In-car software for the mobile Psioneer
By Steve Litchfield, May 21st 1996
By Steve Litchfield, May 21st 1996
There is a definite gadget-buzz when driving along and tracking your progress in real time on a computer screen. As Mark Whitehorn says, "Very James Bond!". If you already own one of the programs mentioned here you'll probably not need any of the others, as they all allow useful locating functions when out and about. Having said that, their functionality is so different and the overlap so relatively small that you could just as well argue that a combination of programs would be even better. If you already have Autoroute, then make sure you get AutoGPS, to give you the moving map. If you haven't tried Mapper-3a yet, then do so, after all it's shareware and so you don't have to pay a penny to get it working. And if you know which routes you'll be taking but want detailed countdowns to junctions and filling stations, then go and find out about Findit.
Appendix: useful Contacts and Links
Autoroute:- any Psion dealer (e.g. Clove Technology), price around £65, comes on a 1Mb ROM SSD.
AutoGPS:- Freeware from the usual shareware sources or specifically on the internet at ftp://ftp.it.dtu.dk/pub/psion/1996/466.zip
Mapper-3a/GB:- 100% fully working shareware, download it from the 3-Lib web site or obtain it by sending a PC-formatted floppy disk, £1.50 in loose stamps and return postage to Steve Litchfield, 22 Grays Crescent, Woodley, Reading, RG5 3EN. Free to evaluate, if you like it you should register at £14.
Findit:- more details available from Positioning Ltd. Prices vary according to whether you purchase GPS, car-cradle, leads etc at the same time, and really the only way to get an idea of price is to call them on 0113 2306199.