Windows Phone Thoughts: Navman PiN Review: Directions from Viki

The SmartST software
The PiN ships with Navman's SmartST navigation software. It comes with two components, a desktop version and a handheld version.


Figure 2: The desktop program...Viki's database (click for larger image).

The desktop part of the program is well designed but has a few flaws. First off, it's slow starting up. This isn't a big deal because you rarely use the desktop program...just to transfer maps once in a while.

Next, the program doesn't work unless the PiN is connected via ActiveSync. Again, not a huge problem because you really only use the program to transfer maps.

Thirdly, the program requires you to insert the map CDs to function. The maps take up 3 CDs and there's no ability to install all the maps...CD swaping is required. :?

However, one of my favorite features is the ability to add maps to a memory card via a card reader and not just through the ActiveSync connection. When transfering 60MB maps, a USB 2 connection makes a HUGE difference. :wink: