NAVMAN SmartST 2005 Plus Pan-European Maps GPS software

Having recently purchased my Navman PiN 570 and having used it for a few months I discovered that some streets were missing from the mapping software. A quick visit to Navman's website soon remedied this problem. I simply followed the easy instructions to update my Navman ST software to the 2005 version. After a few clicks and a few minutes the software was installed on my PC.

After running for the first time I was asked to complete ...
...to the software are the Navman ST desktop installation and the actual Navman ST software for directions on your Sat Nav.

The bottom portion of the screen has a world map which is shaded in various colours. The countries coloured in a yellow stripe are maps which you currently have keys to. These maps can subsequently be transferred to you PiN when necessary. Other maps can be purchased via the website link at the side of the screen. ... more

Having recently purchased my Navman PiN 570 and having used it for a few months I discovered that some streets were missing from the mapping software. A quick visit to Navman's website soon remedied this problem. I simply followed the easy instructions to update my Navman ST software to the 2005 version. After a few clicks and a few minutes the software was installed on my PC.

After running for the first time I was asked to complete some simple questions and to connect my Navman PiN to the PC. Once this had been accomplished it was just a case of re-entering my original software serial number to verify my details which I had previously registered with Navman.

The software comes as a package containing 2 parts and is very user friendly. It is very similar in style and menu system to office or something like that, with a menu system across the top of the main screen indicating various options, one of which was upgrade PiN and verify software, after which a licence certificate is sent electronically to you PiN via the ST software. The 2 parts to the software are the Navman ST desktop installation and the actual Navman ST software for directions on your Sat Nav.

The bottom portion of the screen has a world map which is shaded in various colours. The countries coloured in a yellow stripe are maps which you currently have keys to. These maps can subsequently be transferred to you PiN when necessary. Other maps can be purchased via the website link at the side of the screen. Other maps can be viewed but not transferred to your Pin. The software is basically just a way to transfer the maps from one media to another. Until Navman ST is installed on your PiN navigation cannot be performed.

I connected my PiN to the PC and proceeded to update the ROM software. The connection speed for this is not great but certainly adequate considering it is not something you will be doing everyday. A further few minutes gave me the software installed screen and I was ready to go.

Pressing the Nav button booted up Smart ST and from then on in all was plain sailing, after first clicking on the acceptance to the licence agreement. There are now various options depending on what it is you want to do.

1. Quick Nav

This option lets you choose your destination from previously saved ones, there are 3 saveable destinations in this option.

2. Destination

This option takes you to another screen where you can once again choose from options by Address, Intersection, Points of Interest, Favourites, Contacts, and recent journeys. Selecting and option will let you choose your destination.

3. Trip Planner

This option lets you plan a trip with various stop offs and Points of Interest, it will then calculate the distance, journey time, and if you wish direst you there.

4. Map

This takes you to the map screen where your current position will be displayed. Using the stylus you can navigate around the map and zoom in and out until you find the place you require, but it is easier if you have some info like Post-code. There is an arrow at the bottom of this screen to return you to the main menu.

Finally at the bottom of the main screen is an arrow pointing right, this lets you into a set up screen where you can set up preferences, and check out you GPS status. In the set-up option you can choose which maps will be loaded upon starting the program using only maps you require will save memory and speed up the whole process.

Once you have chosen a journey a small satellite dish appears on screen and calculates the route, you can see the percentage calculated on the satellites surface. Once calculated and if you have selected voice mode the male of female voice will direct you to your chosen destination. This is the clever bit I have tried so hard to get lost but it won't have it, it gets me there every single time. At this point you can switch between 3D map , 2D map and Turn List, I usually just stick with the 3D map since a glance at it gives you a good idea as to where you are heading. Turns are given well in advance by voice commands indicating whether to stay straight or vere left or right. The map is coloured and the route you are on is highlighted in red whilst other main roads are green. Smaller roads can be seen in a yellow colour, whilst motorways are blue.

All in all an amazing and very useful piece of software. I just can help wondering where we go from here.

 

...less