Posted by First lets take a look at the built-in GPS via the google maps.
Pros:
- The maps are up to date. You don’t have to worry about updating them.
- Fast location lock-on.
- Application is tightly integrated with other functions of iPhone.
- Highway traffic conditions available without extra subscription.
Cons:
- A network connection is needed for maps if they are not cached.
- Not very useful for navigation.
So, can you replace your GPS navigation unit with a iPhone 3G? With the default Maps, the answer is NO. However, it does have potentials. iGo and TomTom both have a version of their navigation software for iPhone.
According to a new announcement at WWDC. GPS navigation devices manufacturer TomTom has teamed with Apple to bring a new turn-by-turn navigation app for owners of GPS-enabled iPhones (iPhone 3G and 3GS models). Approximate cost is around $70 USD. It will be available for purchase via the apple app store.
The TomTom app seems to fully mimic the software that comes with actual TomTom GPS devices and the same maps, which means that now owners of GPS-enabled iPhones will be able to ditch their current GPS navigation devices without any loss in functions/performance. It will also come with the TomTom car kit.
If your not a fan of the iPhone, you can always get the standalone GPS device, such as a Tom Tom GO 740 Live
Navigation in three dimensions is the primary function of GPS….
Received my Garmin Nuvi 260W just days before a trip. Setup and use is very intutive….even the wife had no problems using it (she hates electronics)…I really like the “text to speech” feature, that is why I chose the 260W. Having the unit speak the name of the road you are turning on to is very handy in urban areas. Another feature I like is what I call “auto up-scale” – even if you have set the map scale fairly small to see a large portion of the route, as you approach a turn the unit automatically scales the map larger to give you more detail of the turn…really nice on interstate ramps and intersections. Unit came preloaded with NT 2009 maps (really the current 2008 version, but its the name they use). I did hook the unit to my computer and using Garmins update software, it flashed the firmware up to the most current – all pretty painless.
I did not want all the bells and whistles of more advanced (read: more expensive) units. The 260W does basic navigation very well at a very reasonable cost…I like it and highly recommend it to others !
The (free) traffic update feature has already saved me time on several trips. Interface is intuative, love the ability to associate my own pictures with “Favourite” locations. My son especially loves the “Black Pearl” as the ‘car’ icon.
Highly recommended.