Looking for Primo 2.0 device - Questions including TMC, etc?

I've got an old Mio 310x 3.5" unit that was notorious for the easy unlock. I've been running Primo with older Logundu TTS, but the mispronunciations of names and the fact the power button has pushed all the way into the unit (making turning on / off a pain) means it's time to look for a new unit.

Questions:

1. I'm in the USA. If purchasing a unit with lifetime TMC, such as the Magellan Roadmate 5045, would I be able to get working TMC with Primo 2 or would it only work with the Magellan software? Any units in the USA get TMC working (I know it's encrypted here)?

What I'm looking for in GPS:

1. Ability to run and update Primo 2 program on it. I don't care about ANY other applications (video, music, spreadsheets, games), just looking at as wanting a straight on / off GPS.
2. Ability to still turn on / off by power button without having to reboot Primo 2, and have power itself off / suspend when loses power.
3. TMC if possible in USA working. If not, well, Primo 2 is more important.
4. 4.3" to 5" GPS. No larger.
5. Good screen / speaker for directions, as well as good performance.
6. Prefer a good window mount if possible as I like it situated right below rear view mirror.

Any suggestions for a GPS that meets those and is good quality?

kc70 wrote:I'm in the USA. If purchasing a unit with lifetime TMC, such as the Magellan Roadmate 5045, would I be able to get working TMC with Primo 2 or would it [color="#FF0000"]only work with the Magellan software[/color]?

I am not in the USA, but as far as I know TMC there requires a subscription that is likely [color="#FF0000"]software specific and probably not transferable[/color] to other software OR hardware. So if Magellan offers 'lifetime' TMC, it will likely only work with their software.

As for your other requirements, there are many units that fit your needs ...from cheap Chinese E-Bay types to expensive 'brand' types and many in the middle from established companies. Remember that sometimes you get what you pay for. It may depend on what you are prepared to spend.
The most important features to look for (for running Primo2 well) are WinCE 5 or 6, and 128MB RAM.

My 2 cents. It is my experience [as well as Xtyler92's] that Primo 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 do not navigate well in the US for some reason. Only my iGO8 and Primo 1.1 seem to be OK for some reason. Don't know why but he and I do agree.

chas521 wrote:My 2 cents. It is my experience [as well as Xtyler92's] that Primo 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 do not navigate well in the US for some reason.

That's interesting. I can't understand why that would be. I took a look and the last time I updated mine shows I'm running IGO Primo 8.5.11.168090 on the Mio 310x. I haven't encountered any major problems with it (this version finally fixed my left hand vs right hand road issue with it saying the wrong one). I did notice yesterday it told me to take a highway NORTH when the writing on the screen / route showed south (south was correct).

I kind of stopped upgrading since I haven't seen a need and it's been a problem getting the text to speech working each time a bit on the old WIN CE 4.0 device. However, now facing needing to replace the unit, I thought I'd jump up to 2.0. Some of the features look nice on the newer one, although I don't know if the "GOOGLE SEARCH" is as predominant (able to be disabled / changed to not show in menu). When I tried upgrading Primo once on present unit, I went back because it took the place of a button I needed on the 3.5" screen. I have no mifi in the car, so the new "online" features like live traffic and google search are a complete waste for me.

I thought about another Mio unit, but with the unlocks it looked like it might reset itself using the power suspend buttons each time, and I don't want to boot (device itself or even Primo software) every time I turn it on. Magellan looked like it might be a good option?

Did you have some recommended units for me? I'll try Primo 2 and 1.1 on a new one (provided the 1.1 files are still available) if you can recommend a good unit that meets my criteria above, minus the TMC since it seems like it's going to be a no go. You mentioned the RAM, which I knew for 128 for Primo 2, but what about minimum processor for running smooth and well in your experience (I know specs say like 400 Mhz)?

kc70 wrote:That's interesting. I can't understand why that would be

Some people are a little 'put off' the way Primo 1.2 and beyond use more of a fuzzy logic approach to navigation...using all the data that can be supplied to it. For instance, there is a route I follow most every day (not that I need a GPS for it now, but for experimenting and fun) that is not particularly long nor complicated. Depending on the day of the week and the time of day, Primo2 may 'decide' to use any of four different ways to start from the same location and end up at the same destination. Some may say this is wrong, but really it's taking historic traffic patterns, possible city congestion, and rush hour traffic into consideration. And most of the time, it is right for getting me there in the least time with the least hassle.
Now obviously, it is not human and cannot know that street A is blocked today for some unknown reason, and not to say that occasional mistakes don't happen...sometimes due to bad maps more than bad navigation software. But if I were traveling in an unknown area (which I have), I would trust it. I have never been 'lost' in an unrecoverable way due to the latest version of Primo. If I screw up, it self corrects the route and gets me back on track which is very handy so missing a turn here or there is not that big a deal.

kc70 wrote:but what about minimum processor for running smooth and well in your experience (I know specs say like 400 Mhz)?

Anything 400Mhz or higher should be just fine. If given a choice say between 400Mhz with 128Mb RAM or 600Mhz with 64MB RAM, I would take the RAM as more important.

It's hard to recommend particular units without sounding like 'endorsing' them, but for comparison, check out E-Bay then look at shop.dragonpearl-tech.com and compare specs and options. A $40 unit is probably worth $40 and maybe no more with support being difficult or non-existent if something goes wrong. Personally, I would stay away fro MIO for some of the reasons you mentioned. I have zero experience with Magellan.

I don't need bluetooth, which all the ones at dragonpearl do (only 3 models)? Anybody have any experience with this one at dealextreme? [Please Register or Login to download file]

It's an Eroda E-V2 model. I notice only about 4-5 have many reviews on the site, and none on this model.

I'll say it one more time. Primo 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 do NOT navigate well in the US. I am not the only one saying this. Those three have made me go around the block making a series of right turns instead of making the left to begin with more than once in different locations. The exact same map set was used in my Primo 1.1 and iGO8 and both told me to turn left to begin with. It's your device so it's completely up to you.

EDIT: BTW, my Mio works perfectly with my unlock - no problem.

kc70 wrote:I don't need bluetooth,

You may find that some features, whether wanted/needed by you or not, have become defacto standards on many units from many sources. Bluetooth is one of those almost no-cost options and can simply be ignored if not needed. But if you ever do get a bluetooth phone, you may find you want it.

kc70 wrote:with this one at dealextreme?

There is very little difference between DealExtreme and E-Bay as far as where the units come from and what they are.
From the model you saw:

1 x Chinese User Manual

Some people have reported good luck with such (no-brand) Chinese units, and some not so much.
But yes, very hard to find legitimate reviews of some.
Some people also like WayTeQ, which are available both 'direct' and sometimes through E-Bay or Amazon.

chas521 wrote:EDIT: BTW, my Mio works perfectly with my unlock - no problem.

Just my 2cts:
The Mio Cx20 series were good and almost indestructible, good build quality.
The newer Mio series (Moov) are not build that strong and I know several people with defective (not even unlocked) Moovs.

nabi wrote:The Mio Cx20 series were good and almost indestructible, good build quality.

I would agree with that...and I did not mean to throw poop on the whole MIO line (sorry Chas!), but the older ones were the best and easiest to work with.
The newer ones (which I assume the OP wanted a newer unit), not so much. And far more difficult to work with. Like many such Used To Be companies, MIO has taken a bit of a downturn. Especially for the price they ask. You can get much better for less money now.

My mio c320 is now 5 years old and running fairly strong (the usb connector is a little loose) but its time to think about moving forward. Since I hate tom tom and garmin and want to keep igo8 or primo 2 (for me in the states I have found navigation fine if you give it many waypoints) so I am looking into the cheap chinese units.