Rand McNally intelliRoute TND 500

As many inaccuracies as we find, Rand could leverage the complaints into a pretty decent discount the next time they buy from navtech. Or buy the maps from google.

 

The key word was "some". I am not saying only the TND does the full route calculation.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Cannot give away trade secrets...

 

Mark, does the new TND 700 have the new map data and software ... or is it a larger TND 500 with the memo features?

As to a company being able to provide FREE map and software updates .... just keep your eyes & ears open .... there just might be a company that will be able to provide such a service and product via the Internet. (Yes, it will recommend a high speed connection to update.) As I said, the new x50 series will have this capability soon.

As far as I know, all the quality trucking gps systems (4 manufacturers - A, G, C & R)) calculate the entire route, prior to displaying the route. I know as a matter of fact that the PC*Miler series calculates the entire route prior to displaying (DieselBoss has even confirmed in his comparisons that the PC*Miler is fastest as to re-routing and route calculations) ... and here you have a driver that confirmed the same for the Garmin 465t.

I'm not trying to be combative here, yet when I hear such claims it starts to give drivers the belief that other trucking gps products are inferior to the RM TND series re: route calculations.

Reading some of the end-users complaints, it would sound as though they have legitimate concerns and complaints ... and RM has done a fairly good job addressing those issues.

Mark, sometimes, rather than posting as a non-biased beta tester ... you start to sound more like a sales rep for RM ... I'm sure that is not intended, but when one has such a close relationship with RM as you do .... one might have a tendency to become biased. I know I am not the only one with this observation.

 

A sales rep? LOL....

When I post I try to keep a non-biased opinion in my answers. I do not like to compare other navigations units in my posts. I simply made a statement what the TND does and I did not state any other navigation company by name in regards to calculations. I simply said "SOME". For some reason everyone has to read into this for the hidden key. Some is some. Some does not mean Garmin, Cobra or other truck navigation devices. All navigation companies do compare their product against other products, but I leave that to 3rd party's such as Dieselboss in his reviews.

I could not say all, as this is not true, nor could I say only Rand, as this is not true. It is like saying "everyone".

So "some" companies calculate the entire route while others may not.

legitimate concerns and complaints - I try to address any and all of these issues, but most of these issues the Beta-testers have seen and have been tested and resolved. I know most of the issues with 1472 and I know what has been corrected and tested. Since the next version has not been released I cannot go into great detail of what is in the next version, but I do let people know that certain features have been corrected or added. I do have some leeway in what I post.

Does the TND have its cons - yes, does it have its pros - yes. Do I like to dwell on the cons - no. It is my job along with the other Beta Testers to seek out the cons and try to find the reason or at least the direction of the issue so that it can be corrected. Do I dwell on all the Pros's - nope.. I try to address each users concerns or issue and work with them to find out why they are getting that issue.

Sometimes what I post may be vague, as this is due to the information could border on company secrets. What I may ask of a driver may not sound like it has much bearing, but their piece of the puzzle may lead Rand into solving an issue. This has happened more than once.

Does the next version resolve a lot of the issues with 1472 - yes. But, until QA at Rand blesses the next version it cannot be released. Do I know the "by" date - Yes. Do I wish to post it - still in limbo as other factors are in play right now.

When a driver posts his concerns I have to establish a baseline in their settings. A lot of drivers are not going to stop and read 156 pages, so they may go back a few and if I have stated a issue with the current version and the work-around they might have missed it.

I do post my E-mail a lot for the readers of this thread and I more than welcome any and all E-mails. IF the user cares to post here or in a E-Mail it really does not bother me. One means of communication is as good as another so long as the lines of communications are open.

I am here for you the user. I am here for Rand also to provide a means for you to express your concerns through me. I have spend my time behind the wheel. I know the 700 mile days.

So a Sales rep - not, A person concerned in how this product affects your daily job - yes.

Do I answer all posts in a resonable amount of time - nope... some take a little more thought to give a answer. Even though I may not be logged in all the time I do monitor this thread from about 8am to about 0100 daily.

so a "sales rep" - only a Beta tester that takes pride in what this product has become.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Mark, thanks for the response ...

but you still did not answer my question re: the TND 700.

Is it a 7 inch TND 500 w/ the memo function .... or does it already have the new software and map data sets?

Do you know which retailers have TND 700's ready to ship ... or is this a hit and miss situation?

 

Missed that... just saw it again after I hit the submit key...

The TND 700 as it called will be shipped with the new mapping database and the next version. The next version on the TND 700 is the same version being tested by QA for the TND 500 right now. Now, I know you will ask, if it is the same version then why not release it for the TND 500 also. Because the two TND's are different in hardware and firmware.

One of the major features on the TND 700 that is not on the TND 500 is an added notepad and calendar.

As to whom has the TND 700 in stock - have no clue. The TND 700 did not start to ship till yesterday (9 Apr). To whom - no clue. If you look on the Rand Webpage they will list dealers that will be selling the TND 700.

I cannot push sales to one company versus another.

I will say this, if you buy the TND 700, even though it has the new mapping database, if you travel NYC, set the GWB to detour if you do not wish to go across it. NYC was corrected and tested as to its routing for trucks, but the GWB posed a issue and it would have required a major adjustment in the code to correct. Rather than correct it and delay the release of the new mapping database by several months it was decided to release it as it stands. The GWB issue will be worked in on the next mapping database.

The suggested selling price is $499.99.

Like the T5C is does have an external slot for a micro Sd card, but it is not used. All the files are internal on the TND 700.

Like wise,,, when you have time connect your TND to your computer and do a full backup of the TND.

Thanks,
Mark

 

If this is true, that would be two units having the same type of problem. The original unit I purchased and the exchanged unit. Not a good record for the product.

Rebooting the unit does not fix the problem.

Example Trip plan Jefferson OH to Sacramento, CA.
Put in the delivery address at 0100, I went to sleep, up at 0900. Pour a cup of coffee, reached over and hit the menu button to look at POIs for fuel. RED DOT on the route button. Turn list only had two and a half pages, that was like 8 turns. the first 3 or 4 were just to get out of the TS.

 

I suspect hardware issues with your units. But two doing the same thing? I have asked Tech Support to contact you on Monday.

We do believe you, but unless we can understand more, Rand will have to go with more an hardware issue.

Thanks,
Mark

 

I don't know if this is true or not, but I can tell you that the Garmin unit calculates a route faster than the TND. Once the Garmin has finished the route I can look at the full turn list and a map of the route as well as search for POIs. Most of the time in less than 2 minutes for routes around 2200 to 2500 miles.