GPS enabled Phones - what are my options?

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turb

863 posts

Ultimate Geek

#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.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

Disrespective

1886 posts

Uber Geek

#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.

MightyApe

You will find anything you want at MightyApe (affiliate link).

rayonline

1730 posts

Uber Geek

#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 ....

Disrespective

1886 posts

Uber Geek

#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.

rayonline

1730 posts

Uber Geek

#289178 12-Jan-2010 10:21

When you say old gps, is that true gps or just slower agps without the cell towers?

Disrespective

1886 posts

Uber Geek

#289265 12-Jan-2010 12:52

True GPS, i don't need any data connections to use the GPS capabilities at all.

sangha

51 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#290119 14-Jan-2010 21:33

You can get Marine app for iPhone from iTunes.

rayonline

1730 posts

Uber Geek

#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.

ald

172 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

SimWorks

#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

Disrespective

1886 posts

Uber Geek

#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.