Are GPS apps a hit or miss?

[Jedi5]

In the market for a new navigation app.
The only nav app I've ever used is MotionX. For the little I drive, it does the job well. Only thing I don't like, is the monthly fee.

So I decided to look for something else which is good but also cheap.

As I read reviews, it seems like there is not clear cut winner out there.
For every Navigon fan, there are 2 that don't like it.
For every 3 TomTom fans, there are 4 that will pick it apart.

I read comments on how certain streets or homes aren't showing up on certain apps. Drivers are being told to take streets that don't exist or one way.
What works well in one city, does poorly in another city.

I'm thinking of giving Copilot a whirl but the reviews aren't all that great.
But for the little driving I do and price, it seems like the way to go.

So my question is, are you guys just trying all these apps up and see what works best for you? If one does not work well for you, does the company give you a refund?

 

[iphone1105]

First thing, most reviewers of apps are some of the dumbest people ever, remeber there' s 15 year old writing most of those reviews.....second, I have Navigon, even on my 3G It never gave me one issue or sent me in the wrong direction, with the iP4 and their new update, Navigon is the best. I have TomTom too, its useless, Navigon is the way to go IMO.

Honestly though, if you dont drive much, google maps will serve you way better

 

[Jedi5]

The Google app doesn't have voice directions, does it?
I thought I read it didn't.

 

[crazyitalian198]

Not so sure how you could say TomTom is useless, but to each his own.

On my 3G, Navigon was unusable. I haven't run it on my 4 though. I do have TomTom....which runs perfectly for me. I get a GPS fix immediately, the turn by turn is spot on, zero delay, and multitasking is a breeze. I can listen to music, have it navigate, and text at the same time (not recommended while driving of course!).


Navigon's UI just wasn't working for me. I love how basic and flawless TomTom is. That being said, I think Navigon would have tempted me much more had I got the 49.99 USA price.

 

[err404]

Get either TomTom or Navigon. They are both leading class apps and really are substantially better then the cheaper alternatives. Both have frequently updated maps, good UI and provide great directions.
That said, they are not the same. TomTom tends to provide slightly better directions with embedded time of day traffic data (IQ Routes), has more accurate ETA to destination and better traffic (optional addon). Navigon has a prettier UI and more features.
I prefer TomTom, since it performs the core function of a navigation system better, but Navigon isn't far behind and it sports a more modern look.

 

[Jedi5]

There was a time when I really gung ho on Navigon.
But I can't justify the purchase.
While I'm sure it is a great buy at $49, I might use it... 2-3 times a year if that.

 

[brvheart]

There was a time when I really gung ho on Navigon.
But I can't justify the purchase.
While I'm sure it is a great buy at $49, I might use it... 2-3 times a year if that.

then you should get co-=pilot with the txt to speech addon - you will be under $10 and should suit you just fine.

I have both Tom Tom and Navigon, I got Tom Tom and it worked ok, but Navigon from what I read worked just as good with a better interface - it is just prettier. When it dropped in price, I snatched it and love it.

 

[navguy]

Both Navigon and TomTom are solid, each w/ different benefits/drawbacks as err404 explained in a balanced way ... my suggestion is that unless you need US map, buy Navigon myRegion for $18 and use for your area ... much better than comparable satnav apps at similar price (or twice as much) ... and w/ v1.6, you get an up-to-date map which i can vouch from using the last few days is fairly recent (and much more up-to-date than anything at this pricepoint). Good luck.

 

[fastblack]

You can get one of the navigon region versions. Its only 17.99 at the moment, if you ever want another region its 19.99 in app purchase. If you buy the whole US map it ends up at 57.96 if you do it that way.

 

[err404]

There was a time when I really gung ho on Navigon.
But I can't justify the purchase.
While I'm sure it is a great buy at $49, I might use it... 2-3 times a year if that.

There are a few decent solutions that are completely free:

Skobbler - High quality look and feel, but sub-par maps (crowd sourced).
Mapquest - Best routing of the free apps, but only 2D north up view.
Waze - Not recommended. Poor routing/maps and distracting social mini games. It literally encourages you to text while driving. Fun if your not driving, dangerous if you are.​

These are somewhat second-rate apps, but for the frequency you are talking about, they should fill the requirement.

 

[wvphysics]

I've played around with the Mapquest App. It gives voice directions, recalulates if you miss a turn, etc., and its free. It has my street in it which doesnt show up on googlemaps and some other nav maps.

 

[rotlex]

I have Navigon and Tomtom. I like them both, but lean toward Navigon, primarily for the interface, and live traffic. Both perform roughly the same for me as far as accuracy and routing. Both also perform as well, if not better, than stand alone units I have used.

 

[iphone1105]

Not so sure how you could say TomTom is useless, but to each his own.

Its useless to me because I've grown to love the Navigon app so much, pardon if I didnt make that clearer. It certainly isnt a useless app, its just useless to me as I dont ever install it on my phone.

 

[cathyy]

I love GPS apps. I have several of them, but sadly I can't use them at all because I own an iPod Touch instead of an iPhone which requires Wifi. You're likely only to use GPS apps when you're on the move, and that's the time when you don't have internet.

GPS Apps

Google maps: I don't know why people love navigation systems like TomTom that give you directions for every turn and all that. Personally, I just prefer to be able to see the entire route, then remember the roads and just drive. GPS is especially useful when overseas when you have no active internet connection but you have a built-in map.

I never really liked most navigational GPS systems that were built into my friends cars anyway, because I couldn't see the whole route, so I have no idea if the navigation system is just making me drive one big loop or lead me the wrong way or something. The instructions it gave were often slow too. There was once I was on the right lane on a 4 lane road, stopped in front of the traffic light, and all of a sudden it tells me, "Left turn here."


Bus Guide: Detects nearby bus stops and shows their positions on the map. Also fetches the timings until the next bus arrives to that bus stop. Furthermore it also alerts me when I'm reaching my destination.


Locacity: Detects your position and tells you various stuff, such as the nearby 7 11s, ATMs, petrol stations, super markets, wireless hotspots and several more. Also guides you there.


Friend finder: Helps me find my friends when I'm meeting up with them.

 

[cathyy]

I never really liked most navigational GPS systems that were built into my friends cars anyway, because I couldn't see the whole route, so I have no idea if the navigation system is just making me drive one big loop or lead me the wrong way or something. The instructions it gave were often slow too. There was once I was on the right lane on a 4 lane road, stopped in front of the traffic light, and all of a sudden it tells me, "Left turn here."

Personally, I just prefer to be able to see the entire route, then remember the roads and just drive. GPS is especially useful when overseas when you have no active internet connection but you have a built-in map. That's why I love Google Maps the most.

 

[STEVESKI07]

You can get one of the navigon region versions. Its only 17.99 at the moment, if you ever want another region its 19.99 in app purchase. If you buy the whole US map it ends up at 57.96 if you do it that way.

+1

I purchased Navigon myRegion when it was on Sale for $15. It was normally $30, so I decided to give it a shot. I don't use it all the time, but I've used it probably 10-15 times total and I have never had an issue. I can't comment on any of the other gps apps, but Navigon definitely works well and is definitely worth the under $20 price tag.