I would highly suggest getting GPS software that does not rely on downloading maps. At least here in the NW, where I camp, it's very common to lose signal, and then you have no maps. Back in late December TUAW ran a feature on the best GPS software, you can read it here the final choice was Navigon Editor picks: Navigon, Waze, MotionX GPS Drive.
One thing to note if you are not in a rush, hold off and watch for some deals. I've found the major players; Navigon, Tom Tom etc. all seem to go on sale for 1/2 off around major driving holidays.
There's no good reason to use software that is constantly accessing the internet-- you'll be using a lot of data when it really isn't necessary, plus you'll be out of luck if you get out of cell coverage.
As noted in the post above, apps with onboard storage are readily available, and they don't take all that much room (I don't have any of the apps suggested above, but CoPilot USA uses 1.6GB). You'll have to be connected to the internet via wifi to update the maps, but other than that updates are easy, just one touch-- a lot easier than the rigamarole I have to go through to update my Garmins.
I used Navigon when I drove across the mid-west, it was great! I just picked up the new iPad, should run smoother with the better processor. That is a big display to have on top of the dash.
mikeintn wrote: I assume you would have to have one that is on the cell phone network, how much data would that use if you drove say 6-8 hrs in a day?
This is my question. We went for a drive today to test out the nav app we loaded on our new ipad3 but even though we got it with ATT it said we had to sign up for a plan? That started me to thinking that if I'm using this as a GPS for any amount of time it would use a ton of data... or would it? Anyone have an answer that's more than a guess?
There are many providers of GPS software that do not depend on a cell connection to navigate. I've used CoPilot on my iPhone & it works fine when outside of cell areas. The problem is since the entire US map is downloaded to the device, it uses more storage space than an on line map. It also takes quite a bit longer to download the software & updates - I always do those at home on my cable modem...
You do need the iPad with WiFi + 3G (or the new iPad WiFi + 4G) but you don't need to sign on to a provider to use the GPS. The less expensive version (WiFi only) does not have the GPS chip.
It is a 100% self-contained app with maps that will run without cellular or wifi connections no different than a standalone Tom Tom GPS unit. It just needs the GPS that comes with the cellular iPads only. I paid one price for it of $29.99 last Black Friday when it was on sale. I had been using it on my iPhone 4S. Now I have to figure out how to prop an iPad up in my RV because the app takes full advantage of the 9.7" iPad screen.
I bought the Tom Tom GPS at the time because it was suppose to work on both the iPhone and the iPad in different optimizations with the screens. Check carefully the other apps like Garmin and Magellan that are similar because any iPhone app will work on an iPad but may not take full advantage of the large screen such as utilizing the 2X blow up option of the normal iPhone formatted app to fill the iPad screen. I can't tell if those two will work on both differently. The Co-Pilot GPS has separate apps for iPhone and iPad.
Davydd
2011 Great West Van Legend Sprinter B Camper Van
Visited states in an RV
It doesn't appear the Garmin and Magellan will behave the same way as the Tom Tom. To tell if one app will optimize with the different screens of the iPhone and iPad there will be a litte + sign next to the price or sometimes a tiny + on the app icon itself. So, it appears the Garmin and Magellan are formatted for the iPhone screen. Co-Pilot, as I mentioned has two separate versions but their prices of $39.99 for the iPad and $19.99 for the iPhone comes out the same as the $59.99 price of the Tom Tom.
Mike, Cindy, Chris and Spunky the Cocker Spaniel
1998 32 ft Tiffin Allegro
Ford F53 with 460 V8
Onan 5500 Watt Generator
Master Tow 80THD tow dolly
2009 Mini Cooper S Toad
mikeintn wrote: I assume you would have to have one that is on the cell phone network, how much data would that use if you drove say 6-8 hrs in a day?
This is my question. We went for a drive today to test out the nav app we loaded on our new ipad3 but even though we got it with ATT it said we had to sign up for a plan? That started me to thinking that if I'm using this as a GPS for any amount of time it would use a ton of data... or would it? Anyone have an answer that's more than a guess?
It depends on what GPS package you use. If you use a package that downloads maps on the fly, you will use a ton of data. If you buy a package that stores all the maps on the iPad (and may cost several times as much) you will download a ton of data one time, but you can do that over WiFi before your trip.
I haven't checked them all out, as I think the iPad or a laptop are both too big, too distracting, to use as a GPS while driving, and the displays don't do well in a sunlight on the dash environment.
What GPS package would you recommend that downloads maps on the fly ahead of time? I've asked numerous times in other threads how one in a non-cellular area such as a national forest, or say Yellowstone National Park, can wake up in the morning, turn on the GPS, and start navigating? I don't think such maps are permanently stored. The Tom Tom GPS I described not only can do that but can do it in non-cellular areas and works exactly like its standalone device counterparts you pay $140 and up for to get not only 2D maps but the more familiar 3D maps with turn by turn voice directions, lane recommendations, etc. on a large screen instead of a small screen. I don't think $60 is all that much especially when you can load it on several devices. I have it on two iPhones and two iPads now. That's quite a bargain in my opinion as opposed to buying a similar standalone device or an app that depends on cellular connections.
I've figured out a way to mount my iPad using an old case Apple sold that I had for my original iPad. I will know soon enough how it works when I rig it up. I just figured it out this evening. I already know I can navigate well with an iPhone 4S mounted to the dashboard air vent with a simple $7 device I bought at Target.
I had a spare leather protective case for an iPad that I received from TD Ameritrade, my online broker, as some kind of appreciation gift that I found to be perfect for mounting to the dash of our Great West Van Sprinter Legend Class B RV. My original Apple brand case for the iPad 1 would work too but I plan to give my old iPad with the Apple case to our daughter and use the New iPad for a GPS in the spare case. The cases are sleeve case with a flip over screen covers. That is a popular design and there could be other brands that would work just as well.
First, bent the screen cover so it would lip over and form fit on the dash. Then I applied a couple of pieces of industrial strength velcro like so.
The dash has a tray above the radio. On the back side of the tray I applied the corresponding velcro strips which are invisible to view when inside the cab.
The iPad slips in from the top, rest flat with the dash and covers the radio. This shows the Tom Tom GPS app in the 2D view.
This is the more traditional 3D view one would normally use while driving.
You can lift the case to access the radio controls.
On the Sprinter dash there is an identical tray shape in front of the passenger over the glove box. I added velcro strips directly in front of the passenger seat so the iPad could be used in that position as well. All in all about a $5 investment in velcro was all I needed. The new iPad is thinner than the original iPad so slips in and out of the case with ease. It seems to be easily viewable.
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