Where Do You Want To Go Today? Let OnCourse Guide You!

By , posted Friday, Dec. 30th, 2005
Reader Comments: 26

So what is really cool?

Several items but I think my favorite is the voice navigation option. If you have a route that you have created and saved; part of the process is the ability to save it using a voice recording. For example, I have a route saved to my brother Jim’s house. When I saved the route, I recorded the phrase “Jim’s house”. As I am driving, I can press the voice recognition button on the main screen and say: “Jim’s house”. The route will be found, calculated and will start immediately. Pretty cool, huh?

I really like the maps and the system they have established called “Clever Maps”. The goal behind the Clever Map is to provide you with unrestricted mobility. All available maps are included on the 2 DVDs. When you initially buy OCN5, you will receive a set of DVDs with a BASE map activated. At any time if you have the need to purchase additional map coverage, you can for a small fee thru CleverMap and register the new product at MyOCN.

There are basemap products that you start with:

OCN 5 (M) - One signal regional map
OCN 5 (L) - All regional maps in USA and Canada
OCN 5 (XL) - Seamless USA
OCN 5 (XXL) - Seamless North America

The Christmas special comes with the XL version which fits perfectly on a 1 gig SD card. This package includes all states of the USA except Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Alaska as a complete seamless map. You also get the following maps: Alaska, Hawaii, PuertoRico, MAJORCentral-WestUSA, MAJORCentral-EastUSA, MAJOREastcoastUSA, CentralNorthernUSA, CentralSouthernUSA, CentralNortheasternUSA, CentralEastCoastUSA, WesternUSA, SouthEasternUSA, NorthernEastCoastUSA.

The maps are seamless which give you an amazing ability to navigate. Of course, with each basemap, if you choose not to load the entire region, you can use the subcategories that are part of that basemap. The program has been so efficient for me that I have not felt the need to do that. Besides, I want to be able to get up and go without having to figure out if I have the right maps with me. The mapping system they have is quite unique and is extremely accurate.

Can I install the maps and program from the CD if I want? You sure can and if you do, it is an easy install. The part that goes on you PC is very small and quick.

If you want to read the manual, the CD has it in Adobe format.

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crypticways, thanks for your post. We are fully aware of the issue you mentioned about "OCN5 prefers taking highway/secondary highway rather than Interstate highway as you are approaching the final destination". We have a fix now and it will be scheduled to be released in the upcoming version 5.3 patch (free download for all registered users).

Thanks for your patience.

Posted by , Saturday, Jan. 14th, 2006

Jack, my hats off to you. You did an excellent review. I've been an OCN5 user since November 2005. I did nearly 2 months of research before making my decision and as you I'm pleasantly pleased with OCN5. I agree that it takes a bit to startup (30 seconds or so) and that the having to agree to the terms each and everytime you start the program is annoying, but overall OCN is an excellent piece of software. The routing isn't always perfect, but it's really good. Example: sometimes OCN routes me over state routes instead of the interstate, when the interstate is faster (my settings are correct). It still gets me there though. The first few weeks I wasn't sure if I could trust it for daily use and always carried a map with me just incase. OCN has proved to be reliable and trustworthy.

Posted by crypticways, Monday, Jan. 2nd, 2006

Jack,
I just received the OnCourse two days ago. What a fabulous item. I could not agree with you more about the features of the BT GPS unit! The software is also quite robust and saved me from a wrong turn yesterday as I was looking for an unfamiliar address.

This is my third GPS purchase (the first was the sleeve for the 5455). At this point I can see that the quality of this package will encourage me to use it often. I can't say that for the other two units I have purchased.

I did compare the GPS BT unit with my other one and you were absolutely right about the time to fix. . . WOW and thanks!

Posted by lmac, Tuesday, Dec. 6th, 2005

trcoker,
Yes, if you get the XL for example, then you get ALL the regional maps under it.

My guess is that it would work very well.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 29th, 2005

That sounds reasonable. Memory has always been an issue on devices and the 6515 is no exception.

I have not tried it on the 6515 because the XL maps are just about 1 gig. I only have 1 gig SD cards so it would preclude me from using other programs.

Considering the fact that I rarely travel away from the east coast, it most likely would not be a problem to load regional maps...but then again, i wanted the ability to use it when ever-where ever which is why I chose to use my 2750....two memory cards.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 29th, 2005

I contacted the OnCourseNavigator team and this is the response that i got when I asked about using the OCN5 with the hp6315.

I think that in Jack's review he said that these regional maps are included for no extra charge? Is that correct?

Does anyone think that it would be a mistake for me to buy this for my 6315?

Thanks

Dear Valued Customer,

Yes, it has been tested and fully compatible.

Due to the limited free memory on this device and the slower processor than industry average of 400mhz on this device, we only recommend the OCN5 (M) Regional map or the OCN5 (L) all regional maps. Do not proceed with OCN5 (XL) or (XXL), which requires at least 30 MB for free memory space.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to contact us via email and we will gladly assist you.

Best Regards,

OnCourse Navigator Team

Easy PocketNAV.com LLC

www.OnCourseNavigator.com

Posted by trcoker, Monday, Nov. 28th, 2005

trcoker
I have not tried the software on the 6315 but I would expect it to work.

Posted by Jack Cook, Friday, Nov. 25th, 2005

Jack,

What do you think about using this on a Hp6315?

Thanks

Posted by trcoker, Thursday, Nov. 24th, 2005

GeekNJ

You said: "A friend of mine tried this application and he found that there's no way to view the legs of a route that is calculated. Is that correct or did he just not find the option to do that?"

It is not correct, he is wrong. I posted a screenshot on the thread you referenced showing a route with three stops. It is pretty easy to show the route.

You asked: "Can you time some sample route calculation times?"
I thought I had mentioned times in the review. The times ranged from 14 sec to about 1 minute 40 seconds depending on the length of the trip and the type of road traveled.

A trip from Boston to the western part of the state of Massachusetts, a distance of 84 miles, took 17 seconds. I think that is pretty good time.

I think they did a great job route calculation. For me, it is fast. If there is a faster program out there, them I guess they would arrive sooner than me (unless they hit a red light).

Why did I select this product? This product had what I was looking for and the advice I received from friends, comments I read from the experts in the GPS field and my investigations of the specs lead me to make this my new GPS solution. Its performance has proved that I made the correct decision.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

In the review you also mentioned you investigated other potential solutions. What were the other products and what made you select this solution over the others?

Posted by GeekNJ, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

I mentioned an apparent deficiency in the forum thread on this product and thought I'd mention it here again since it wasn't in your review.

A friend of mine tried this application and he found that there's no way to view the legs of a route that is calculated. Is that correct or did he just not find the option to do that?

Can you time some sample route calculation times? You mentioned a few that you did (to FL, To CA and to Chicago). How long does it take to calculate the route? How about a 40 mile trip using local streets to start/end? Just wondering how "fast" is fast. I know you're used to Delorme since you've mentioned it often and that is extremely slow so it would be good for those that are interested to know what you mean by "fast".

I'm also interested in a SIRF III unit... so I'll be checking some out after Xmas.

Posted by GeekNJ, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

WOW Jack reading this review makes me want to buy the darn thing. I am glad you enjoyed it and hope you never get lost again.. LOL

Posted by David Ciccone, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Well, I think you are going to be very happy with it (even without that 10%).

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Well, I went ahead and bought the Christmas package. I wish they still had the additional 10% off coupon (expired Nov 15th). That would have made it even easier to justify buying!

Posted by , Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Thanks Jerry...not bad. I hope they can make it happen.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Take a look how 3d/Names looks on PMN. They have a few screen shots on the front page.

http://www.pocketmap.com/navigator.html

Posted by JNGold, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Jerry,

The street name for 3D view would be a wonderful option and I hope they can implement it. I wonder how it will effect the view?

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

I'm drooling as I read!!! Wonderful review Jack!!

Posted by , Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Cool. I am looking to replace PocketMap Navigator on my 2750, so this may be the one. :)

Posted by JNGold, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

I spoke about a feature that OnCourse was looking at based on user input. 3D view with street names is one such request.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

I agree that certain roads are a PIA so having the ability to BLOCK is a great feature prior to setting the route. It works well.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

3d mode would be more useful if street names were included.

Posted by JNGold, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Ooopps....didn't notice the image! Doh!

Ok, I understand. However, I want the ability to avoid certain roads I know to be a "PIA" for traveling. Sometimes GPS apps "think" they know the best route, but they can be wrong. If I have the ability to block roads before I travel, I then have the ultimate in flexibility.

Posted by JNGold, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Jerry, I thought is was pretty obvious from the lead picture. It says NAVTEQ On Board. When you see NAVTEQ on Board, it means that the data is precise, robust, detailed, and reliable. I have found the maps to be extraordinary in my testing which has been for Maine to Pennsylvania. I did a lot of traveling to test this software. It is phenomenal!

Yes, I have been able to use the block road feature as I planned a trip but frankly, once I planned a trip I left it that way. As I drove, if I wanted to go a different way than what was routed, it quickly re-routed.

I am absolutely amazed at the speed of re-routing that the program has.

Posted by Jack Cook, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Jack,

Your review doesn't mention if the maps are Navteq, TeleAtlas, or custom (unless I missed it). I have used both TeleAtlas and NavTeq and I find that NavTeq maps are a heck of a lot more accurate in my neck of the woods.

Also, can the "Block road" function be used prior to the trip commencing. If I know to avoid a particular stretch of roads (either for construction or I know there is a better way), can I enable that function before I travel and have OnCourse re-do the route?

Thanks.

Posted by JNGold, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

Jack,

Great review. This certainly sounds like a great device. I can't wait to hear about the MyGuide 500. This is a device that I could really get into.

Posted by Steve Trotto, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd, 2005

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