To those in the US...

[MattThing]

I plan on going to the States next year (I'm in the UK) for Comic-Con and I'd like to be able to use maps with the Desire HD. So, firstly I gues I'm going to need some sort of pay as you go data plan, and download the US maps, some how.

Can anyone recommend a PAYG plan, if there is one, that has inclusive data? If there is one. Or even a PAYG that has the cheapest data. The hotel has included WiFi but on the road, that won't be much good.

I'm not even sure I'll be able to access the US maps as I don't even have my handset yet, just doing a bit of research.

 

[Kelmar]

I'd imagine that google maps would work fine with a pre-paid SIM card (one that allows data). I've never looked into it though.

I'll keep my eyes open for anything I can find though!

 

[lunatic59]

Although it's a bit more expensive, I'd probably look at AT&T Go Phone.

AT&T Go Phone Prepaid Wireless Service | Prepaid Reviews

You can walk into any AT&T Store and pick up a GO SIM and prepay whatever plans you'd like on it. Just make sure the Desire works with 3G on the 1900 MHz band or you will be restricted to EDGE service for data. I was just in the UK and my Nexus on AT&T worked fine, although I kept it to WiFi for data most of the time.

If you look at T-Mobile, their 3G works on the 1700 MHz band ... not sure about Sprint. And Verizon in a CDMA network so you won't be able to use your GSM phone at all. Yeah, the U.S. carriers are [insert derogatory epithet here].

 

[MattThing]

Although it's a bit more expensive, I'd probably look at AT&T Go Phone.

AT&T Go Phone Prepaid Wireless Service | Prepaid Reviews

You can walk into any AT&T Store and pick up a GO SIM and prepay whatever plans you'd like on it. Just make sure the Desire works with 3G on the 1900 MHz band or you will be restricted to EDGE service for data. I was just in the UK and my Nexus on AT&T worked fine, although I kept it to WiFi for data most of the time.

If you look at T-Mobile, their 3G works on the 1700 MHz band ... not sure about Sprint. And Verizon in a CDMA network so you won't be able to use your GSM phone at all. Yeah, the U.S. carriers are [insert derogatory epithet here].

Thanks for that, looks like DHD only works dual band for 3G (900/2100) so looks like I'll have to stick with EDGE. Still the info helped alot, thank you.

Perhaps I could download some map data whilst connected in the hotel room, not sure how that would work though. More research needed I think!

 

[Snow_Fox]

If you just need directions you could grab them over wifi, then just follow them from there.

But, thats about as useful as a laptop if your bringing one..

 

[MattThing]

If you just need directions you could grab them over wifi, then just follow them from there.

But, thats about as useful as a laptop if your bringing one..

I did think about it but after trying to take my laptop to Spain I've decided against it. I get flustered in airport security lol.

 

[lunatic59]

Thanks for that, looks like DHD only works dual band for 3G (900/2100) so looks like I'll have to stick with EDGE. Still the info helped alot, thank you.

Perhaps I could download some map data whilst connected in the hotel room, not sure how that would work though. More research needed I think!

Just look at it as self regulating data consumption .... at EDGE speeds it will take you a while to blow through $10 worth of data .

If you load your route in Google Navigator while connected to WiFi, you'll have all the maps provided you don't deviate from the route.

 

[Martimus]

Pretty much every US cellular provider has a pay-as-you-go program so you've got numerous options. I think AT&T and TMobile both support EDGE.

 

[Super_Six_Two]

There is an app called CoPilot Live USA that you can get for $4.99 that will download all US maps. With this, you would be able to get around with just the GPS turned on. The app is $4.99

 

[TheGoatLantern]

SDCC? If so just stay in the gaslamp, it's set up like a grid so there is no chance of getting lost, and you can walk everywhere

 

[LickTheEnvelope]

On the Desire HD you can download the maps directly to the device...

HTC offering TomTom maps on the Desire

TomTom has announced a partnership with HTC for providing “location-rich maps” on some of the Taiwanese company’s smartphones, starting with the Android-based Desire HD and Desire Z.
TomTom’s maps are included in HTC Locations, presented by HTC as being “a new differentiated online mapping experience” that lets “people have instant, on-demand mapping without download delays or incurring mobile roaming charges.”
While maps and location content are included in HTC Locations for free, turn-by-turn navigation must be “purchased and downloaded through HTC Locations or HTC Sync.”
I’m not sure if all this means the Desire HD (pictured below) and Desire Z come without Google Maps. I was looking over the smartphones’ official specs and features (here and here) and there’s no mention of Google at all. At the same time, the official specs of the Desire (the first Desire), the Wildfire and the Legend include Google Maps. Weird, isn’t it?

http://www.unwiredview.com/2010/10/20/htc-offering-tomtom-maps-on-the-desire-hd-and-desire-z-scraps-google-maps/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnwiredView+(Unwired+View)

 

[ElasticNinja]

NNNNNooooooo dont leave us!!!!
:
(

 

[MattThing]

Just look at it as self regulating data consumption .... at EDGE speeds it will take you a while to blow through $10 worth of data .

If you load your route in Google Navigator while connected to WiFi, you'll have all the maps provided you don't deviate from the route.

Definitely, thanks!

Pretty much every US cellular provider has a pay-as-you-go program so you've got numerous options. I think AT&T and TMobile both support EDGE.

Good stuff, it's good to know I've got options!

There is an app called CoPilot Live USA that you can get for $4.99 that will download all US maps. With this, you would be able to get around with just the GPS turned on. The app is $4.99

Awesome, thanks for the heads up.

SDCC? If so just stay in the gaslamp, it's set up like a grid so there is no chance of getting lost, and you can walk everywhere

Indeed, I was gonna stay in Gaslamp but it costs a fortune whilst SDCC is on. My hotel as it is is costing $269 per night! Still gonna check it out though, I've heard a lot of good things!

On the Desire HD you can download the maps directly to the device...



http://www.unwiredview.com/2010/10/20/htc-offering-tomtom-maps-on-the-desire-hd-and-desire-z-scraps-google-maps/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnwiredView+(Unwired+View)

Excellent!

 

[TheGoatLantern]

I go to SDCC every year (work at a friends booth) and the furthest I have stayed is in old town, cheaper rates and you can take the tram right to the front of the convention center. I would check there to help save some money ( which can be spent on all sorts of stuff )

 

[MattThing]

I go to SDCC every year (work at a friends booth) and the furthest I have stayed is in old town, cheaper rates and you can take the tram right to the front of the convention center. I would check there to help save some money ( which can be spent on all sorts of stuff )

I was thinking of that but I kind of ruled out parking and public transport with the sheer amount of people that go, I've not gone before too. I kinda had images like this in my head:

The hotel I have is a little over a mile away so only a short walk with all my swag I'll inevitably pick up.

 

[TheGoatLantern]

Tram isn't as bad but you do have to watch out for sweaty stinky fanboys and that one of a kind b.o.

Which hotel?

 

[MattThing]

Tram isn't as bad but you do have to watch out for sweaty stinky fanboys and that one of a kind b.o.

Which hotel?

I can only imagine!

Holiday Inn on 1st Ave

 

[XboxOmac]

CricKet is a good carrier for this if you like. I use it, and I'm happy with it.

 

[baillou2]

..... I wanna go to Comic-Con.......

 

[ntrddragn]

i live in san diego, ca. if you plan on just staying around downtown (gas lamp/ convention center area) you really dont need gps/map. you can walk, take the trolley, cab or hail one of those tricycle people (not sure what they are called). basically for a fee those guys would bike you around..these people

minus the chick. LOL. well if your lucky maybe shes there . or you can just use the hotel computer and print maps and routes. holiday inn also give you maps of the area. hope that helps.

edited: im going to assume youre a guy, so i recommend tilted kilt bar (hot girls in skanky clothes LOL), basic pizza also has them . oh and yelp is your friend

 

[ntrddragn]

..... I wanna go to Comic-Con.......

been there done that to crowded for my taste. good place to see hotties in costumes (if youre into that )