(Potentially) New Android User, Help with Google Navigation

blista · September 7th, 2010, 09:48 AM

Hi all,
I am new to this forum and new to Android. Having just broken my Windows mobile phone I'm now looking for a replacement.

I am leaning towards the HTC Desire however I have a question about the way Google Navigation (the GPS turn-by-turn navigation software) will work.

I use my current phone as an in car GPS regularly (once a week) so I have a concern about the way GN downloads the map via 3G as you drive as I have a limited download capacity on my contract. On an average 2 hour journey along the motorway how much data would GN need to download?

I have seen mentioned on this forum and elsewhere that it is possible to cache the maps before you set off (i.e. download via Wi-Fi) if this is the case then how long are these maps cached for, and infact is it possible to download Google maps of the whole of the UK onto an SD card for use with GN?

Final question: is there an alternative free navigation software that doesn't require internet access as you drive?

Thanks alot in advance
Alistair

Szadzik · September 7th, 2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blista

Hi all,
I am new to this forum and new to Android. Having just broken my Windows mobile phone I'm now looking for a replacement.

I am leaning towards the HTC Desire however I have a question about the way Google Navigation (the GPS turn-by-turn navigation software) will work.

I use my current phone as an in car GPS regularly (once a week) so I have a concern about the way GN downloads the map via 3G as you drive as I have a limited download capacity on my contract. On an average 2 hour journey along the motorway how much data would GN need to download?

I have seen mentioned on this forum and elsewhere that it is possible to cache the maps before you set off (i.e. download via Wi-Fi) if this is the case then how long are these maps cached for, and infact is it possible to download Google maps of the whole of the UK onto an SD card for use with GN?

Final question: is there an alternative free navigation software that doesn't require internet access as you drive?

Thanks alot in advance
Alistair

I would suggest you buy a real navigation program that does not require Internet. There are quite a few including CoPilot and Navigon.

Phateless · September 7th, 2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blista

Hi all,
I am new to this forum and new to Android. Having just broken my Windows mobile phone I'm now looking for a replacement.

I am leaning towards the HTC Desire however I have a question about the way Google Navigation (the GPS turn-by-turn navigation software) will work.

I use my current phone as an in car GPS regularly (once a week) so I have a concern about the way GN downloads the map via 3G as you drive as I have a limited download capacity on my contract. On an average 2 hour journey along the motorway how much data would GN need to download?

I have seen mentioned on this forum and elsewhere that it is possible to cache the maps before you set off (i.e. download via Wi-Fi) if this is the case then how long are these maps cached for, and infact is it possible to download Google maps of the whole of the UK onto an SD card for use with GN?

Final question: is there an alternative free navigation software that doesn't require internet access as you drive?

Thanks alot in advance
Alistair

Why not just up your plan? Unlimited data is never more than $30/month, and it's well worth it for the Navi, which is by far my favorite part of Android.