I don't use Mobile in contests because I stopped flying contests around
the time I got it. I did use GNII for several years, however. Remarks
follow.

Chip Bearden wrote:
I'm nowhere close to having the two map screens
configured to my satisfaction

When I got it, I configured one map just like the GNII screen; the other
map was used as a "thermalling screen". It was set to North Up, and
zoomed in so I could see the thermal drift.

As I got familiar with Mobile, I gradually changed the Nav boxes and
waypoint labels to take advantage of Mobile's features.

much less being comfortable with half
the things that pop up when my finger taps the screen deliberately or
accidently. I'm playing with it on public transportation to/from work
so the jostling and bumpiness add to the problem, although not
anywhere near as much as being in the cockpit will.

I don't have any problems like that, but a ridge runner might. I use the
rocker key to switch between the maps and to zoom in/out. I touch the
screen mainly to select a waypoint and look at it's details. If it's
bumpy, I'll grasp the sides of the iPaq with my thumb and middle finger
to dampen the motion, then use my index finger to poke the screen.

Moreover, do pilots actually use this without the stylus, using only
their fingertips as the input device?

I do, but there are a couple infrequently used screens that take more care.


And the developer touts the benefits of comparing achieved L/D with
required L/D. Great once you're on final glide but not helpful when
setting it up unless I'm missing something, and that means adding
still more nav boxes to the screen.

I've tried it a couple of times, don't like doing it that way, and still
use the MC setting with an arrival AGL box.


It also seems buggy. I often freeze the map display in sim mode though
I can usually still use the menu to save my config settings and exit
without losing the map layouts I've laboriously been building.

This is unusual, based my experience (no freezing) and the small number
of complaints about freezing in the user group. Be sure to turn off the
IR beam, as this function can cause the iPaq to run slower and slower
and ... Normally, it's only an issue in bright sunlight.

By comparison, although GNII has many fewer functions and features,
it's practically idiot proof, can be used by someone without the user
manual almost from day 1, and hardly ever leaves you more than one
finger tap away from the main nav screen.

I liked GNII, but it's limits for aggressive recreational flying,
especially in the mountains (and lack of development at the time) and
unfamiliar areas, led me to Mobile. The SeeYou team has been very
responsive to improving the program and I expect them to continue to do
so.

And do try the Thermal Assistant, once you've sorted out the bigger
issues. It's quite useful to me when I need to devote attention to other
things, like stowing the engine, keeping track of nearby gliders, trying
to figure out my next move, and other distractions.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly
* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org