doesn't show estimated arival time. Silly little thing but I don't like doing the math when I'm in a hury.

Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and recommend it to anyone who is looking for navigation in north america.