GPS Tuner 4.0 Released

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=90887&productType=2' target='_blank'>http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/...7&productType=2</a><br /><br /></div><i>"GPS Tuner is a high precision measurement, mapping and geocaching tool for Pocket PC. You are able to record high precision waypoints (even sub-meter) thanks to the averaging technique. GPS Tuner provides flexible management of waypoints, geocaching files, tracks and routes. GIF, JPG, PNG or BMP files can be used as maps, you need only two positions for calibrating. With Digital Compass, you can easily navigate to a waypoint or walk along a route."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050422-GPSTuner.gif" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gpstuner.com/">GPS Tuner 4.0</a> for the Pocket PC has just been publicly released, so all existing GPS Tuner Standard and Geo users can upgrade to the new version for free using the <a href="http://www.gpstuner.com/registration/update.php">registration page</a>. It easily has one of the nicest interfaces I've seen in a while, and besides that, it's packed with a whole bundle of <a href="http://www.gpstuner.com/features_v4.htm?productid=300008167&quickbuy=1">new and exciting features</a> (too many to list). If you're interested, <a href="http://www.handango.com/ampp/store/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&productId=90887&productType=2">Handango</a> are selling it for $35. A trial version is also available. [Affiliate]

[zilla31]

just curious but it's hard to tell the difference between GPS tuner and a GPS mapping software like iGuidance (iNav) or TomTom... what is the difference? (so sorry for what is prob an obvious question - just can't really tell from the descrip alone).

[G M Fude]

There's two main types of GPS apps, zilla.

One uses vector maps, these are capable of adding more and more detail the more you zoom in. Vector maps are the ones that are used by the turn-by-turn navigation systems you've named, as well as e.g. Navman's SmartST and Destinator and Mapopolis et al.

The other type use raster maps, and it's best to think of these simply as scanned paper maps that have then be calibrated to latitude and longitude -- this is often called "georeferenced". The level of detail does not increase as you zoom in, although it may be easier to read.

The usage is is quite different; as I say, the vector-style programs are mostly used for turn-by-turn driving directions. The raster apps, for example OziExplorerCE or Vito Smart Map or GPS Tuner, are designed both to show you where you are, and record your track or point you on a bearing to your known destination. They require some map reading skills, but tend to be more verstatile and more appealing to geeks, like me.

[zilla31]

thanks that does clear it up quite a bit (and esp thanks for taking the time to write that)... so for raster maps - is GPS tuner a good app?

[G M Fude]

I've had a bit of a read of the blurb about GPS Tuner, and it does appear to be very feature rich. I use OziExplorer myself, but I wouldn't say it's the best raster-type app, only that its support for Australian maps is quite exceptional (it was written by an Aussie, so that's hardly surprising).

If I didn't have that specific need for OziExplorer, I'd definitely be giving the demo version of GPS Tuner a try. The price looks to be fair, and typical of that style of software for GPS.

GPS apps are one of the most important to "try before you buy". Sometimes they won't support your particular type of GPSr, or are just plain buggy. Give it a shot, zilla, you've nothing to lose but a bit of bandwidth and some time.

[zilla31]

i will thanks!!!

[Darius Wey]

Just a heads-up to anyone that's interested. GPS Tuner 4.1 has been released. The links in my initial post will point you to it. :)