Android App or GPS

The problem with an Android app is that when you have no phone service your gps will not work. This week I was in an area that i had no service but the gps still worked. Just a thought.

 

Google maps on Android works fine for me, and has a Navigator option that will act just like a GPS and give you turn by turn directions. BUT it is NOT truck specific, so it could route you to places you should not be. And it will use data, which could be a problem with a limited plan. And of course then you must have a signal to use that data, so relying on it in the boonies may be a problem.

 

there are apps out there you can buy. and they don't require internet.

copilot is very cheap and works on both android and ipad.

it's a full fledged map that downloads to your phone. so it works just like a handheld unit. requires no internet whatsoever. it's the most widely used program. and you dooooo want to be at a wifi connection to download as it's a full 1.3 gigs. only download the america verision. not the full fledged north american. as that contains canada and a few bugs come with that portiong of the maps.

as for nothing can replace a map. the gps is a much more powerful tool then a map will or has ever been. the map can only guide you through the country. it can't do anything for you once you get into town.

i have copilot on my android phone. very rarely do i use google nav. my aunt has a android tablet with built in gps chip. and wifi only. so she has no luxury of internet unless my phone is with her so she can hotspot off my phone. so google nav won't do anything for her. but copilot works just fine for her.

$3.99 is trhe cost. if you want totally free. the NAV4FREE but you have to download the individual states with that one.

 

The above poster is right, I have a razor and use my gps on my phone and whenever you go out of service it cuts out. Not a big deal you have map for back up but it can be a little bit of a pain. If you are going to use your phone you may also want to get a dashboard dock or something to hold it up in front of you. Personally I think you will be better off with a regular gps, keep in mind that your gps on your phone also burns up data and can go quickly when running constantly all day long.

One thing I do highly recommend though for your phone is audible.com. You can go on their website and download the app and get audible books to listen to through your phone. You can either bluetooth or tether to your radio. You can pay by book or do a monthly contract. These are top notch books too not truck stop rentals!

 

I use smarttruck route for android and have been very satisfied with it. So much so, I plan to buy the lifetime subscription plan when my current is up. You can find it on the play store by searching "smarttruck"

 

The great asset to google maps is the real time traffic. I run shuttles around Chicago and can usually take two or three different routes depending on the traffic. The fast/direct expressway, the bypass expressway or last resort surface streets with stop lights every 1/4 mile. I can make my choice in moments while stopped at red light.

Mikeeee