Map refresh rate slow

[bbrian]

I've been using Street Atlas 2006 since it came out and never had this problem. I recently switched to SA2009 and as I'm driving a blue area appears around the map in 3D mode. I just about drive off the map before the map fills in the next area.

I'm running on a laptop P4 1.8ghz with 1 gbyte ram. Windows XP. This is the same computer I was running SA2006 on with no problems.

Not very useful only being able to see 1/2 mile ahead.

[Dan Lawyer]

It's not that it's 2009 causing the problem of being slow, it's 3D mode that is nailing you. SA2006 didn't have 3D.

Your CPU has very little to do with 3D processing, it's the video card. My guess is yours is integrated into the MB and not a dedicated card with plenty of it's own ram. don't use 3D and you should be fine. Then Nav mode is better in 2D anyway.

[bbrian]

If it were the graphics card (and yes it's integrated) i should see hesitation as heading changes. The display moves smoothly and reacts quickly when the vehicle turns. The issue is with Delorme maps being drawn in sections. Somewhere in the software there is a trigger to tell the software to retrieve the next section of map along the route or heading. Only that trigger is waiting to long to execute. Thus the little red car is about to drive of the end of the world before the next map section is retrieved from the map files.

When this happens it manifests itself as a display that is part map and part bright blue abyss. Once the software decides to fetch the next section the map draw is instantaneous.

The suggestion of using 2D mode is essentially saying don't buy 2009. 3D is really the only value added. A feature Garmin has working flawlessly. There is little to no correction of map errors that existed in 2006. Still has no clue where Alabama hwy 55 is and still thinks there is a road at the end of my street that has never existed.

As far as graphics cards, I'm pretty sure most people buying this software are using integrated cards. Don't see many laptops with separate graphics cards, and certainly don't think a lot of people are putting desktop PC's in their truck or car.

Looks like Delorme was trying to play catch up with the self contained crowd and rushed a flawed product to market.

[John Moran_2]

I don't have any Garmin Windows OS 3D Road Routing apps, with or without Topo contours, running on my Vista laptop, so I can't comment on that.

We have had Topo7/8 in Topo 3d mode running on two different low bidder Vista laptops in cars on a couple of occasions, but I am not a big fan of big shiny screens in bright daylight. The PN-40 usually satisfies the "need" for GPS in the car, but then Christmas is coming, and we hear that talkies are out now. . . . . and . .
JM_2

[Dan Lawyer]

If it were the graphics card (and yes it's integrated)

I've been dealing with this with DeLorme customers for many years, seeing it myself on my on PCs, and helping dozens of their customers with it. The problem is your integrated graphics. You can deny it all you want, but as soon as you try it on a laptop with dedicated memory, you'll understand. This program will not run 3D well, with all it's doing, on any PC without dedicated ram.

You might try a MSConfig selective restart, and uncheck Load Startup Items. This will keep anything else from fighting for what memory you have. If you can stand a lower screen resolution, that might help too. If none of this helps, then you've got 2 choices. Return it for a refund and stick with your PND, or get a new laptop for Christmas;>)