GPS App Recommendation Please?

[homer]

Hello!

Well I finally broke down and got a smart phone (Android) and am currently installing some apps. I would like a good reliable GPS app , paid is ok, for North America , but just Canada is also fine. Anyone have a good choice? Thanks, hopefully no more getting lost!

Homer

 

[IM469]

Why not start with Google maps - it's free. Just get a mobile mount for your car because holding your phone - even to look at a map- can be expensive if you are caught (distracted driving).

 

[saxman]

I use Google Maps on my Samsung. No problems and it is free. Even gives you best route due to traffic conditions.

 

[peter4025]

Google maps is free, however you have to keep in mind that like any other phone app it will use your data and won't work if there is no cell service.

 

[Born2Star]

Yep. Google map is better whereever you have data coverage. Their ETA and traffic info are more accurate.

Keep a cheap GPS like Garmin around for travelling. It's worth the investment.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Google maps is free and works great, however like Garmin for GPS better.

 

[homer]

Wow, thanks for all the prompt replies! One question, does Google maps give verbal directions? Sorry for being so non tech, but it's all new to me!

Thanks again!

Homer

 

[fuji]

If you are going to go somewhere you won't have data either because it is the middle of nowhere or because you don't have data in the US, the TomTom app is good, but very pricy.

It downloads the entire map onto your phone and uses your phone GPS even when you have no data connection.

You can cache Google maps for offline use too but you have to remember to do it in advance and on a few occasions i got burned and didn't have the map cached when I needed it after lost data, which is a real PIRA, so....

If you will just be driving in Canada in urban areas or if you plan to have data when you drive in the US Google maps is great.

Yes they both give goodverbal directions. My only gripe with Google is it sometimes gives directions a little late, "take the exit left" when you are within only seconds is missing it and can't do anything.

But overall it works great and Google is the best for adapting in real-time to road construction, closures, and traffic better than most alternatives. With others I find they can keep trying to send me through a roadblock even when I try to mark it unless I drive far enough around that there pick a different route.

 

[jcpro]

Waze

 

[onthebottom]

The only time you'd need a paid app is for off-line (doesn't use your data plan for maps) use.

Google Maps and Waze are both good, Glympse is cool as well - check it out.

 

[Frankfooter]

Wow, thanks for all the prompt replies! One question, does Google maps give verbal directions? Sorry for being so non tech, but it's all new to me!

Thanks again!

Homer

It does on my iphone, even drops the volume of music when it needs to tell you to go somewhere.

 

[homer]

Thanks again everyone! I took a little trip and tried Google Maps, and it worked great! Didn't take the route I would have, but it still got me there! I may give MapFactor a try, just in case I'm in a place with no data. Thanks!

Homer