Using Ipad 2 as GPS?

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08-18-2011, 11:09 PM
DevinB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudinater

I have yet to find a app that will store satellite images, they are just to large and the general public does not see the use of it.

I use the MotionX GPS and a Gamin 296 that I download Topo maps on to.

FYI Im loading up my jeep and will be heading out to Logan UT for the next 6 months or so. Might run into you in Moab or some other place.

I just downloaded a new GPS app today, GPS Kit HD. Pretty excited to try it out, it looks promising. You can download maps to it, but I haven't figured out exactly what maps, whether google, open street, bing, etc.

Since you'll be in Utah, have a jeep, and know how to use a forum, check out rme4x4.com, our local forum, while you're here. Good people, good info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykaykay

Moab's great. I didn't find much need for a GPS there, though.

For the trails I haven't done, it'd be useful to have. I also got lost out on Golden Spike once, wasn't fun. Luckily we didn't get into any trouble, but we wandered aimlessly for a while until we happened onto Poison Spider.
08-19-2011, 05:33 AM
Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykaykay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykaykay

Garmin overcharges for annual map upgrades ($50) and the new models are needlessly annoying. I prefer my old one to my new one, but wasn't able to find the same model any more. The ads on the new one are really annoying, and the interface is worse.

I'll keep buying standalone GPS devices, but probably will not get Garmin in the future. I recommend that others steer clear of the brand, too.

Many current Garmin (and other brand) GPS units come with free lifetime map updates, and many for less than $150. What do you mean by "new models are needlessly annoying"? There's no reason anymore to buy a standalone GPS that doesn't have free map updates. BTW, I have 2 TomTom units so I'm in no way connected to Garmin - just commenting.

Mark

I have a Garmin from before free map updates. That's why I referred to it as my old Garmin. It retailed for $250-350 at the time. (I received it as a gift.) I actually prefer it to my new Garmin, which came with free map updates. I bought a second because I have cars in two states.

The new Garmin is needlessly annoying because it has ads, for instance, and if the suggestion from Garmin is to turn off traffic to avoid ads, it's yet another reason to avoid Garmin. The new Garmin's interface also is laid out differently, and the interface makes it easy to hit the wrong button now.

Garmin will probably die anyway, because of increasing alternatives, including tablet and cell GPS. If they offer bad service on top of everything else, good riddance.

Then maybe try TomTom? I have a newer unit with both lifetime map updates and free traffic - no ads.

Mark
08-19-2011, 05:36 AM
Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlammetje

Mapupdates all good and well, but do you have the whole world on your map? I sure don't, nor do I have topo maps, watermaps or any of the other goodies I use packaged with the device. Just Europe roads NT.

Sent from my iPad using iPF

Roadmaps, not to mention topo & watermaps of the whole world, would take up a LOT of memory space. If there are any gps units offering all of that in one unit, they're far & few between and probably prohibitively expensive for the everyday consumer to justify the cost.

Mark
08-19-2011, 11:50 AM
Vlammetje

That's not really my point at all. My point is, taht regardless of 'free map updates' there is always going to be some map or other that I will have to purchase, wherever I choose to go. Garmin maps are overpriced. Their selling price. And with all the free updates and what not, I live in a newly built area. Newly built as in the first people moved in late 2007. My street has yet to appear on any updated map, Garmin, Tom Tom or other. Updated only goes so far...

Sent from my iPad using iPF
08-20-2011, 12:25 AM
Kaykaykay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykaykay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark29

Many current Garmin (and other brand) GPS units come with free lifetime map updates, and many for less than $150. What do you mean by "new models are needlessly annoying"? There's no reason anymore to buy a standalone GPS that doesn't have free map updates. BTW, I have 2 TomTom units so I'm in no way connected to Garmin - just commenting.

Mark

I have a Garmin from before free map updates. That's why I referred to it as my old Garmin. It retailed for $250-350 at the time. (I received it as a gift.) I actually prefer it to my new Garmin, which came with free map updates. I bought a second because I have cars in two states.

The new Garmin is needlessly annoying because it has ads, for instance, and if the suggestion from Garmin is to turn off traffic to avoid ads, it's yet another reason to avoid Garmin. The new Garmin's interface also is laid out differently, and the interface makes it easy to hit the wrong button now.

Garmin will probably die anyway, because of increasing alternatives, including tablet and cell GPS. If they offer bad service on top of everything else, good riddance.

Then maybe try TomTom? I have a newer unit with both lifetime map updates and free traffic - no ads.

Mark

Good to know.

I don't mind paying for map upgrades; I just won't pay for overpriced ones.

I'm going to keep using my old Garmin as long as possible, because I like the old interface and mine plays MP3s. That feature is useful for audiobooks, because it pauses the book when it gives driving directions.
08-20-2011, 05:14 AM
Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vlammetje

That's not really my point at all. My point is, taht regardless of 'free map updates' there is always going to be some map or other that I will have to purchase, wherever I choose to go. Garmin maps are overpriced. Their selling price. And with all the free updates and what not, I live in a newly built area. Newly built as in the first people moved in late 2007. My street has yet to appear on any updated map, Garmin, Tom Tom or other. Updated only goes so far...

Sent from my iPad using iPF

So don't use a gps at all? Don't know what to tell you. All I'm saying is that with most of the recent models you'll never have to pay for US map updates. If you travel out of the country, then yes chances are you'll have to buy a map for that country.
08-20-2011, 11:07 AM
Kaykaykay

Interesting article about testing an Android phone head to head against a Garmin:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/te....html?src=recg

Good points about map updates and correcting info on the phone, as well as traffic info without being tethered.

Writer also mentions repeatedly hitting the wrong keys on the Garmin, lol.
08-21-2011, 01:41 AM
david45

Garmin is much better when it comes to GPS navigation.
08-21-2011, 07:02 AM
Mark29

Quote:

Originally Posted by david45

Garmin is much better when it comes to GPS navigation.

Pretty broad statement. FWIW, I prefer the TomToms I've used to the Garmin. I personally don't believe either one is better - no matter where you're going, you're going to find an area where either one might give bad directions or not find a road at all.

As for interface, it's purely a subjective thing. No different than Ford/Chevy, Canon/Nikon, etc. Pick one you're comfortable with and enjoy it.

Mark
08-21-2011, 10:00 AM
jwt873

Quote:

Originally Posted by david45

Garmin is much better when it comes to GPS navigation.

Care to elaborate?

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