GPS / Navigation App for Iphone

[B Ozanne]

What is the best GPS / Navigation app for the iPhone?

I'm looking for a full-featured navigation app that doesn't require data and uses the GPS for location. It seems like there is something from Garmin, Navigon and Tom Tom for all around $40-50.

Also, can anyone recommend a car mount for the iPhone. I'd like my phone to be visible, but I also want to be able to charge it and possibly transmit audio to the stereo.

Thanks.

 

[David Wolfson]

I personally use a wi-fi only iPad and prefer the apps that pre-load open source maps, i.e. Navfree and ScenicMap, with GPXMaster+ for background logging. But from what I've read, MotionX GPS Drive sounds like the real deal for the iPhone. BTW, MotionX Corp. is co-founded by Phillipe Kahn, a true computer guru of my generation -- creator of Turbo Pascal, etc., etc. That alone is enough to make it worth a good look IMHO.

 

[B Ozanne]

Thanks, I will take a look at motionx. Not sure what happens when you don't have a cell signal as maps are downloaded as needed and not stored on the device.

 

[Brandon Jenkins]

I use the tomtom app for an actual GPS (typically I use streets and trips on the laptop for more precise navigation) and it works flawlessly. Can't speak for the other apps but I have heard good things about the Navigon app as well.

 

[Karen St John]

I personally use a wi-fi only iPad and prefer the apps that pre-load open source maps, i.e. Navfree and ScenicMap, with GPXMaster+ for background logging. But from what I've read, MotionX GPS Drive sounds like the real deal for the iPhone. BTW, MotionX Corp. is co-founded by Phillipe Kahn, a true computer guru of my generation -- creator of Turbo Pascal, etc., etc. That alone is enough to make it worth a good look IMHO.

I had MotionX on my iPad, I liked it very much. When I replace it soon (it was stolen) I will definitely reload that software. Easy to use, and accurate...

 

[David Wolfson]

In light of this discussion, I installed and have been running MotionX around town on the iPad. It has decent features, but I'm so far unimpressed by the routing engine which doesn't seem to sufficiently discriminate among facility classes. Navfree has some quirks such as a tendency to sometimes want to route you off and back on a freeway at a diamond interchange, but its router is otherwise pretty good and it has most of the same features including voice guidance. Navfree's price is -- well -- free, and it stores its maps locally on the device, so it's worth trying out as a comparison with the more commercial apps IMO.

 

[B Ozanne]

I just installed Navfree and will try that in the coming days. I'd also like to try Motion X. It appears that it can cache routes so if you lose the data connection you are still covered as long as you don't deviate from the course.

If was going to purchase a full application with all map data I think I would go with Navigon. I have an actual Tom Tom and I am not that happy with its software.

Thanks for all the thoughts / suggestions.

 

[BBauer]

Also try Mapquest 4 mobile. Its a free iPhone app. Ive used it on my wife's iPhone and it seemed to get the job done well. It also has voice navigation. Also, there have been recent updates and that is always a good sign.