Using the iPad 2 as a satnav for the first time on Sunday

[Callander]

On Sunday I am driving up from London to central Scotland. A trip I do about 6 times a year.
This time just for the hell of it. I am using the iPad 2 as a satnav. I have the 'NavFree' app. And have already ascertained that the iPad will successfully pair with my iPhone on Bluetooth. So no sim card will be necessary.
My only misgivings are the weight of the iPad in the windscreen fitting cradle. Will it last the 436 mile journey?
NavFree is a free app. But if the trip is successful, I will purchase the speed camera and 'ad free' upgrades. If it fails, then I will just have to go back to using the Garmin.

[Ads]

[bmahony]

On Sunday I am driving up from London to central Scotland. A trip I do about 6 times a year.
This time just for the hell of it. I am using the iPad 2 as a satnav. I have the 'NavFree' app. And have already ascertained that the iPad will successfully pair with my iPhone on Bluetooth. So no sim card will be necessary.
My only misgivings are the weight of the iPad in the windscreen fitting cradle. Will it last the 436 mile journey?
NavFree is a free app. But if the trip is successful, I will purchase the speed camera and 'ad free' upgrades. If it fails, then I will just have to go back to using the Garmin.

I use navfree as well in lreland..works well but I would be worried about the weight a bit..get yourself a good bracket and a car charger..mount it well ..enjoy..

64 gb ipad2 in black

[Callander]

Thankyou.
I have found a 'ventilator grill' fitting bracket, on eBay, which I might consider.
The only problem is where exactly to place it.

[bmahony]

Thankyou.
I have found a 'ventilator grill' fitting bracket, on eBay, which I might consider.
The only problem is where exactly to place it.

Try and get a windscreen mount or a dash board mount if you can..iPad is a bit heavy for vent mounting..I think personally other 2ways are better

64 gb ipad2 in black

[Sun King]

A photo of the iPad mounted in your car would be good.

[Callander]

I have looked in all the local Halfords. No luck there.
I have a Renault Scenic II. The dash is enormous. I am considering making something from scratch.

[Callander]

Also, I am concerned that 'NavFree' has a bit of an 'as the crow flies' complex. I did a couple of dummy runs to Scotland, using the 'shortest' and then the 'quickest' routes.
Both times, it ignored nearby trunk roads and motorways. Preferring to travel in as near a straight line as possible through rural and residential streets.

I should say. I don't really need a sat nav to get to Scotland anymore. But I do find the speed limits and the safety camera positions reassuring. Plus, the Garmin which I have always used up until now, does have built in Bluetooth.

[Gabriel1]

Just to clarify, you mentioned that as you are pairing to your iPhone then you won't need your sim card. The GPS function which is built into the 3G/4G circuitry does not require the 3G or 4G to be connected as it is standalone. So you don't need to pair with your iPhone for the GPS to work.

The Archangel

[Callander]

I did originally wonder about that. But didn't see the logic of it working in such a way. I will be thrilled if it does work, particularly in the Highlands.

[Gabriel1]

I did originally wonder about that. But didn't see the logic of it working in such a way. I will be thrilled if it does work, particularly in the Highlands.

They use the 3G chip just as a piggy back for the GPS circuitry, so it really does work.

The Archangel