Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

bstone · 12:22 PM

My car was broken into last night and my radio and GPS were stolen. It's time to replace the GPS. Without the GPS I am completely lost. (I can either navigate or drive, not both at the same time.) Frustratingly, this vandalism occurred at the same address where I was carjacked at gunpoint last summer. Unreal.

Insurance is helping pay for the new GPS, so please suggest one of very high quality. Thank you.

Images:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5&l=24d29c6fd4

OreoCookie · May 23, 2011, 02:17 PM

If you have an iPhone, I'd get a TomTom. That way, your GPS can't be stolen again

Friends of mine have one and they love it. Plus, it can be coupled to the radio so that music (supplied by the iPod) fades out for instructions.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:00 PM

Can you describe or link me to this TomTom for iPhone? Maybe this is the opportunity for me to get an iPhone and justify it.

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 04:13 PM

If you don't already have an iPhone but would consider buying one for TomTom let me propose something else: buy an Android phone. The normal, built-in Google Maps app on Android phones does turn-by-turn GPS navigation (for cars and pedestrians!). It gives you the advantages of Google's massive server farm for finding your optimal route instead of the puny processor and set of maps in a dedicated unit, and it also incorporates live traffic info to automatically route you around slow traffic on the way. Plus it caches your directions locally, so even if you lose your cell signal the navigation will continue to work. I also find the time to destination data to be extremely good.

We have built-in navigation in our car which also actually gets live traffic data thanks to XM Data, but even still I find that Google provides better directions with much better traffic integration.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:17 PM

Well, I can't get an iPhone because I don't have an 'upgrade' from Verizon until October. The prices without the upgrade are nearly $1000.

You say get an Android? What is an Android and where can I read more about it?

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 04:20 PM

Any of the phones running Google's Android OS. I have a Nexus One (T-Mobile), which I love, but am considering switching to Verizon and getting the Thunderbolt.

However if you're stuck with unsubsidized prices, they'll still be pretty pricey (but not that bad, I wouldn't think.

Here's all the Android devices that Verizon offers: Set Your Location

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 04:20 PM

(dp)

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by nonhuman

Any of the phones running Google's Android OS. I have a Nexus One (T-Mobile), which I love, but am considering switching to Verizon and getting the Thunderbolt.

However if you're stuck with unsubsidized prices, they'll still be pretty pricey (but not that bad, I wouldn't think.

Here's all the Android devices that Verizon offers: Set Your Location

"Page is not currently available"

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

"Page is not currently available"

Damn, must require cookies or something... Just go to their phone selector and filter by Android for the OS.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:25 PM

Is this any good?

DROID INCREDIBLE by HTC (Certified Pre-Owned) $49.99

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Is this any good?

DROID INCREDIBLE by HTC (Certified Pre-Owned) $49.99

Engadget likes it: Droid Incredible review -- Engadget

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:33 PM

I'll call Verizon now to see if they will let me have it.

Spheric Harlot · May 23, 2011, 04:38 PM

For the record (I know you're not currently looking at iPhone-based solutions):

The Navigon navigational software for iPhone handily beat the TomTom software - and, in fact, all stand-alone navigation units tested - in a recent test by the ADAC (the German equivalent of the AAA and ARC).

Especially in route calculation speed, all smartphone-based solutions wiped the stand-alone devices out.

Mobile Navigationsgeräte

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:46 PM

Nevermind, I just called Verizon back and they made an exception for the early upgrade.

New iPhone coming tomorrow. Incredible.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:53 PM

Alright, iPhone is coming tomorrow. Tell me about this TomTom GPS for the iPhone?

Spheric Harlot · May 23, 2011, 04:53 PM

Oh wow.

That's awesome.

So my post above is entirely on-topic.

Navigon MobileNavigator, I say.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 04:54 PM

Yeah, they are sending it overnight AND waving the shipping fee. Nuts, just nuts. I guess being a Verizon customer for nearly 10 year is the way to go.

Person Man · May 23, 2011, 05:10 PM

Another vote for Navigon Mobile Navigator for iPhone. I have it and it is an excellent application. It gets updated quite frequently.

I had one of their standalone GPS units and loved it. Then when the iPhone app came out I had no problems purchasing it. Also, while they make an Android version of the Navigon app, it doesn't seem to get updated nearly as often.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 05:11 PM

Is this what you are talking about?

NAVIGON MobileNavigator | NAVIGON. And the world is yours

Spheric Harlot · May 23, 2011, 05:14 PM

Exactly.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 05:15 PM

How much does it cost? I couldn't easily find a price. I see it uses Google maps and navigation.

Spheric Harlot · May 23, 2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

How much does it cost? I couldn't easily find a price. I see it uses Google maps and navigation.

Good g*d, NO!

It most decidedly DOES NOT.

It ties into Google to find locations, gas stations, restaurants, landmarks, and sightseeing points and the like, but one of the big things differentiating the various navigation units/apps is how up-to-date their maps are (and the stand-alone ones usually make you pay a pretty penny for a simple - but essential - map update)

Click on the region of your choice at bottom right to be taken to the iTunes App Store - North America is currently $60 (IIRC, it's currently discounted, but I'm not sure).

nonhuman · May 23, 2011, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Nevermind, I just called Verizon back and they made an exception for the early upgrade.

New iPhone coming tomorrow. Incredible.

That's awesome!

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

Good g*d, NO!

It most decidedly DOES NOT.

It ties into Google to find locations, gas stations, restaurants, landmarks, and sightseeing points and the like, but one of the big things differentiating the various navigation units/apps is how up-to-date their maps are (and the stand-alone ones usually make you pay a pretty penny for a simple - but essential - map update)

Click on the region of your choice at bottom right to be taken to the iTunes App Store - North America is currently $60 (IIRC, it's currently discounted, but I'm not sure).

$60 for an app? Isn't that a little expensive? Does it do anything special?

Mac Write · May 23, 2011, 06:35 PM

$60 is reasonable for GPS, due to the licensing fee for the Maps they have to pay.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mac Write

$60 is reasonable for GPS, due to the licensing fee for the Maps they have to pay.

How is it better than the built in directions that come with the iPhone?

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

$60 for an app? Isn't that a little expensive? Does it do anything special?

I've had Navigon for about 2 years, best purchase I ever made. It's updated frequently and I've had few issues with it. Any issues I have had are fixed now.

It's not really too expensive when you consider the other option is buying a separate GPS only unit. I used to carry an iPod Nano, a Sony Ericsson K610i and a TomTom. Now I just have the iPhone.
British Isles costs the same as North America - £35. I bought the Europe version when it was on sale for £60 after initial release - I figured it might come in handy.

If you're listening to music and driving, it'll lower the music momentarily to announce a turn, it also now runs in the background, so if a phone call comes in, it'll still shout over the caller to tell you where to go.

The only downside is that I have to remember to kill the app when I arrive at my destination, otherwise I find I find my leg cooking and it starts telling me to turn left in 200 yards.
Oh and buy a car charger.

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

How is it better than the built in directions that come with the iPhone?

There aren't any. Just Google Maps. It doesn't tell you anything, you have to work it. Not cool when you're driving.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:39 PM

Does it come with any extra hardware? I saw that one of these GPS things comes with an extra receiver and some other stuff.

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by bstone

Does it come with any extra hardware? I saw that one of these GPS things comes with an extra receiver and some other stuff.

Nope. I think you have to pay extra for the Tom Tom cradle if you were to go down that route.

Looks like you drive a Nissan

I'd advise a holder that clips onto the air vents, good eye position and near the windscreen.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by seanc

Nope. I think you have to pay extra for the Tom Tom cradle if you were to go down that route.

Looks like you drive a Nissan

I'd advise a holder that clips onto the air vents, good eye position and near the windscreen.

Oh, it's a Subaru.

Is there any good but inexpensive cradle for the iPhone to clip onto a vent?

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:50 PM

I have this: iGrip Universal Fit Vent Mount | BlackBerry Car Mounts | ShopCrackBerry (Work gave me a Snozberry, I converted them to iPhones

)

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by seanc

I have this: iGrip Universal Fit Vent Mount | BlackBerry Car Mounts | ShopCrackBerry (Work gave me a Snozberry, I converted them to iPhones

)

iPhone isn't listed as a supported phone.

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:53 PM

It's an open top cradle, you can put anything in it!

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by seanc

It's an open top cradle, you can put anything in it!

Does it fit snugly?

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:55 PM

Yes, the sides are adjustable, so you just squish them up the phone. See the little rectangular release button to pop the sides out down the bottom?

Also, the bottom feet come off and can be pushed around from side to side. I took one off so I have room to plug in the insanely large 'iDevice' connector.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by seanc

Yes, the sides are adjustable, so you just squish them up the phone. See the little rectangular release button to pop the sides out down the bottom?

Oh that's very good to know.

So tell me which of the two GPS apps we've discussed, which is better? TomTom or Navigon?

seanc · May 23, 2011, 06:59 PM

Needs a poll.

bstone · May 23, 2011, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by seanc

Needs a poll.

Can you please modify the thread to make a poll for the two?

seanc · May 23, 2011, 07:05 PM

Done.

A search in iApps turned up this old thread: http://forums.macnn.com/110/iphone-a...om-vs-navigon/

I'm thinking both products have matured since then.

Spheric Harlot · May 24, 2011, 03:51 AM

As per my link above, Navigon still appears to have the edge.

Paco500 · May 24, 2011, 05:18 AM

I am assuming you got an iPhone 4. If you went with the 3GS, I would recommend getting the tomtom cradle- you can use it with the Navigon app- or any other GPS enabled app. I just upgraded to a 4, and the difference in GPS signal is amazing. I now get better GPS signal without the tomtom cradle than I did with it on the 3GS. Simply amazing.

ghporter · May 24, 2011, 06:33 AM

I get the impression they upgraded either the GPS antenna, the GPS chips, or both, in the iPhone 4. I've seen faster signal acquisition, better signal strength, and better precision as a result.

The built in Maps app gives fairly good directions in my experience, but it has neither voice coaching nor the ability to modify its chosen routes. My brother in law likes the Motion X GPS auto app, which has both voice and easily modified routing. I haven't used any Tom Tom products, but I get the impression that they provide a higher level of guidance than most others. I guess choosing among the various good choices would depend on how much help you need in navigating.

Doofy · May 24, 2011, 06:46 AM

TomTom works for me. Have a standalone unit with the live updates. It moos at me when I approach a speed camera ("cash cow").

Phileas · May 24, 2011, 07:20 AM

Navigon rocks. Frequent updates keep the maps fresh, live traffic data reroutes you to avoid hot spots, 3d maps are easy to read. Best navigation map on the market as far as I am concerned.

angelmb · May 24, 2011, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

TomTom works for me. Have a standalone unit with the live updates. It moos at me when I approach a speed camera ("cash cow").

Lucky You. I wish they did for me. I have two TomTom standalone units that just get worse after every update. I guess nothing works here in Spain anymore.

@ Navigon users, how many bucks per update.?

Spheric Harlot · May 24, 2011, 08:46 AM

On iPhone? Zero.

Doofy · May 24, 2011, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Phileas

Navigon rocks. Frequent updates keep the maps fresh, live traffic data reroutes you to avoid hot spots, 3d maps are easy to read.

I've not used Navigon but my TomTom does all that.
I suspect that when it comes down to it there's very little difference between the two brands - just yer usual leapfrog stuff from two sector leaders.

Does the Navigon do the "user updates" thing? (Basically, if a street becomes blocked you can hit a button on the machine and it'll tell the servers that the street is blocked. If a few people do the same it'll trigger and send that blockage info to all users. Same with mobile speed cameras.)

angelmb · May 24, 2011, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot

On iPhone? Zero.

Yes, iPhone. So you pay only once?, there are no yearly fees to get the latest maps.?

Spheric Harlot · May 24, 2011, 10:18 AM

Nope.

Every once in a while, there's additional functionality that's made available via in-app purchase, but as far as I can see, map updates have been free.