My boyfriend and I take trips to Europe every summer (his family lives in in Belfast, so we stop by somewhere on the way). Up until now we’ve been using Google Maps on my iPhone 3G, but it’s not very reliable (have to preload maps when in a Wifi zone because we’re from Seoul and data roaming charges would kill us).
We’ve been thinking about either buying a TomTom satnav or downloading the app onto my iPhone. The app is by far the cheaper solution, but the screen is not very big, so I’m wondering if it will turn out to be false economy. On the other hand, I read somewhere that you have to pay for map updates if you purchase the unit. I assume the app would simply update itself with no extra cost.
We’re also thinking about buying a used one off eBay.
I have the Navigon app on my iPhone. The big difference between it and the likes of Google Maps is that Google Maps continuously downloads map data as it needs it (when your location changes, or you zoom in or out), while with Navigon, all the map data is included with the app purchase as one big download. You can get different versions of the Navigon or TomTom app for different areas.
Standalone GPS units are similar: they come with maps for your area, and you can buy additional maps to load into them for travel.
In use, Google Maps and dedicated navigational apps or units are different. Google Maps gives you a lot of information that is unnecessary for the driver. When using Navigon, all I needed was the voice prompt (“turn left in… 300… metres”) plus the bright line on the screen showing the next turn and its context. Google Maps would seem to be better for pedestrians or people accompanying the driver, who could take time to look at their surroundings and read interesting details on maps.
So, I’d go for the dedicated navigation app on the iPhone. It’s cheaper than the standalone GPS unit if you already have the iPhone, but it doesn’t need the continuous data connection of Google Maps.
Tontones as individual, separate items are pretty much dead in Spain, from what I see. They’re built-in into the car or a phone app. It’s becoming normal to ask someone for directions and have them go “I’m not s… wait!” and pull out their phone.
I can’t remark on which apps are better, but definitely a phone app.
I have both and the only real difference I’ve noticed is that the phone GPS is somewhat less accurate in reporting my position. That’s only an issue when you’re approaching a turn, the signs are not really obtrusive and two streets are close together.
In this case I would go for the app as the downside is a fairly rare occurance and generally easily adjusted to (turning one street too soon or too late is rarely a life altering experience)
iPhone/Android GPS app pros: Updated maps, no extra unit, unobtrusive
iPhone/Android GPS app cons: GPRS roaming is often expensive, poor battery life (lasts max ~1/2 day), dependent on GSM coverage
Dedicated unit pros: (Usually) superior battery life, if GPSr dies, your phone is still alive, not dependent on GSM coverage, no hidden costs
Dedicated unit cons: Manual map updates for a cost, more obtrusive, an extra thingamajig to keep track of.
Personally I prefer a dedicated unit due to better battery life and the often exorbitant costs of GPRS roaming. YMMV.
I don’t think the Navigon app uses the cellular data connection while it’s on the move. I can test this, though: I have the app and an iPhone with no data plan (disabled until I find a full-time job), so I can put in a destination and try it out.
That would be great, Sunspace. I was under the impression that GPS apps don’t eat up data. When I was in Europe I had my data roaming turned off, and my Google Maps still worked fine.
The TomTom iPhone app is one of my favorite apps. Maps are entirely offline, so you do not need a data connection to use it. POIs are also offline, and you can search for things like Restaurants or Gas Stations that are along your route, which is very useful on a roadtrip.
Map updates are free. Traffic information is an additional paid service, but needs a data connection to work. Screen size is not an issue at all, but the iPhone 3G might feel sluggish at times, but not overly so.
The TomTom purchase can be switched between an iPhone and an iPad for the same iTunes account, with any one active at a time.
Battery usage is high, so a car charger is highly recommended.
Another great tip for an iPhone user in Europe with data roaming turned off: sign up for a Boingo Mobile plan and download the Boingo app before leaving on your trip. For US$7.95 a month, you get free access to WiFi access points worldwide from any two mobile devices. Then, once you’re on the road, launch the app and look for available hotspots around you.
Cons:
Might need US credit card to sign up
Cancellation is by phone only, but pain free
That depends on the app. Some GPS apps are network based, and some are offline. Offline GPS apps do not need a cellular connection to work, and will work even with the SIM card removed.
I should clarify; when I said Google Maps worked without being connected to 3G, I meant it still showed our location. Obviously new locations won’t load without a connection.
I have used Boingo before. I don’t know how helpful it will be when we’re on the road, although it’s been convenient in major cities and in airports. Maybe I’ll get a one month plan for the summer.
I’m late to this discussion but wanted to say that I had CoPilot Live on my iPhone 3Gs. Does not require a connection and is a really great GPS app - worked better than my dedicated unit. There is a version with maps for the whole of Western Europe available for £34.99.
You’re quite right. I have the Navigon app on my Android phone, and it’s independent of cellular coverage and GPRS roaming. However, quite a few GPS apps rely on map download on the fly through by GPRS, which usually is very expensive abroad.
IME, apps like Navigon work fine as long as you have continuous access to power. I don’t know about the battery life on the latest smartphones, but my HTC’s battery never lasted one full day when the GPSr was turned on, even brand new. In the worst case, you risk being left with neither GPSr capabilities nor cell phone coverage after about half a day of use. Since I prefer having my GPSr turned on all the time for tracking, I usually bring a dedicated unit when I’m on vacation. For business trips where my main navi needs are how to navigate my rental car from the airport to wherever the meeting is, the smartphone approach is sufficient. Provided I remember to bring a car charger and a holder for the phone.
On my last vacation abroad I used a Garmin Dakota 20 which I was quite happy with. The size was roughly the same as a small bar of soap and it didn’t take up too much room in my camera bag. The screen was about the same size as on my smarphone, but a set of good NiMH batteries lasted for the whole day, from quite early morning to late evening. With continuous tracklogging for geotagging the photos I took. If I had been using a rental car for transport, I might have preferred another model (or Navigon on my Android), but since I was using public transportation I really appreciated the battery life of the Dakota.
