Automobile Smartphone Or GPS That Runs Google Maps
 |
    17 years
|
My wife and I were driving this morning and she told me that she has had it with Garmin. We live in Minnesota, but she was in Nebraska last week and the Garmin she was using had problems finding what she wanted. She said that the Google Maps found it right away.
With the above in mind, I am considering what sort of GPS or smartphone to get her that will run Google Maps. Ideally, it would be one that has an excellent mounting option.
We actually had some of the Garmin-Asus Garminfones years ago. However, those are pretty dated at this point.
I have given some thought to getting a Garmin Monterra. It looks like those are Android based and should be able to run Google Maps just fine, provided there is an internet connection.
What smartphones are available these days that have excellent mounts available? Years ago, I recall that some of the earlier Moto Droids had very good mounts available for them.
Smart phone.
Pretty much any android smart phone with a data plan will run google maps. I have a cheapo ($60) LG Tracfone that has the older Android Lollipop version, and it runs Google maps and navigation just fine as long as I am willing to pay for the data usage.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
You
You should also be able to use Google Maps offline and save your data. While connected to the internet via WI-FI just download the maps you'll require for your trip and Google Maps will work using the maps stored on your phone
There are other alternatives like the HERE app for Android which uses the same maps as your GPS. These can also be used on your phone without a data connection but may not have the POI support that you'll find using Google Maps.
As far as mounts are concerned there are dozens of them. I'd suggest you search Amazon for mounts designed for your specific phone or generic smartphones. I'm sure you'll find the perfect one for you from ready the reviews.
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.
Google with offline maps.
I found using Google maps for navigation with offline maps (WiFi only mode) to be not so great because you don't get traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. I am not sure if you have full detail search capabilities (place names, addresses, etc.) with offline maps and no data connection. I have not used it enough to know.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
However...
I found using Google maps for navigation with offline maps (WiFi only mode) to be not so great because you don't get traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. I am not sure if you have full detail search capabilities (place names, addresses, etc.) with offline maps and no data connection.
If you download the maps for offline, it will use far less data for traffic etc. as it doesn't have to download maps.
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK