Which Device Would You Select Primarily For Google Maps Automobile Navigation?

 

If you were going to buy a device today, primarily for running the Google Maps automobile navigation app, what would you choose? Extra points given for devices that have a mount available that is very good quality, like the Garmin mounts.

And, just to put things in perspective, I have sort of considered doing this in the past, but I simply haven't done it yet. As far as size goes, I am thinking something about 5 or 6 inches, diagonal measure. It will go in a Ram 1500 pickup, so maybe a 7 inch tablet isn't completely out of the question. That is basically the size that could be a smartphone or a small tablet. I am more inclined to go either with an Android smartphone or tablet, but possibly an Apple iPhone or mini iPad.

The mount really is a huge deal for me. I have generally avoided many/most universal mounts. Most of them just don't look that great to me. What smartphones or tablets are available these days that have an automobile mount made specifically for them? (Are there any.) I do recall Moto Droids having some automobile mounts that looked pretty good, but that has been a number of years ago at this point.

I have a hot-spot with unlimited AT&T data, so I am good there.

Small tablet. You could do a

Small tablet. You could do a lot with it other than just navigation.

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Illiterate? Write for free help.

If you're going Android then

If you're going Android then make sure it can run Android Auto - the maps, traffic, phone and music combo in one app is very handy. In fact it replicates what Garmin did in the 760 many years ago. smile

Thanks.....

Good suggestion.

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RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot

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Jim1348 wrote:

I am thinking something about 5 or 6 inches, diagonal measure. It will go in a Ram 1500 pickup, so maybe a 7 inch tablet isn't completely out of the question. That is basically the size that could be a smartphone or a small tablet. I am more inclined to go either with an Android smartphone or tablet, but possibly an Apple iPhone or mini iPad.

CarPlay works with iPhone only, right? If it's correct, scratch iPad off your list.

Android Auto...

More up to date. You can also pre-download areas, if cell signal is bad.

How Much Area?

allbizz wrote:

More up to date. You can also pre-download areas, if cell signal is bad.

You can only download a portion of the US at a time right? You can't do the entire US if I recall.

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Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

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Preroll wrote:
allbizz wrote:

More up to date. You can also pre-download areas, if cell signal is bad.

You can only download a portion of the US at a time right? You can't do the entire US if I recall.

It has no problem covering 1 city. You can't even select the entire state to download.

iPad Mini

I sometimes use my 7" iPad Mini on the road. RAM makes a sturdy mount for the device:

https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-apple-ipad-mini-cradle-ram...

It's compatible with hundreds of 1" RAM "B" ball mounting components.

https://www.gpscity.com/mounts/&p=1&c=3&t=parts+b+size

I also dislike flimsy mounting schemes. Years ago, I made a simple mounting "tree" from a piece of 1" square steel tubing. I painted it flat black to match the dash and fastened it to one of the seat bolts on the floor of my pickup. I screwed 6, 1" B balls to the tube.

https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-diamond-plate-with-1-inch-...

I got the idea from this RAM product:

https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-cessna-rail-mount-12in-fle...

I use it to mount a variety of devices to suit my needs. I've used it in 3 different pickups so far with great results.

NG

chewbacca wrote:
Preroll wrote:
allbizz wrote:

More up to date. You can also pre-download areas, if cell signal is bad.

You can only download a portion of the US at a time right? You can't do the entire US if I recall.

It has no problem covering 1 city. You can't even select the entire state to download.

Ah geez. With the size of microSD cards these days, you'd think you would have the ability to download the entire US but it's obviously something Google doesn't want by setting that limitation.

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Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Right

Google won't make any money if they don't have strings attached so they can feed you ads and collect data as you use the map app.

I had tried to use Android Auto with a Samsung Tab E tablet but I gave up after a couple of days of using it. Less frustration for me to stay with a Garmin.

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I never get lost, but I do explore new territory every now and then.

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Preroll wrote:
chewbacca wrote:
Preroll wrote:
allbizz wrote:

More up to date. You can also pre-download areas, if cell signal is bad.

You can only download a portion of the US at a time right? You can't do the entire US if I recall.

It has no problem covering 1 city. You can't even select the entire state to download.

Ah geez. With the size of microSD cards these days, you'd think you would have the ability to download the entire US but it's obviously something Google doesn't want by setting that limitation.

I guess so. If you want to download the entire state/country, HERE app does it.

GPS and smartphones

I use Here Maps in my SAMSUNG S8+. The Here Maps app allows me to download the whole US or what ever state or states you want.
Works great.

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"Those that stop and smell the roses, must realize that once in awhile you may get a whiff of fertilizer."..copyright:HDHannah1986 -Mercedes GPS - UCONNECT 430N Chrysler T&C - Nuvi 2598- Nuni2555 - Nuvi855 - Nuvi295W - Nuvi 750 - Ique 3600

Travel, Travel, Travel

Well not that much, but a lot of errands throughout the weekend for things for the family.

Cooked up some nice sous vide 3lb ribeye streak on Friday smile

I'll need to think about

I'll need to think about that before making a suggestion.