Hello,

Two questions about OCN?

1) When is OCN8 expected to arrive?

2) Will OCN8 have TTS?

I am considering OCN vs iGuidance vs Mobile XT. I do find iGuidance very appealing. Is a newer version of iGuidance expected anytime soon? Also, does the Mobile XT version currently being sold at buygpsnow ship with 2009 maps? Thanks in advance.

Hi there.

1) Sorry but we do not have an ETA on this. We hope it will be released in the next few weeks.

2) No, TTS is not available on OCN8.

I just check the maps on the Garmin Mobile XT. They are dated 2007 (as of writing, July 8th, 2009) and these are from the latest shipment we received from Garmin. We usually receive Garmin shipments every other week.

In addition, we have called Garmin many times and they could not tell us when a newer map version for Mobile XT is going to be released.

Thanks for your prompt response. Guess I'll have to wait for the updated version of Mobile XT as maps won't be updatable once the card is bought. Any word on whether iGuidance is coming out with a new version soon?

Please clcik on the link below to find out about Guidance 2009 target release dates (3 versions will be available):

http://discussion.buygpsnow.com/blogs/news/archive/2008/07/05/inav-announces-new-version-iguidance-2009.aspx

or here for a snippet of it:

iGuidance PC and Pocket PC versions will now be sold as 2 separate products. So, there will be 3 packages:

1. iGuidance for PC (also compatible with UMPC and Car PC) (Accepting pre-order soon...)
2. iGuidance for Pocket PC (ETA: end of August 2008)
3. iGuidance for PC and Pocket PC combo (ETA: end of August 2008)

Thanks so much for the info. Any idea about the price of the different versions? Is it safe to assume that these new versions will retain TTS? 

Yes, TTS is retained in iGuidance 2009.

PC = $99

Pocket PC = TBD

Combo = TBD.