Actually we can have good maps without using our data services, navigational software and fast locking speed with our N95. Just buy a tiny Bluetooth GPS receiver module and pair it with the N95. Well, it'll decrease portability by a notch but the performance is really good. The internal GPS module only has about 6 channels and take ages to get a signal lock. Any external GPS module can get more than 20 channels and lock a signal in just seconds. Holux M-1000 for example is one good recommendation. That way, you don't drain your N95's battery. The Holux M-1000 can easily run for more than 17 hours, good for up to a week's use.

For software you can try using Garmin Mobile XT and one of those Malsingmaps. Its the most accurate and detail map for Malaysia and Singapore. Just support Malsingmap.com, contribute and you'll get a map. Garmin Mobile XT can support S60, Palm and Windows Mobile. For this to work, you need a Garmin-GPS receiver but if you search hard enough, you can find a workaround.

I am already using it. Had a field test today to bring me around Putrajaya. So far my combination of navigation software, map and the GPS receiver seems to be very effective. You can try Holux (which is what I am using). I bought mine (Holux M-1000) for RM250 including warranty from a friend I know in Malsingmap.com.

If you want more information, feel free to PM me and I can guide you from there.

Yeah, maybe it is an older model using the SiRFStar III. Or it is the M-1000 that is selling RM180? I have been looking around the MSM and the price has been around RM250-260. Probably negotiable lar. But its a very impressive setup - smartphone + GPSr.

Last Wednesday, KL has a very ugly storm. And I can get a GPS signal lock in just under 40 seconds! cold start! Check the satellite information and it already has around 6 satellites and counting. Throughout the whole journey home in the freak storm, tracking was no problem and accurate. Signal strength was high too.

Yeah it is a good thing. I meant to say that with the external GPS receiver, you can still get a good signal in the middle of a storm, especially getting a signal lock. With the internal GPS of N95, it'll take a some time before you could get a lock. Might not even get one too. I tried that last time.

There's already a newer firmware and it is V21.0.016 (I think should be this number). I just upgraded last Friday. Battery performance is like that if you use it vigorously. Also it is still new so it might require a few rounds of charge and discharge to get to the optimum level. Give it a few days. My N95 can lasts around 3 days if I just use its phone and stuff like that. Add playing games, WIFI and GPS, 12 hours seems to be the number. WIFI and GPS does uses a lot of battery power. Now I don't use its internal GPS, but paired with an external GPS receiver when I bought it for my PDA phone.

This post has been edited by davidmak: Apr 7 2008, 08:32 AM

You can't. Removing or relocating them will cause the images to not load in the Garmin Mobile XT program. Also even if you relocate them to an isolated folder, the gallery will still show them because it constantly updates and the detect new changes to the file system to the library. Back to square one.

The best way (in my opinion) is to invest of a standalone bluetooth GPS receiver. Holux M-1000 cost around RM230 in LYN Bulk section. It'll track satellites in no time and save you from paying for data fees. I know, it'll cost a little plus it defeats the purpose of N95's internal GPS but it really shines when paired with an external receiver. Right now, I am using this combination when driving and only revert back to its internal GPS when I am walking or can't afford to lug around another device.

You can use this Holux device with other smartphones as long as it is using Symbian S60, Windows Mobile, Palm and UIQ OS. Garmin Mobile XT supports these operating systems.

You can either format the memory card on the PC or on the phone. For the phone part, you can do a master reset. It'll require the phone security code. If you want a complete wipe off and re-initialization of the operating system, you need a combination of key presses. Maybe you can search for Nokia key codes. I don't remember them now.

Well if I understand the terminology correctly, AP original housing indicates the housing used on a original handset. This can be considered as the original part just that it was part of an AP batch so warranty from manufacturer do not apply, just the same like buying an AP phone.

The AAA housing indicates the grade of the material and mechanical dimensions which is a near perfect replica of the original housing. For your information, in order to make a plastic mechanical housing of a phone you need a mold/die set to mass produce. Non-authorized manufacturers do not have the dimensions and mechanical drawings of these designs so they resort to replicating the mold/die set by inverting the design of the plastic mechanical casing obtained from the market. This process can never be perfect and can only be near the quality and dimension accuracy of original parts. Thus the AAA terminology.

The problem is traders/sellers often misused and abuse these terms to collectively call all of them AAA and even AP original housing because it holds better resale value and fools the unsuspecting customer. The price can often fluctuates drastically so you must judge the quality of the product you're getting. A good copy should have the following:

1. Refined and smooth finishing
2. If there are silkscreen logos, determine that it is aligned properly and is sharp
3. The casing should fit closely and not loose. Check that there are no large gaps
4. Determine that the new casing do not emit creaking sound when holding/using the phone
5. If applicable, check that the button operations are not obstructed by the new casing

This post has been edited by davidmak: Jun 22 2008, 01:35 AM

I think you should read back a couple of pages and you should get some hints. GPS navigation is free to the public provided you have the proper software combination and hardware. It do not require signing up any service with any telco. The N95 already has a built-in GPS so you need the navigation software in order to be meaningful. However, the navigation software isn't free. The N95 has one preloaded but only available for trial purposes only.

There are however other alternatives but it is not convenient to disclose them here. You should read back in order to understand we have been trying to achieve all this while.

What you installed is just the program. You need to download the dictionary database which is available at the Nokia product page of your phone. Once downloaded, you copy it to the phone and then point your dictionary program to use that database. Try it out.

I think when you download the database dictionary, you just copy it into your memory card. Then you start the dictionary program and when ask for it, you just point it to where you save the database. Thats if I remember correctly though.

On the built-in GPS of the N95, it'll take awhile before it can actually get a lock on the satellite signal. These are the conditions that will pro-longed the timing to lock:

1. You're in a car and it is moving.
2. You're under heavy foliage or city buildings or in a tight area with a lot of high rise buildings
3. You're in bad weather
4. You're in the valley-hill area
5. Too much sunlight (very subjective and unknown validity)
6. ...etc among others

It is normal to take from 5 minutes up to 10 minutes. Even longer when you're constantly moving. I suggest you get a lock and settle on your routing before starting the journey, at least 15 minutes before. That is the reason I am not using the built-in GPS anymore. I am now connected to a bluetooth gps receiver module and it takes 30 secs to get a lock from cold start. Hot start is merely a few seconds.

Good for you. At least it is working now.

Most importantly make sure the phone is slide open. The GPS receiver antenna is located below the keypad area. You need to slide out to expose the keypad for better reception.

Guys,

One quick question. I saw a few people here had their N95 change into black casing. Where do you guys buy it? Is the quality good and does it fit nicely? Also price please. Thanks.

Err... DIY? Any URL for pictorial guides? Hahaha

Thanks for the information. Appreciate it. Will have start hunting in Low Yat again. Hehehehe!