New version Garmin Mobile PC v.5.00.70

New update for Garmin Mobile PC has just been released (Feb 19, 2010). The version number is 5.00.70. The updated software contains no new features, but the list of fixes and improvements is rather impressive, as it contains over 70 items (too many to list here!).

I'm just in the process of downloading the 167 MB file, but some people have already reported their first experiences with the new version GMPC 5.00.70.

I personally am a bit hesitant to update, because the last two Garmin Mobile PC updates resulted in my navigation software not working. And just like then, even now I'm just about to do the update while on the road, and in the need of a navigation program. Luckily, if Garmin Mobile PC becomes unusable, I still have other software that can get me to my destination safely. :)

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Laptop GPS World

Just downloaded and tried it out. I will certainy say the update is worth it! The map navigation is MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother, no jerking at all. It's great. Hopefully they have exposed more areas of the program in the SDK as well.

quite a few fixes (and I don't think I've ever seen any of the problems). I just installed it and everything still works. I also think it's running smoother.

Well, I've installed the update and so far, I'm not pleased.

Switching out of and back into the GPS skin in DFX4 leaves bits of the previous skin on-screen. Tapping the screen anywhere clears this up but it's a little ugly. Might be something to do with the overlay, I seem to recall someone mentioning something about that. I'll investigate further.

I have a 10Hz GPS unit and while it seems like the frame rate is higher than before, the updates are literally "2 steps forward, 1 step back". ie. driving along a road will show a number of updated frames moving forward then a frame moving backward (same map orientation and direction of travel, just a previous location) and then it moves forward again. It's almost like it's only checking the GPS at 1 or 2Hz, interpolating position between polls, overshooting and then correcting.

That extra framerate comes at a cost. I have my HD radio plugged into the on-board sound card up front and use the line-in plugin in Winamp to send the sound to the USB sound card in the trunk. This new update is such a CPU hog on my celeron1.2GHz that the sound skips when I have the map on-screen. The faster I drive, the worse it is.

When are they going to add traffic routing to their PC versions. That feature will make me drop any ohter NAV software in a heart beat.

> This new update is such a CPU hog

See if lowering the refresh to 5Hz, or even lower, makes it usable.

> When are they going to add traffic

Great question! Users should let Garmin know there is demand for a feature like this. To contact Garmin support: garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/supportcontact

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Marvin Hlavac

> This new update is such a CPU hog

See if lowering the refresh to 5Hz, or even lower, makes it usable.

> When are they going to add traffic

Great question! Users should let Garmin know there is demand for a feature like this. To contact Garmin support: garmin.com/garmin/cms/home/support/supportcontact

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Along with Lane guidance. Big cities like Houston have a tendency to put large signs up for example I-610N/I-610S in 1 1/4 miles. However... they don't tell you which lanes are for the exit...and it's a 6-8 lane highway. A little forewarning would be nice on situations like that.

I've submitted a request ;)

^good one

I had issues with this version, kept getting a no map

Quote:

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Dear James


Thank you for contacting Garmin International.


I will be happy to help you out with this. Hopefully these features will be added in with a future update. As of right now there is no set date when they will be available . I will place this email into our suggestion box.

With Best Regards,


Dewan B

Product Support Specialist

Garmin Mobile Team

Garmin International

913-397-8200

800-800-1020

913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Dewan B, Associate #6015

www.garmin.com





Original Message Follows: ------------------------
Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service
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Subject: Feature additions: When will traffic routing and Lane Guidance be added? Also maps with better visibility of surrounding roads
Message: Add support for the above features. Those would make me switch to Garmin software in a heartbeat. Traffic Routing, Lane Guidance, and more detailed maps (iGuidance as an example lists surrounding road names and the names of POI)

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Hopefully it will come sooner than later if they get enough requests.