Smartphone for SatNav with POI alerts?

Chockswahay · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 02, 2013 Posts: 4

Hello everyone, I have just been recommended this forum by another forum member and this is my first post. I will be touring the UK and Europe over the next couple of years in a motor camper and I am looking to get SatNav sorted.

I like the idea of using a smartphone (phone, internet, camera and tethering to my MacbookAir) but I have no real experience of using Sat Nav on the road.

I like the Google Nexus 4 (good price) or Orange San Diego (bonkers cheap!). Would Google maps be adequate and can I download POI's? Also would this offer me 'alerts' when driving within range of selected POI's?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Chox

AliOnHols · Pocket GPS Verifier Joined: Oct 15, 2008 Posts: 1940

Welcome Chockswahay, I can only offer advice based on my experience. I love my Android phone and the Nav apps I have on it, however, I would not want to tour Europe on it, a proper SatNAv device would be my first choice. The display would be too small and the functions too limiting. Notwithstanding this, you are correct. You can navigate with GoogleMaps and you can download POI's to your phone (I'm not sure that GoogleMAps accepts them, yo may have to use a different NavApp to do that).

There was a recent (about 5 months ago?) topic on these forums about using a 7" tablet as a SatNav (a Nexus 7). I like the idea of this too, especially if the tablet was data enabled and not just WiFi. The bigger screen and the improved processor power should make for a better navigating experience.

I use TomTom for Android. I like the way TT routes and I like it's display. I can import POI's into this. Many others here like Sygic and POI's can also be imported, although I believe that it is a little trickier to perform.

There are many free NavApps. I also use OsmAnd and Waze (See my signature below). You download maps before hand with OsmAnd and they are stored on your phones memory card so that you do not need a data connection whilst driving. Waze does need a data connection as it downloads the map tiles as you are driving but it also offers you free Traffic info and routing although I'm not sure how effective it is.

And, most importantly of all, The CamerAlert app from here is a must. It is stand alone and does not integrate into any NavApp but it shall highlight most, if not all, speed cameras you are likely to encounter on your travels. I run mine in the background behind TT, OsmAnd or Waze and it comes to the fore when nearing a camera.

Well, that should start the ball rolling.

EDIT - to say, that it's not just TT or Sygig. There are many others - CoPilot, Navigon, MemoryMAp, etc. etc. I just don't know anything about these.
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Garmin Nuvi 2599
Android with CamerAlert, OsmAnd+, Waze & TT Europe.
TomTom GO 730, GO 930, GO 940 & Rider2.
SatMap Active 10 & 20.

M8TJT · Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 6:38 pm Post subject:

Chockswahay · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 02, 2013 Posts: 4

I'm much obliged to you for the replies. This is a whole new ball game for me but I do feel that I should 'get with the program' Laughing Out Loud

Cheers

IanS100 · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 9:59 am Post subject:

M8TJT · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 11:29 am Post subject:

Thanks for the correction Ian. I wasn't aware of that. How do you do it please?

IanS100 · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 1:40 pm Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 9:51 pm Post subject:

Or how about a Google Nexus 7 tablet? Relatively cheap, large screen, can run TomTom or any of the other satnav apps.

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_7_16gb&feature=device-featured
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Darren Griffin

Chockswahay · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 02, 2013 Posts: 4

M8TJT · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:44 pm Post subject:

But don't get it too hot Shocked

See page 2 here

Chockswahay · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 02, 2013 Posts: 4

M8TJT · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:56 pm Post subject:

Well that's all right then Very Happy

alix776 · Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:20 am Post subject:

Nokia lumia with Nokia drive downloads maps to phone memory so won't batter your data connection. And you can tether the phone as well to your mac book I'd go for an lumia 800 as there cheaper than the newer win 8 phones
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currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

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