Deutsche Bahn offline timetable 2012

[blackfive460]

The 2012 version of this remarkably useful (free) programme is available at http://www.bahn.de/p/view/buchung/karten/dbfahrplanbest.shtml.
What I can't seem to find is a new version of Hafas Pocket which appears to have been replaced by various 'apps' which, of course, require a data connection; expensive when you are out and about in Europe.

Edit:
Hang on chaps, it seems those Germans aren't quite ready for us yet. That link is still giving a download to the 2011 version. I'm sure they'll sort it out eventually.

 

[radamfi]

Yes, I noticed it was the 2011 version last night but I downloaded it today and it is now the 2012 version.

 

[blackfive460]

For those few of us (allegedly) using Windows Mobile 'phones and found DB's version of HAFAS Pocket invaluable, it appears that it is no more.
For those who don't know what I'm talking about HAFAS Pocket for Windows Mobile was almost as good as the PC version with full timetables for Germany and good coverage for the rest of Europe with everything available offline.
According to a post on a German forum DB have decided not to produce a 2012 version due to low numbers of users. All that is now available is DB's Rail Navigator which will work on any 'phone that can run Java.
While RN can store favorite journeys for offline use it's hardly comparable with HAFAS Pocket and, if you make any queries for journeys not stored, an internet connection is required which will be horrendously, expensive outside the UK unless you can find free wi-fi.
I understand there are still some regional versions of HAFAS Pocket around and if I find anything particularly useful, I'll update this thread.

 

[radamfi]

With Vodafone, you can use up to 25 MB of data per day throughout Europe for £2 which is more than enough for using train mobile apps such as DB Navigator. I have a PAYG SIM with only a few pounds credit on it which is only used for travelling outside the UK so I can't overspend that much. I personally carry my laptop with me wherever I go so I always have the DB offline software.

 

[blackfive460]

While these won't replace HAFAS pocket, I have found a couple of regional offline planners that work with Windows Mobile 'phones; I'll find a couple of them useful anyway.

For Köln and part of NRW there are two offline versions, one for KVB (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe) and one for the VRS area (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) which can be downloaded either as CAB files or with an installer here.
Some knowledge of German will be helpful when using these as will knowing to look under 'D' to locate the correct stop (Haltestelle) for trains from the Hauptbahnhof!

Moving south down the Rhein VRM (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Mosel) area appear to provide something similar to the above which you can download here and I'd be interested to know if anyone can actually get it to provide any information as it tells me Keine Route Gefunden whatever I try!

Moving on to Frankfurt there's a Java application provided by RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund) which can store information offline, similar to the DB one I imagine; I've not tried it.

Around München MVV (Münchner Verkehrs Verbund) provide this which appears to be nothing more than a viewer for individual timetables or departures from pre-selected stops and didn't seem to me to be particularly useful.

That's all for now but if anyone else knows of anything useful, please add it to the thread - and not just for Germany.

I still think it's a crying shame that HAFAS pocket has gone, it was so useful I'd even have paid for it...

 

[jon0844]

Windows Mobile OS is dead, for all but business users forced to keep using the platform for their own apps.

I am not sure many companies are still making Windows Mobile OS devices. I think Motorola is one, but only with its line of rugged devices with integrated barcode readers etc.

There's nothing to stop the production of an app for Windows Phone OS, Android, iOS or BlackBerry - but that means a lot of development and so it's not surprising that now people have smartphones with constant (and high-speed) Internet access and large screens, the web app is gaining in popularity.

I am not saying it's right for all apps, especially when you may be wanting to access data when in tunnels, underground or even planning ahead when flying somewhere.

While I don't agree with paying for an app to view times (such as the various apps that use National Rail data), I suppose that the revenue stream does at least encourage development of dedicated apps. It's a shame that none of these offer the ability to download timetable data to use offline, going online only for live running data/platform information etc.

 

[radamfi]

Another work around is to have pdf timetables saved on your phone.

 

[blackfive460]

For anyone travelling in Switzerland with a Windows Mobile Smartphone, there's an offline planner available here. You'll also be downloading the PC version as the installer is for both.