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Best GPS App
- Thread starter Cobrakev
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The iPhone comes built in with an app, MAPS, which gives you access to the Google Maps database and comes with a GPS. The GPS drains the battery no matter which app you use, but it sure as hell comes in handy whenever you need it (and chances are, if you're using GPS, you're in a car most of the time, so definitely get a car charger!)
Who does A&T think they are charging a ten dollar monthly fee for their turn by turn app? It's not like the maps are unavailable otherwise--they're in a default app called MAPS, for crying out loud. Shouldn't it just be a matter of time before someone makes a FREE turn-by-turn navigation app using Google Maps? Heck, you can do it at maps.google.com, why not on the iPhone?
Nope, the license Google has for the maps (from Tele Atlas) does not allow for turn-by-turn directions.
AT&T (and other carriers) charge $10 for navigation across their phones -- this isn't unique to the iPhone, and has been a surprisingly popular option over the past few years.
fyi, other cell carriers have turn-by-turn navigation on their phones for $10/month. Most phones on those networks can also support the install of a Google Maps app. So ATT aren't the only ones.
edit: NightStorm beat me to it
Now why would I pay a $9.99 monthly fee for a Voice Turn by Turn App. If you do the math you are better off just buying a GPS Voice Turn by Turn Unit. They don't charge a monthly fee. Its free, and you can buy a Voice Turn by Turn unit starting at $99.00. SP WHY WOULD I PAy $9.99 A MONTH, IT'S STUPID!!!!!
Just go ahead and buy a Garmin stand alone GPS. Some will tell you to wait for the soon to be released TomTom app but it will most certainly have Apple/AT&T/TomTom restrictions that won't let it be everything you want because, well because that's just the way the universe works. Some here will justify the actions as part of "Apple's master plan", but in the end, it will be underwhelming. Again, just buy a real GPS and be done with it.
Now why would I pay a $9.99 monthly fee for a Voice Turn by Turn App. If you do the math you are better off just buying a GPS Voice Turn by Turn Unit. They don't charge a monthly fee. Its free, and you can buy a Voice Turn by Turn unit starting at $99.00. SP WHY WOULD I PAy $9.99 A MONTH, IT'S STUPID!!!!!
Well, not really. Yes, you can buy a $99 GPS but that will become outdated. Using the Navigator subscription system will push the most current maps all the time. It is also an option for someone who only occasionally wants GPS access for which $10 a shot for a month of occasional use is pretty thrifty. On the down-side the subscription service GPS approach requires that you have a cell connection available to you. So, you can't be in any non-service areas and maintain data transfer.
Don't forget that the $10 Navigator plan gives you constantly updated maps and real time traffic information. You get neither of these with the $99 one-time purchase. Here is a favorable review. http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/03/road-tested-atandt-navigator/
Well don't forget you need a "reliable" and fast data connection for it to be of any use. crappy 3g or even edge probably won't cut it. And when traveling in unfamiliar areas and being dependent on gps to get you through those areas, i would NEVER EVER count on having a reliable data connection to find my way out. So as with many others, i'll go with a self reliant app with a hefty one time fee.
Good point about the data connection. I wonder how well this will work in different environments. Interestingly, the review I linked did not mention this. I must admit that having one device, with up-to-date maps, with the ability to automatically route around slow traffic conditions is very tempting.
Now why would I pay a $9.99 monthly fee for a Voice Turn by Turn App. If you do the math you are better off just buying a GPS Voice Turn by Turn Unit. They don't charge a monthly fee. Its free, and you can buy a Voice Turn by Turn unit starting at $99.00. SP WHY WOULD I PAy $9.99 A MONTH, IT'S STUPID!!!!!
I have a Garmin Nuvi, but if I didn't and if I were going out of town for a week and need a GPS to get around, I would definitely sign up for AT&T's service for one month and use it while out of town. It's cheaper than the rental car agencies which usually charge about 10 bucks a day for a GPS and it's better than buying an app or standalone unit for $100 when you will use it one week out of the year.
Just because it doesn't fit your needs doesn't mean it's stupid.
As far as I know though - you don't need a CONSTANT connection. Just an initial connection to get the appropriate route. Of course, if you want real-time traffic you will need a connection.
I think the snag here would be if you ended up in an area without service and went off-route. The GPS couldn't recalculate a route because it couldn't check in for routing information.
if you ever consider jailbreaking your iphone, Xgps is an awesome app. I've used it many times and it's always worked perfectly.