Using captivate internationally for Navigation (GPS)

[pnut4912]

I am headed to australia next week and was hoping hoping to use my new captivate for navigation directions. Will this be possible? I know GPS will need to be enabled, but will i alsop need international data? i wasnt planning on doing that, using it only as a navigation device if possible. any direction or answers would be very helpful.

ps. I did some searching but the only thing i can really find on the board is info about using GPS navigation on verizon phones, which doesnt apply since they dont roam very well period.

 

[sonorous]

I was travelling in Sweden last week. I can say that my GPS problems were much worse there. I can't explain why this would be. For some reason is was much worse that what I have experienced in the US.

Navigation uses Google Maps which uses mobile data to get map information. So using your phone for navigation in Europe will eat a lot of data. I am lucky enough to be grandfathered on an unlimited international data plan. If you don't have this the roaming data costs could get out of control quickly.

Also, in my past experience with BBerry, the directions and therefore the navigation feature is not functioning in all countries. You should be able to get your location and a map but may not be able to search for addresses or get directions.

Hope that helps...

 

[BobPaul]

Does your Captivate's GPS work now?

 

[colnago]

...Navigation uses Google Maps which uses mobile data to get map information. So using your phone for navigation in Europe will eat a lot of data. I am lucky enough to be grandfathered on an unlimited international data plan. If you don't have this the roaming data costs could get out of control quickly....

International data on AT&T is ridiculously expensive...even on a "monthly" plan. It would litteraly be cheaper to buy a dedicated GPS device and the map(s) for the continent in question, than to use Google maps internationally for an extended period of time.

Alternatively, see if you can get the device unlocked by AT&T, so you can buy/use a "pay as you go" SIM once overseas.

 

[no driver]

I've seen some positive comments about CoPilot, which is a GPS program that downloads the maps to your phone. I haven't used it myself, but it there is an Australian version in the app store for about $45. It may be cheaper than racking up data charges from Google Navigator downloading maps as you go.

You might also want to check out whether you can switch to some sort of international data plan for a month and then switch back when you return to the US. I haven't ever looked into anything like that but those sorts of things show up as tips on Lifehacker from time to time.

As far as I know these phones can't be unlocked yet, though I haven't been following the progress in that effort too closely so maybe that has changed in the last week or so.

 

[sonorous]

Does your Captivate's GPS work now?

My GPS is mediocre in the US which is very similar to how others describe it here (complain). I find that for the most part in a vehicle, I can get a good enough lock with Google Maps to get true position and navigation. Using GPS Test, I typically get 6-10 sats visible and 2-6 in use.