GPS enabled Phones - what are my options?

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turb

234 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 55898 9-Jan-2010 14:17
I'm looking for a GPS enabled phone: I can load proper NZ topographical and/or marine maps onto. I need to be able to use it (GPS) out of range of the cellphone network. I don't mind paying for the maps (if I have to!). I don't plan to use it for driving so I don't need a voice telling me where to go like a TomTom. I've been trying to see what maps are available via Nokia but I can't seem to find a list on their site (or how much you pay). Does anyone use OziExplorer or Memory Maps? Will they work how I want? How much will I have to pay? Is it best for go for something running a Windows OS? Am I asking the right questions? Cheers. TV: Sony Bravia KDL324000. Freeview\|HD PC: ASUS P8P67 Pro B3, intel i5, 8Gb RAM, 120Gb SSD, Win 7 HTPC: Antec NSK2480B case, AMD A4-5300 CPU, Asus F2A85-M LE mobo, WD Caviar Green 64Mb 2TB HDD, Hauppuage WinTV-HVR-2210, Win7 Home Premium, RAM 1600Mhz 4Gb. Laptop: Sony VAIO VGN-CS16G Vodafone Red Network ADSL2+, VF/Huawei Echolife HG520s Router iPad 2 PS3 120Gb

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 288442 9-Jan-2010 14:37
Well, i've had both an N82 an now N86 and both have GPS capabilities and on each i have been using GarminXT Mobile with the OpenGPS maps. When i need to use topos i get the relevant ones from the map repository and compile them over the OpenGPS mapset so i have an option to enable/disable them if i want to. There are full topo sets already compiled for you if you want to pay for them but i can't vouch for them. There are a bunch of GPS phones available these days, and many many more options for dedicated units. I'd start at the OpenGPS forums for suggestions either way. www.archimage.co.nz psn: PabloNZ

512 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 289114 11-Jan-2010 22:34
I'm not sure if topo and marine maps ok for Nokia. If you want out of cellular reception, maybe not Nokia. Nokia tend to be a GPS. You may need to look at dedicated GPS units. Garmin XT Mobile - maybe, not seen or heard of it but it seems like a real GPS maker and a mobile phone ....

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 289169 12-Jan-2010 09:43
The Garmin Mobile XT app runs on Symbian or WinOS phones using their inbuilt GPS chips. Both of my Nokias can use plain old GPS or aGPS if you needed to, it's an option you can enable/disable at your will. www.archimage.co.nz psn: PabloNZ

512 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 289178 12-Jan-2010 10:21
When you say old gps, is that true gps or just slower agps without the cell towers?

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 289265 12-Jan-2010 12:52
True GPS, i don't need any data connections to use the GPS capabilities at all. www.archimage.co.nz psn: PabloNZ

32 posts

Geek

Trusted

Reply # 290119 14-Jan-2010 21:33
You can get Marine app for iPhone from iTunes.

512 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 290126 14-Jan-2010 21:56
Disrespective: True GPS, i don't need any data connections to use the GPS capabilities at all. Is that aGPS without paying? AFAIk the Nokias don't have a real GPS chip builtin like a Garmin 60Csx.

132 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

SimWorks

Reply # 290210 15-Jan-2010 09:31
So the OpenGPS maps cover marine areas as well? That would be v handy for fishing! Best regards, Aaron Davidson. SimWorks International Limited www.simworks.com - New Zealands leading developer of mobile applications

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 290219 15-Jan-2010 09:57
rayonline: Disrespective: True GPS, i don't need any data connections to use the GPS capabilities at all. Is that aGPS without paying? AFAIk the Nokias don't have a real GPS chip builtin like a Garmin 60Csx. Well, Nokia doesn't seem to like telling what GPS chips are used in their phones but with both my N82 and the new N86 i can use the GPS without a SIM card or data connection. I travelled extensively through Canada and used the N82 with Garmin as my navigation device and had no connection to any local networks and wasn't charged for any data in any way. I ended up using it in flight mode or whatever it's called to ensure it didn't pick anything up randomly without me knowing. I don't believe the OpenGPS maps cover marine areas specifically but i think i remember someone posting questions about marine specific maps on there. www.archimage.co.nz psn: PabloNZ