Data phone for in-vehicle GPS?

[Lynn]

I hadn't really been thinking of in-vehicle GPS yet, but now I have an idea, and would like to consult the Collective to see if it has merit before pressing on.

In short, what are the pros/cons of using a data phone with a Bluetooth GPSr, Bluetooth keyboard, etc. for in-vehicle nav?

Further reading for those interested:

I recently got an HTC data phone for $40. I don't know the model # off hand, but if that becomes a factor, I'll post it later.

Anyway, I was originally thinking of unlocking it, flashing it, and using it in the conventional manner. However, in playing with it I've decided that it's a) larger than I want to carry around, and b) lousy as a 'net browser. So, I could download games onto it and use it as a gameboy, or...

So, I'm thinking about loading some sort of nav software in the phone and buying a Bluetooth GPSr.

Note that I'm thinking of just using it as a portable PC, without phone, at least for now. If I feel I need access to email or Mapquest at some point, I may try to unlocking/flash the thing then.

I also have an old Pelican PDA case that I bought a few years ago and have hardly used. Wonder if Bluetooth is strong enough to penetrate?

Oh, and I suppose it would be nice to add a little larger monitor if the phone supports it? Maybe I'll get one of those fold-up Bluetooth PDA keyboards for it, as well.

Whddayathink?

 

[mountainpete]

Here's my thoughts and remember that due to the line of work I am in I get to use these devices and service at no cost.

In recent memory, I have used GPS services including basic, mapping (everything from beta versions of software to BB maps), turn-by-turn and Google maps (where applicable) on:

Blackberry 8730
Blackberry Pearl (my current unit actually)
Other Blackberries
Palm Treo
Motorola Q (various)
Variety of iDEN (Nextel)
Motorola RAZR (few different versions)
UTStarcomm (various)
HTC touch, S720

And if any of my travel is off the urban path I will grab my Garmin 276c first everytime. Let's break it down as to why:

Now I should say that Google maps in combination with a solid wireless connection and bluetooth GPS receiver is deadly cool. I used that in Seattle a little while ago and it was great. So is the Garmin Blackberry Navigator since it's easily as good as any Garmin device IF it has a network connection. They are perfect for someone who lives in SoCal and wants to bounce around the urban jungle. Small form factor, decent pricing and slick interfaces.

However, the biggest con is maps and your depenancy on a data connection to download them. While there are some exceptions, the majority of smartphone based navigation is designed with the goal of increasing data revenue through constant download/upload of maps. Even if you are using a bluetooth reciever for the GPS signal, with most software you are dependant on a signal to get a map. Bad in the backcountry away from cell service. Good if you are in coverage because the maps and points of interest are aways the most up to date.

For overland travel where the element of exploration comes into play, I personally feel that not enough importance is given to trackback features. GSP units like the Garmin 276c and others have a feature that allows you to navigate backwards on the breadcrumb trail you have been leaving offroad. Most on-road and all smartphone based (that I know of) software does not let you do this. Instead it will take your current location and do an "as the crow flys" calculation to the closest road. Not idea if it's late at night and you can't remember if you came from the trail on the left or right.

Also, don't rely on internal GPS units in smartphones. Many rely on the cell network (aGPS) to determine location. So once you leave coverage your GPS dies. I learned this the hard way in Paris with a Blackberry World phone. I got data service, but the GPS was crippled by the network.

So with all that said, my vote is to avoid smartphone based GPS navigation for overland travel. Focus on either a good GPS unit (like those reviewed in a recent Overland Journal article) or go with a portable laptop where the maps themselves reside on the computer. At least until a time when the full maps and software can be run on a smartphone via a datacard.

Pete

 

[mountainpete]

I chatted to a few people and came up with a few companies you can investigate:

iGuidance

CoPilot

Some decent recommendations, however it still doesn't trackback as far as I as told.

Pete

 

[Brett M]

Mountain Pete, do you recall what software you were using with the Q9's?

I'm curious about finding a GPS program for mine.

 

[mountainpete]

Mountain Pete, do you recall what software you were using with the Q9's?

I'm curious about finding a GPS program for mine.

I tried a few... I'll go through my records to try and see exactly which one it was. I ended up really not linking the Q's so I didn't spend too much time with it.

Did you look at iGuidance?

 

[Brett M]

I tried a few... I'll go through my records to try and see exactly which one it was. I ended up really not linking the Q's so I didn't spend too much time with it.

Did you look at iGuidance?

Yep, looked over it quick here at work, I'll dig in more at home. Does it have access to back country roads as well, or just regular streets?

 

[mountainpete]

It uses Navteq maps so the set should be solid. However it would be doubtful that trails are on it - only roads and secondary highways. Again, the target market for these is street use.

Pete

 

[Brett M]

Hmm.....not much point (to me) if it doesn't have the back roads I can use Google for around town GPS if I really wanted.

Any smartphone apps that have backcountry roads in them too?