Comments on: AT&T Navigator and MobileNavigator Europe — Turn-by-Turn Navigation Hits the iPhone App Store

By: Randal L. Schwartz

Randal L. Schwartz — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:46:39 +0000

LukeW – Give http://itunes.com/app/roadee a try… $2 for spoken turn-by-turn instructions using OpenStreetMap (the wikipedia of maps). Yeah, coverage varies for OSM, but if you don’t like it, you can always make it better.

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:37:52 +0000

What’s with all the American bias here? Australia has had a flat-fee turn by turn nav program called Sygic for ages (also available for Asia Pacific). No one seems to ever mention Australia here despite we have the fastest telco in the world (Telstra) and FIVE carriers selling the 3GS. In addition, all iPhones come from Apple unlocked! TAKE THAT AMERICA

By: Tunnelrunner

Tunnelrunner — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:14:20 +0000

For those wondering, I’ve tried this in downtown Chicago and suburbs using EDGE and it works fine without any problems.

By: Eric Atkins

Eric Atkins — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:20:48 +0000

I know a carrier that offers free turn-by-turn GPS spoken directions. It doesn't cost extra or a monthly fee.

I pay $130 a month for unlimited everything. (Now if we only had good phones.)

I'm considering getting an iPhone, but this monthly fee isn't going to get my business.

By: earless puppy

earless puppy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:25:04 +0000

This should be allowed as a background app or any GPS Navigation software… The premise is it will be plugged in while using it, so the battery drain will not matter… but also the $10 a month is steep, I would like to see a model where you buy the states you would care to own… Maybe $10 or $15 bucks a state, with yearly state updates if you choose…. That would be fair and I would probally start off with 3 states giving them $30-$45 dollars plus an initial $10 app fee… This would be a smart model…

3 months down the road many people may by a extra state or two if needed… The farther you travel the more you pay basically… Can I copyright this? haha

By: nick

nick — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:12:14 +0000

been using it for a couple days and will say i love it. i love when that **** lady asks me to “bear left”.

overall it really killed all other phones that have navigator. the big screen makes it work the 10 and the ease of use is uncanny

By: brynn

brynn — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:08:51 +0000

lol ATT subscribers are ok with paying another addtional fees…they got ya’lll brainwashed !!!!! never over pay them for marginal cell phone coverage

By: e.c.

e.c. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:07:11 +0000

@ 23 I still maintain that the monthly subscription isn't really getting you anything.

In 10 years since I've used car GPS devices, I've never updated my maps. And I've never run into a situation where my GPS didn't know what to do. How often are new roads constructed that you will need a monthly subscription to get new maps? In event that you happen to run into a road that your GPS doesn't recognize, you will most likely be able to get by through the awesome power of automatic route recalculation. In my opinion, maps update is hardly worth a commitment to another monthly income drain.

Just my 2c.

By: icebike

icebike — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:24:41 +0000

@20: Yes, GPS is free to use.

That is not what is being discussed.

GPS without ACCURATE, CURRENT maps is of very little use when driving around.

Other than that I agree, a TomTom or Garmin is a better idea all around. It has the maps onboard, and is not bothered by weak or non-existent cell service.

The annual update fee for Maps for your GARMIN is about $75/year, or a one time fee of $124 lifetime for as long as you own the device.

And most have a battery good for 7 hours if you want to take it hiking. Try that with your iPhone. In GPRS or EDGE areas, unless you have maps on the device you are screwed. MobileNavigator has on board maps, don't know about the others.

Either of these apps are a good solution for occasional use, as long as you STAY IN 3G land, and don't make many calls while driving. (City users only).

By: Peta

Peta — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:13:12 +0000

@e.c. Yes, but I hate putting GPS in my car and disconnecting it every time I park it. Also, I need voice prompts since I do most of my driving alone. I can squander $10 a day easily on nothing at all, so once a month is not such a big deal. Especially if you can unsubscribe at any time.