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'Garmin StreetPilot' Debuts in App Store
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I was really looking forward to this, but not having the maps on the device is a no go for me. I ditched tom tom in favour of a stand alone Garmin years ago and haven't looked back since. I'm currently using navigon on the iPhone as my Garmin unit is a bit flakey these days.
Sort it out Garmin please! Hopefully this will be rectified before the app is available in the Uk store..... I hope anyway
Sort it out Garmin please! Hopefully this will be rectified before the app is available in the Uk store..... I hope anyway
Went from Cleveland to Flordia with a download based GPS on my iPhone, had no issues.
Yeah, I need the maps to be available if I'm out of coverage so it's a no sale for me too. I was really happy to hear they finally released something and now this.
I am sure this works like other download GPS apps. They download the maps based on the route. They download the hold trip as soon as you start out and cache the maps. So, unless you are starting out without coverage, i don't see how this would be an issue.
i can't comment on the USA, but in the UK the data coverage can vary substantially. The best voice network is not always the best data network. O2 for example have a good voice network in the UK, but are by far the worst for 3G coverage.
I can't see how this type of set up could work for people who rely on GPS on a daily basis, weekend travellers maybe, but not people who rely on GPS for their jobs
I picked it up. I let you know how it is. I've never bought TomTom or Navigon, because all I've ever had was Garmin devices, and it's AT LEAST $10 cheaper than any other GPS app with Canada maps as well as US. (I like to travel to canada on occasion). The constant updating for free is a major plus, that's the one thing i missed about my old non-smartphone VZ navigator.
As far as the no onboard maps...that's a bit of a concern. Most of my driving is done within a 3G coverage area, but I've read that it has a way of keeping the maps downloaded even if you drop data coverage. Hopefully this is true.
EDIT: here is the link for that article i read: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...8cDrCw&usg=AFQjCNEIBVv5SjAF_8y2wxKoJ2qD8HahKQ
As far as the no onboard maps...that's a bit of a concern. Most of my driving is done within a 3G coverage area, but I've read that it has a way of keeping the maps downloaded even if you drop data coverage. Hopefully this is true.
EDIT: here is the link for that article i read: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...8cDrCw&usg=AFQjCNEIBVv5SjAF_8y2wxKoJ2qD8HahKQ
At least it is hopeful then...
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If you have the 2gig plan, I wish you the best! (oh, stay away from Skype video chat and Howard Stern streaming too).
I find it so ironic that caps are the norm now and companies seem to be adding streaming services daily. It's a freight train headed in the wrong direction...data overages are becoming more and more likely.
I find it so ironic that caps are the norm now and companies seem to be adding streaming services daily. It's a freight train headed in the wrong direction...data overages are becoming more and more likely.
It's complete and total BS man. Then on their commercials that basically advertise "HEY YOU CAN STREAM NETFLIX FROM ANYWHERE!!!!", but then when you call and complain, they tell you that they don't recommend doing that. I hope that VZW does get the iPhone, offers a better or unlimited data plan and AT&T declares bankruptcy. That's what I hope.
If you drive for work, there is a good chance you drive in the same areas, I can't see this app not caching maps.
Exactly. I really don't think Garmin is THAT stupid. There has to be some system of caching...perhaps it's just false-hope since i spent $40 on the damn app, but It's only logical...
I would hope that the unit would at least cache the download map tiles.
I wonder how well it will work on an iPad?
I wonder how well it will work on an iPad?
Why would you need GPS for a route you take daily? Traffic, I suppose...but still?
That's 99% of my use for GPS apps - daily. They alert you to and try to route you around snarled traffic. If you aren't using an app that takes advantage of real-time traffic data, you are missing out on a very big part of the app's usefulness.
A year or two ago I too would have lambasted the decision not to include maps, but having seen how HORRIFICALLY bad Navigon's POI database is I'll gladly take downloaded maps if it means when I search for something I can actually find it. Navigon mitigated this some by utilizing google search, but it's still pathetic that I can't find 80% of the nearby businesses in Navigon.
I've been through 3 Garmin's and loved every one of them. Since my last one was stolen I've lived with Navigon my iPhone. I've never felt it was worth paying for between the horrible iPod integration (volume, podcasts) and pitful POI database.
Assuming there is some caching of maps I think it'll work great, even if the caching isn't persistant (ie. even if it had to download the map from my house to work every day... oh wait I work from home, but you know what I mean right?).
I've been through 3 Garmin's and loved every one of them. Since my last one was stolen I've lived with Navigon my iPhone. I've never felt it was worth paying for between the horrible iPod integration (volume, podcasts) and pitful POI database.
Assuming there is some caching of maps I think it'll work great, even if the caching isn't persistant (ie. even if it had to download the map from my house to work every day... oh wait I work from home, but you know what I mean right?).
I haven't used the TomTom one, but this one works beautifully. I just used it going home from work to test it out...it really works seamlessly. I tried searching around from some local businesses that aren't too well known, and it found them all. Amazing. My friends TomTom standalone device wouldn't have found half of these places without $100 yearly software/maps upgrade....awesome.
I downloaded it and tested it out a bit this afternoon.
First thoughts, Voice is real tinny sounding and not the easiest to understand.
Downloading maps was not a problem in the city at city speeds, on the highway that's another story, with in a couple miles the map ran out and never really did catch up till I got off the highway about 10 miles later with a full signal 3G connection.
The interface is nice and is very easy to use. Maps are good turn by turned was flawless. Checked out how current the maps where by going through a new subdivision only about 2 months old and it found all the street names no problem.
First thoughts, Voice is real tinny sounding and not the easiest to understand.
Downloading maps was not a problem in the city at city speeds, on the highway that's another story, with in a couple miles the map ran out and never really did catch up till I got off the highway about 10 miles later with a full signal 3G connection.
The interface is nice and is very easy to use. Maps are good turn by turned was flawless. Checked out how current the maps where by going through a new subdivision only about 2 months old and it found all the street names no problem.
I imagine some people's jobs may require them to stay within the same general region, but travel areas that they're not totally familiar with: delivery drivers, shuttle drivers, taxis, etc.
I'm sure that this works for a lot of people, but not me.
I travel frequently in the Adirondacks where there NO AT&T service, not even Edge. The whole concept of the ADK region is for it to remain pristine forest and mountain, unspoiled by cell towers. That concept isn't going to change without a NYS Constitutional Amendment, and that is not going to happen in our lifetime.
I think the whole point of having GPS on the iPhone is to be able to get maps as needed. Garmin is missed the boat.
I travel frequently in the Adirondacks where there NO AT&T service, not even Edge. The whole concept of the ADK region is for it to remain pristine forest and mountain, unspoiled by cell towers. That concept isn't going to change without a NYS Constitutional Amendment, and that is not going to happen in our lifetime.
I think the whole point of having GPS on the iPhone is to be able to get maps as needed. Garmin is missed the boat.