Initial Thoughts on Smart2Go vs. TomTom
I’ve had the license for Smart2Go for roughly half of my 7 day license, and I’ve been using it heavily, comparing next to TomTom. I’m waiting for a financial windfall to be able to drive around for half an hour or so and video both actually in use. However, I’d like to post some initial thoughts and reactions to using both for simple navigation.
Smart2Go has some installation headaches, as I’m sure you’ve read across the blogosphere. The first time I downloaded the Texas map (104mb) it took nearly 4-5 HOURS. However, I recently tried again since I’d updated my firmware, and it only took about an hour, so they’re definitely speeding things up. Bravo, Nokia.
The main thing, in my opinion, that Smart2Go has going for it is the pricing structure. It’s simply brilliant. Whereas every other GPS application is either free java-based, or you have to buy the whole kit-n-caboodle, running at least $100. With Smart2Go, if I’m going to California for a week, for $10 or so (roughly the cost of a map, anyways) I can get full-blown navigation. Hard to argue with that. However, for the full-time use, I’d probably stick with TomTom.
Smart2Go’s navigation, even with maps downloaded to the memory card, is slower than TomTom. It also has a higher penchant for simply instructing you to pull a U-turn, rather than remapping for your chosen direction. I suppose if you’re using it for navigation, this is better.
One of the things I already like better is TomTom’s navigation screen. Both apps are similar, but TomTom lets you pick what’s on the bottom, and my favorite feature thus far is the estimated arrival time. TomTom estimates how long the trip will take you, and gives you either a countdown to arrival (which is the only option with Smart2Go) or an actual estimated time. I personally like the time better, as it’s less math to do in my head.
I think Smart2Go does a better job handling the Contacts integration, also. Both apps allow you to access your contacts list to pull an address straight into the app. However, with TomTom, if it’s not formatted correctly, you just get a pop-up notification telling you, and you have to either go directly into the contact and edit it, and try again, or just manually type in the address. With Smart2Go, it will pull whatever information it can gather, and let you fill in the rest. The only thing Smart2Go can improve upon in this regard is applying changes to the actual contact, so that next time, I don’t have to edit Christina’s address again.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Have you been using either app or have other questions that haven’t been answered in other reviews? Please post them here and I’ll be sure to answer them as soon as possible. Also watch for the video to be posted soon.
Test Driving Nokia Maps / Smart2Go - Part 1
How delighted I was when I heard Nokia’s announcement that they would release their Nokia Maps (a.k.a. Smart2Go) mapping application for handsets other than the Nokia N95. Right after coming back from the 3GSM congress, I downloaded a copy for my N93 a…
Hi, just got the N95 8GB from http://www.allukphonedeals.co.uk/ and I want to use my copy of tomtom on it. Currently it’s on sd card for my XDA exec. Anyone know how to get it installed and working for my N95? I’ve read that it won’t work with the built in gps but i do have the bluetooth jobbie I used on the XDA.