GPS app and car mount suggestions

[ajumbaje]

I've been going between an actual gps unit and an app for the iphone. One thing that looks cool is the tomtom app because you can get a mount for it. The only downside is that it looks like I would have to take off my incase case for that :/

Are there any other car mounts available for the iphone, if so, what are some other great gps apps? Also, would I have to pay separately for updates? I have a charger, so Im fine with that.

Any other suggestions? Ive heard of Navigon, but havent seen many opinions/reviews of it mainly because I havent bothered looking.

Any suggestions on mounts though? I have a belkin car charger with the cable, so something that goes near the center console would be sweet, maybe something that clips to a vent or can mount on a curved surface. My car's(Buick Rendezvous) dash seems like its all curved and what not.

 

[sidewinder]

I much prefer the Navigon app. At $89 it is not cheap, but it functions as well as a friend's Garmin Nuvo unit and is always with me. I think it is a bargain!

S-

 

[lemonademaker]

i've got g-maps (east version) and it works pretty good, i think i paid $29 when it came out.... but i found myself in the passenger seat this past weekend so i figured i would mess with google maps while underway... have to say it worked great for what i would use it for.... i still have a standalone garmin also... but google maps was pretty easy to look stuff up in area, phone numbers, etc.... doesn't have the 3d view like gmaps, navigon or TT but i'm not a fan of 3d view.... i like just the map view anyway.... and i'm not one that need to know a street is coming up in 20'.....

kind of wonder if anyone else uses google maps as a gps....

ps gmaps is coming out with a new version pretty soon that is supposed to kick butt, but we'll see... i like it already and it's easy to use.....

 

[tegedrex]

Navigon here, I have had experience with garmin and gm in dash. Navigon to me is more user friendly and at times more acurate.

 

[james4513]

Navigon - better than my Garmin, better than my TomTom, better than my expensive car Nav.

 

[swindmill]

The TomTom mount will work regardless of which app you choose. I use a Panavise mount custom made from my vw that attaches to the center console, along with a Pro-Clips swivel holder. It's mounted to the center console next to the radio. I don't know what is available for your car, but I would search around the internet for options before buying one-for-all solution like the TomTom mount.

 

[Richdmoore]

I have the Navigon app. I use a generic cell phone holder I got a best buy (xentris wireless universal windshield mount.) I power the phone with a Griffin Jolt SE cigarette adapter, and use a generic cassette adapter to connect it to my older cassette car stereo.

I use the generic mount because it will hold the phone with the case on, all of the ones that are specific to the iphone won't let you use a case. I found the universal adapter better for my purposes because of this.

Between a stand alone GPS & the iPhone, I think I would go with the stand alone unit myself. I find the iPhone screen a little small for my liking, and I have had random problems time to time getting a GPS signal (although since the 3.1 update I have had much less problems.) I find the updates during my route a little slow, almost like the map software needs a better processor (I have a 3G, might not be an issue in the speedier 3GS.)

A car GPS should theoretically have a better GPS receiver, and less lag being a dedicated unit, with the drawback of having to deal with two devices. If I was going to use the for driving my own car, I would go with the two unit solution and store the "extra" device in the glovebox when not in use.

I have a unique situation, my job requires me to airline constantly, then sometimes get a rental car and drive myself to places I have never been before. With living out of a suitcase a week at a time, space is at a premium. (I also carry a Macbook, a weeks worth of clothes, a case full of job specific manuals & electronics, and other stuff all with carry on baggage only, so another electronic box is overkill.) For my purpose, the iPhone instead of a GPS makes more sense, but I am not the average GPS user.

In short, if you are a "road warrior" who's space is at a premium, then go for the iPhone solution, otherwise I would go for the dedicated device. If you do go for the iPhone, get a generic holder so you don't have to take the iPhone out of the case.

 

[swindmill]

I forgot to mention that Pro-Clips has an iPhone holder that adjusts to fit cases. Pro=Clips makes good stuff. They also have one-for-all mounts. Check out enfig.com or the Pro-Clips site.

 

[funnyboy88]

I got a Rocketfish mount from Best Buy. I think it was Rocketfish. It was one of those Best Buy brands (not Dynex though). It can rotate the phone to be both vertical and landscape. It also works with any case since it simply grabs the phone. It's worked great for me! And it goes on the windshield so your GPS gets that proper exposure. It was like 25 bucks. I haven't tried any other brands so I can't say if another brand like Griffin does it better, but this one has worked out for me!

 

[Galley]

Arkon makes great mounts, and they're reasonably priced.