Cheap satnav for USA

zagfles

benjus wrote: »

I don't trust Nokia Here (at least not the Android version) since it failed to sync correctly with my phone's location and was worse than useless trying to find my way out of Rio de Janeiro (worse because for a while I assumed it would eventually sync up).

I've been using Navmii for a year or so and find it excellent - it's free, you can download the maps for offline use to avoid roaming charges, and it has a nice clear display (the search screen for finding destinations could be better though).

I've only used it on Windows phones and never had a problem. I think it was originally developed for Windows so maybe the Android version isn't as good. But I have had problems with other satnav applications on Android phones not being able to sync the location without wifi/data, so maybe there's a common theme here...

benjus

zagfles wrote: »

I've only used it on Windows phones and never had a problem. I think it was originally developed for Windows so maybe the Android version isn't as good. But I have had problems with other satnav applications on Android phones not being able to sync the location without wifi/data, so maybe there's a common theme here...

I'm not sure what happened - I haven't had a problem quite like this any other time. It wasn't a failure to sync - it was like it was consistently syncing with a location a few hundred yards away from where I actually was, as if the maps had been made with the wrong reference point. When I finally found a safe place to stop I switched over to Navmii and was fine.

Moto2

I have Here maps on my company Phone (android) Samsung Note and my personal iPhone.
It works flawlessly on both.

*~Zephyr~*

Buy a satnav from Walmart, use it while you're on holiday and then take it back to Walmart for a full refund on your last day. They accept all electrical items back, no questions, no quibble, no problem.

I studied at Uni in the US. Bought a stereo, an iron, a kettle, a toaster and a nice bedside lamp at the beginning of the school year in August, utilised them fully until school closed for Christmas and then took the lot back for a full refund. No problem at all.

Just remember to keep the receipt.

zagfles

Moto2 wrote: »

I have Here maps on my company Phone (android) Samsung Note and my personal iPhone.
It works flawlessly on both.

Excellent for walking in cities too. Also I've used it on public transport - very useful on a bus somewhere unfamiliar and you want to get off at the right stop! Also to make sure you've got the right bus etc. I've tried it on planes just for fun - it works intermittantly and flashes a red warning that you're going 450 in a 30 zone :rotfl:

Also just recently found a useful feature on it - find my car where it'll remember where you parked if the satnav was on and tell you the way back to your car. Which is useful at my age...

Gloomendoom

zagfles wrote: »

I've only used it on Windows phones and never had a problem. I think it was originally developed for Windows so maybe the Android version isn't as good. But I have had problems with other satnav applications on Android phones not being able to sync the location without wifi/data, so maybe there's a common theme here...

I have it on my Android phone and my iPad and have used it in Europe, Singapore and Australia. It works well enough but note that not all maps are free.

I also take a along a Garmin satnav and that is what I prefer to use when driving. The Navmii gets used for walking, public transport or cycling.

HotPotato

Firstly as above, get a local sim, I think T-mobile is $2 a day for data and calls, or get a three sim.

Secondly as an aside, check the rules where you are going regarding where you can position a sat nav, I think some states still disallow it to be stuck on the windscreen. Pick up an Kenu airframe from amazon and use your phone, and you'll be fine.

gadjah543

Thanks for all the replies. I enjoyed the banter. Lots to think about.

iltisman

I use a Sat Nav from Walmart for navigation and a Rand Macnally A3 size book of maps also from Walmart for about $7 for pre planning. The sat nav may find the fastest or shortest route but studying the map will find a more interesting route to program into the GPS.

Murphy_The_Cat

gadjah543 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I enjoyed the banter. Lots to think about.

The banters been fun :beer:

I missed the biggest and best piece of advice - if you're hiring from a company that lets you pick your car, then spend a few minutes selecting and get one with sat nav/gps fitted. If its already fitted, you won't need to pay for it.

In order of usefullness, I'd be looking at
a) car equipped sat nav/gps
b) portable sat nav/gps unit. Buy one from Walmart etc and flog it afterwards. Get one from ebay etc and sell it afterwards. Or pay for US mapping on your Tom Tom type device (if you have one). This option will cost you a few ££
c) use mapping on your phone. This'll cost little/nothing, but the down side is that you'll possibily/probably be working with a smaller screen, which reduces practicality.

Unrealted to your original question, have a great time planning your trip, using whatever utility you can. Depending on the distance that you're looking at travelling, google maps is very good, especially for an 'overview'.