GPS Software for U.S. Frustration!

DLCPhoto · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 06:39 AM

This seems like a simple wish - all I want is to purchase GP software for my Verizon TP2, with US maps, install it on the new 16gb microSDHC card I purchased, and get on with my life. Not so fast...

CoPilot Live 8 - reasonably priced, can download and install where I want, but apparently the Activation process is extremely fragile - the least change to your device and it has to be reactivated. Reports indicate that many have abandoned it because of this.

GarminXT - requires the purchase and use of their SD card.

OnCourseNavigator (the US 'brand' of IGO8 apparently) - also requies the purchase and use of their SD card.

TomTom Navigator 7 - when I go to their site, no US maps are listed for WM (they do have for the iPhone).

When I've raised these issues, I've been referrred to a particular website of ill repute, and I've been searching and posting there. Basically, there are ways to download virtually any of these applications without having to purchase a license, and the process appears fairly complex, with multiple map file downloads, instructions to modify files that I find less than straightforward, with use of a lot of inside jargon and acronyms. Frankly, I don't have the time or desire to mess with all of that, and I really prefer to simply pay for a legitimate license.

This really shouldn't be that difficult!!

Is there something, some other application, that I'm missing???

**jmorton10** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 07:25 AM

I had all the activation problems with that POS CoPilot to the point where I don't even bother to install it anymore.

Grab the GarminXT, I have a solution for you -I am running it from my 16 gig sandisk card & have used that card in at least 4 different phones (& it works super)

PM me

~John

bstan · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 08:57 AM

I have started to compiling a list of GPS applications and a bunch of their qualities, want to help complete it?

I have been using CoPilot. I followed their directions and I didn't have any problems with activation. I did send them an email with some questions I had about the software, it has been two days and I haven't gotten a response.

**jmorton10** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstan

I have been using CoPilot. I followed their directions and I didn't have any problems with activation. .

It will activate just fine the first time, but don't make any changes to your system or you'll be right back to square one.

I must have activated that awful software 30 times & I'm not sure it ever actually worked right once when I really needed it to.

They are an infuriating company to deal with also. Each time it refused to re-activate (it would tell me the key was invalid), I would have to email them & wait four days for a snotty response. At one point, they actually told me "if this happens again, we will be unable to help you"

This was with software I legally purchased, I DID NOT DL a cracked copy (although I SHOULD have). I stick with Garmin now & it works perfectly.

~John

bstan · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmorton10

It will activate just fine the first time, but don't make any changes to your system or you'll be right back to square one.

What changes are considered system changes that cause the software to deactivate?

**jmorton10** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstan

What changes are considered system changes that cause the software to deactivate?

I have no idea, flashing a ROM for sure but it can be something really insignificant also.

I was leaving on an 800 mile trip on a Saturday. I purposefully tested my CoPilot setup that Tuesday because I had had so much trouble with it, that I wanted to make 100% sure it was working for the trip. I fired it up on my way home from work on Tuesday & it worked just fine on my 26 mile drive home.

That week, I did virtually nothing to my system (I may have updated Google maps) & that Saturday when I was leaving my driveway CP told me my reg key was "invalid". I was so p!ssed/

ed I almost threw my TP out the truck window........

That was after it had been activated so many times I lost count. They have this asinine procedure you're supposed to go through where if you know you're going to make changes to the system you're supposed to go online & de-activate CP first, then go back & activate it again when you're done. That in itself is a major PITA, & to make matters worse it doesn't always work right.

I usually forgot to do this until it was too late anyway, but one time when I knew I would be flashing I went to de-activate it & got an error saying "unable to process the change at this time"...........

~John

lovingHDTV · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLCPhoto

This seems like a simple wish - all I want is to purchase GP software for my Verizon TP2, with US maps, install it on the new 16gb microSDHC card I purchased, and get on with my life. Not so fast...

CoPilot Live 8 - reasonably priced, can download and install where I want, but apparently the Activation process is extremely fragile - the least change to your device and it has to be reactivated. Reports indicate that many have abandoned it because of this.

GarminXT - requires the purchase and use of their SD card.

OnCourseNavigator (the US 'brand' of IGO8 apparently) - also requies the purchase and use of their SD card.

TomTom Navigator 7 - when I go to their site, no US maps are listed for WM (they do have for the iPhone).

When I've raised these issues, I've been referrred to the GPS Underground website, and I've been searching and posting there. Basically, there are ways to download virtually any of these applications without having to purchase a license, and the process appears fairly complex, with multiple map file downloads, instructions to modify files that I find less than straightforward, with use of a lot of inside jargon and acronyms. Frankly, I don't have the time or desire to mess with all of that, and I really prefer to simply pay for a legitimate license.

This really shouldn't be that difficult!!

Is there something, some other application, that I'm missing???

I whole heartedly agree!

I want a GPS solution that will work even when I have no cellular connection and can be installed on my SDCard, but have come to the same conclusion that you have. It can't be done.

dave

**eman** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:20 AM

I would start by removing the website you have posted in you original post......

DLCPhoto · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eman

I would start by removing the website you have posted in you original post......

If I have violated any forum rule in my signature, I apologize. When I registered I didn't notice anything that would indicate this, but I could have missed it.

I use these links in all the web forums I participate in, and it generally isn't a problem, especially when I'm not "selling" something to the community involved.

Please let me know where I can read the rules about this, and if I'm in violation, I'll be happy to remove it. I figured it's always of interest to see what things others are involved in. That isn't my primary career, but a passion I have cultivated over the years.

**shaggylive** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 09:24 AM

I still havn't figured out why m$ dropped streets and trips, that was a good app before the maps and technology were good.