Sat nav needed for usa

photome

Lum wrote: »

I'm guessing you are not wanting to use your phone as it's an Android device that downloads the maps, which will cost you a fortune in in international data and roaming charges?

If so, why not buy a pay as you go SIM card at the airport when you arrive in the USA, It'll be with an American carrier such as T-Mobile USA, then you'll get an American phone number and pay the same rates for data and calls as Americans do.

This also solves the problem of some plonker calling you while on holiday and gabbing for hours, costing you money to receive the call. You can just send an SMS to the important people telling them your new temporary mobile number, which will be a USA number meaning they will incur the full cost of the call, and thus be discouraged from frivolous calls.

You can further reduce the costs by plotting your route while still in the hotel, assuming the hotel has wireless.

I didnt think a phone uses any data or roaming charges as it is using GPS,once you have the app installed and a US map is available for a couple of pounds

lil.smartie

We use a TomTom one and switch the maps from UK to US with their software on a laptop it's easy!

Kate

Lum

photome wrote: »

I didnt think a phone uses any data or roaming charges as it is using GPS,once you have the app installed and a US map is available for a couple of pounds

Android phones, by default, download the maps as and when they need them. Other phones, such as Symbian phones, come with Windows software to pre-load the maps you are interested in. Some phones, require the purchase of a separate app which costs more depending on how many maps you want with it (e.g. UK, Europe, World)

Each setup has it's pros and cons.

wealdroam

Lum wrote: »

Android phones, by default, download the maps as and when they need them. Other phones, such as Symbian phones, come with Windows software to pre-load the maps you are interested in. Some phones, require the purchase of a separate app which costs more depending on how many maps you want with it (e.g. UK, Europe, World)

Each setup has it's pros and cons.

Depends on the application.

I use CoPilot in UK, Europe and USA on an Android phone... Samsung Galaxy SII.
All the maps are on a microSD card.
No data charges while in use.

Lum

That's why I said "by default"

How much does CoPilot cost and how do the maps compare to Googles?

buscape

Lum wrote: »

Android phones, by default, download the maps as and when they need them. Other phones, such as Symbian phones, come with Windows software to pre-load the maps you are interested in.

You can install the maps directly onto the phone over wifi through Map Loader, no need to connect it to a PC.

Lum

Not owned a Symbian phone in a long time, that must be new

The overall point is the same though. Some phones pre-load, some download on the fly.

wealdroam

Lum wrote: »

How much does CoPilot cost and how do the maps compare to Googles?

Unfortunately, UK and Europe is £29.99 from Google Play.

CoPilot USA, that's maps and software, is amazingly cheap at £6.41 from the same place.

Those prices clearly beat the price of a stand alone satnav.

I have only used CoPilot, so difficult to compare with google maps.
I have been well satisfied though.

headpin

Do not use hire company sat nav or GPS as they are called in USA. Too expensive and cheaper to buy. I would say the easiest way rather than messing with a phone and downloads is pay a visit to Walmart or similar when you arrive and buy a basic US Sat Nav. They have plenty, often on offer and you should be able to up what will do you for less than $100.

I bought a TOM TOM on eBay a few years back that has US maps and would not now travel without it when in the states, even though maps a bit dated. If you have time you could look and see what is on offer. But unless you are going to a new development it is unlikely that old maps would be a problem so do not let that put you off.

wealdroam

headpin wrote: »

I would say the easiest way rather than messing with a phone and downloads is pay a visit to Walmart or similar when you arrive and buy a basic US Sat Nav. They have plenty, often on offer and you should be able to up what will do you for less than $100.

And I would agree with you... that is the easiest way.

But if the OP already has an android phone, then installing CoPilot USA for £6.41 certainly seems like the money saving way.

Do you remember one of the OP's questions?
"...which system would be best for the least amount of money?"