Hey guys, I had a quick GPS question that I haven't specifically seen asked.

Can the base Nokia n810 GPS function without purchasing the routing software?

If so can I; without purchasing the routing software; create a breadcrumb as I drive, walk, etc.?

Would this require Maemo Mapper?

If so would it require a constant internet connection as some have said? I don't need a map showing up on the screen, but rather a line that I can follow to get back to point A from point B.


The reason I ask is I may be going to Japan in the near future and would like to purchase the n810 for this and other functions.
I am aware that gps maps of Japan are virtually non-existant for major gps brands, much less the n810, this is why I would rather a breadcrumb in case I got lost.

Thanks very much for any information you guys can give.

They're either ignorant, liars, or both.

maemo mapper caches map data onto the device, so as long as you pre-download the maps for the areas you need, you don't need internet access.

And, yes, it works perfect for breadcrumb-tracks.

GeneralAntilles, I love the enthusiasm.
Thanks a bunch for the quick answer.

I'm pretty sure of the answer, but I figure I'd ask, Do you know of any places to purchase and or download maps of Japan's major cities for Maemo Mapper?

Well maemo mapper pulls from google maps, so Japan is covered...as long as you can read Kanji. Actually, I rarely suggest this, but you might be best served by starting a new thread to ask this question, with a nice descriptive title like "maps of Japan for Maemo Mapper?"

Now, slightly off the topic of Nokia Internet Tablets, I just wanted to give you a suggestion for a good paper map book to use in Japan: http://www.mapple.co.jp/publ/dekkaji.html
Don't worry too much about buying it before you get to Japan. Just stop by a book store first thing, and look for that style of cover. Basically what's good about it is that they have station names and area names in Romaji as well as Kanji. Other random thought: Here's a really good site for figuring out what train to take to get to what station: http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

Ah, random other thought: I think if you pick a big enough brand name of GPS (not an N810) you might be able to purchase a Japanese map pack for it.

-John

superdorkman, I live in Japan and usually Maemo mapper works quite well. Anyway I found something strange, I have a N800 with a bluetooth GPS and here to get a fix it takes 15 minutes or more where in my country, Spain it only takes 1-5 minutes.

If you intend to use extensively map routing buy a Japanese dedicated GPS the first day on your stay in Japan. Maemo mapper can do some routing but you have to download the route previously... and does not work very well because of the Japanese names... Don't know if there are many GPS with English maps in Japan, those I've seen are in Japanese, could be really difficult or impossible to buy one with Latin characters. Google Maps in Japan uses as well Japanese characters, somewhere there is a mashup that displays Latin characters instead of Japanese ones, but don't know if you will be able to use in Maemo Mapper.

Anyway, here at least in Tokyo there are many open networks so the Nokia IT is worth it for Internet use. Some friends here have the iPod Touch and while they can see 3 or 4 wireless networks, with the Nokia is easy to se 8, 9, 10... so more opportunities to catch an open network
If you finally decide to get the Nokia I recommend you to buy a USB charger and then in Japan buy extra battery packs, really cheap in here. I always carry a couple of them when traveling to avoid battery run outs...

Hope the information was useful, if not don't mind to ask anything!

You guys rock!
Johnx I've been looking over the links you've supplied and they have some good information.
biquillo I really really appreciate all the info especially given the first hand experiences with you living there and all.

I think I'm going to take johnx's advice and create a specific topic for discussion regarding use of the n810's gps in japan and abroad in general. If I get half the great responses I've gotten here, it should be a very informative thread.

FYI, I just ordered an n810 today.
I'm going to be experimenting with Maemo mapper before I leave in April.

[QUOTE=biquillo;137657] I have a N800 with a bluetooth GPS and here to get a fix it takes 15 minutes or more where in my country, Spain it only takes 1-5 minutes.
QUOTE]

I have the same experience in HK and China. I got my BT GPS in US and it locked the sat signal in less than 5 second. In HK, it took 5+ min and in China, sometimes it catches after a long wait. Most the time, I give up. Kind of wonderring why. Anybody?


Mine system at that time was 2008Os Beta on N800 MMC boot.


bun

If the GPS has been moved a long distance since last being on, it has to download a new almanac, and find out where it is. This takes time, perhaps as much as 20 minutes. Subsequent fixes in the same area should be quick, but as soon as you move it hundreds or thousands of miles, it will again take time for the first fix.

I didn't have any problems with my old BT GPS in China, I don't think it took particularly long to get a fix (I had just arrived from Europe). However, when I went way south to Australia my GPS never locked. I let it run for up to an hour several days in a row but never got a fix. Strange that. I emailed the vendor and asked if there was any known south-of-Equator problem and got a nonsense answer back (as expected).

GPS is global. There should be no difference anywhere in the world. The satellites are in north-south orbits, and cover the entire surface of the earth. The things to remember is that water and metal block GPS signals. The water in your hand will completely block them, and you can't get a good signal inside many buildings, especially ones with lots of metal, and with metallic coatings on the windows. You need to be outside with a good view of the sky.