I’ve always wanted to install a GPS (Global Positioning System) software in my E71 since the application that came with the phone is inadequate. A more professional and well-known brand should be installed in my phone, according to my opinion-lah.
After much soul-searching, I decided to try out Garmin XT Mobile. Installation is not so straight forward and some technical know-how about Symbian application installations and tweaks would be useful. Anyway, I found out an easy instruction on how to install Garmin XT Mobile on your Symbian phones here. But the instruction is for installing Garmin XT Mobile v4.10.60, whereas the latest Garmin XT Mobile is the v5.00.20. Go and get the latest software upgrade at Garmin’s site.
Garmin XT Mobile
After much patience and time wasted in installing the Garmin, I finally have Garmin in my E71. I had spent hours tinkering the E71/Garmin ’cause the GPS is not syncing and there is no satellite lock. I finally found out that my phone is using A-GPS (assisted-global positioning system) and the option should be chosen, instead of the normal or bluetooth GPS.
Navigation
Once you have successfully installed Garmin, the next thing you must do is to install the local map. And I found out some sites that actually offered free and up-to-date localised maps. I installed the latest map for Malaysia and you can also gets it here. Please read the instructions carefully.
The software is quite fun to use but acquiring a satellite lock is slow. Well, I guess a full blown GPS module is better than a mobile phone, but since the E71 is equipped with a GPS chip, the functions should be the same, if not better.
As this entry is written, I’m still figuring out on how to use the Garmin apps and to actually use it to find my way anywhere in Malaysia. That might be good as I am a male hetereosexual, and asking for direction is not my forte.
Me and My Nike Air Force 1 