GPS Applications and associated phone questions....

[Nick]

Having bought my new phone I am now considering a GPS app over a standalone garmin device. I see in previous threads that there are a few being used by members all of which seem to perform well. I was looking at a few in the app store to find that most that started off well have incurred some scathing reviews following software updates. How are those that use their GPS apps finding them after ongoing development? Any issues to be aware of and any particular apps that may not be so good. Was also wondering how battery life is effected using these applications? What do phone GPS users do when it's wet...? Waterproof cases etc? Has anyone invested in a hardwire setup or do you charge your devices at stops? The two I am closely looking at are Navigon and Metroview...         
                                                                                                                       

[Whizz]

I've used Metroview on both the iphone and the ipad and it is excellent once you get used to how it works. It does tend to suck the iphone battery a bit though which is why I have a hard-wired set-up which powers the iPhone. The iPad doesn't seem to suffer too badly battery-wise, but of course it's too big to use on the bike unless it's in the top pocket of a tank bag. I use a Biologic case modified to fit to a standard RAM ball mount. And it's also hardwired to the Starcom so I get music as well. All works nicely.

[Streak]

Teela and I use Navigon on our iPhones and iPads http://www.navigon.com.

Does chew the battery, it is a garmin product, so we find the support and map updates are fantastic

[ruSTyEB]

The stock standard Navigation app on my Galaxy S3 is amazing. Battery pretty good too.  Voice activated so I can speak my location.  Turn by turn voices.  Looks just like my Navman when travelling too.

[Shiney]

I've used Metroview on both the iphone and the ipad and it is excellent once you get used to how it works. It does tend to suck the iphone battery a bit though which is why I have a hard-wired set-up which powers the iPhone. The iPad doesn't seem to suffer too badly battery-wise, but of course it's too big to use on the bike unless it's in the top pocket of a tank bag. I use a Bilogic case modified to fit to a standard RAM ball mount. And it's also hardwired to the Starcom so I get music as well. All works nicely.

I use Metroview on my iPhone 4s the same as Whizz

Its very good and has regular free updates, highly recommended

Cheers
Shiney

[tj189]

I have been using Igo Primo for quiet some time now, not only on the gps itself but also on the Iphone 4.  now that i am not using the iphone I will put it on the Galaxy 3.

I have found the software to be top notch and very customizable when it come to skins which add capabilities.  For what I do with LDriding it is the ants pants  There are a number of websites that you can visit to see what you can do with it.

All phones once you start using the GPS and bluetooth will drain power reasonably quickly, Whizz's idea of power is the way to go as is a waterproof case.