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13 April 2011
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Ok, so what do most people think when someone says Tom Tom? If you've ever heard of a GPS, chances are you've heard of a Tom Tom one. They're fantastic bits of tech, but what a fair amount of people don't actually know is that if you own an iPhone with with GPS (So either the 3G, 3GS, or 4. Sorry first gen) then you can use your iPhone as a fully functioning nav unit. Sound cool? Read on for more.
So yeah, a simple app will turn your iPhone into a GPS. Something I get asked an awful lot is "Why do you need a GPS app? Why not just use Google maps?" Now that's a pretty good question. Why would you download a $94.99 app when you could just use a free alternative. Well, there's a few reasons, and for me, it makes it worth the money.
First of all, with Google maps, you need internet reception. Which also means you'll be using data from your allowance, so if you're not on Vodafones 3 GB a month plan, you'll be out of usage pretty quick, unless your plan is ridiculously expensive. The other obvious downside to needing internet is that not everywhere gets reception. Take Murupara, for instance. Not a whole lot of reception there, so were are you if you get lost and don't have a GPS, maps, or the Tom Tom app? You'll be pretty stuffed. And still in Murupara. Since Tom Tom downloads all the maps to the iPhone, there's no internet access needed, and GPS reception is available everywhere. Plus, you won't be chewing through your data allowance trying to escape find your way out of Murupara.
The maps are detailed enough to let you know where to be, without crowding the screen in street names
Another reason, Google maps doesn't read directions to you. Tom Tom does, and there's an enormous amount of voices to choose from, although they aren't all english. A few of the voices can also read street names, although listening to them try and pronounce Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu is probably more distracting than useful. Still though, that's a feature not even all GPS units have.
On top of both of those, it's extremely accurate. Not perfect, but pretty dang close. Once I downloaded I got it to take me to the convent, which is about as back-blocks as you can get, and it got me there piece of cake. Granted, the odd time the little arrow did leave the road, but it was during a particularly windy stretch, and it didn't affect the accuracy at all. Other features it has are points of interest, which is handy, and it also integrates with a few other apps, such as Localscope.
Other features include Eco Route, which takes you on the most economical trip. There's also the option to choose walking routes, bicycle routes, and heaps of others. Customization of the different functions is easy thanks to the well layed out interface, and you'll find yourself with your perfect looking GPS in no time.
It works in both portrait and landscape modes, you can play music using the built in iPod controls, and it'll let you know if you're speeding with a short siren sound. That last option can be turned off of course, but why would you want to? It's only annoying if you're breaking the law, right?
So overall, it's a brilliant app. I feel like I'm saying that at the end of every review lately though, so I can't end here. There are, of course, some downsides. The first is the price, as at $94.99 it's one of the more expensive apps out there. The other is accuracy, although I am yet to find a perfect GPS. It does compensate somewhat for that last shortcoming with Map Share, which updates the map around every week, meaning you won't really find too many places where the GPS is wrong. So don't get me wrong, it's really, really good. But not completely perfect.
There's a host of other features included, and I can't go into them all in this one review, but I can say that even with the higher-than-normal price tag, it's still a worthwhile purchase. You'll absolutely love it, although I would recommend buying yourself a window mount, since the phone has to see the sky, and probably a car charger too, since GPS really sucks the soul out of an iPhone's battery.
Is it the perfect app? No, but it's pretty flipping close. Would I buy it again? Heck yeah, at the drop of the hat. It is THE most useful app on my iPhone, and has helped me out of many a tricky situation. Like I said, once you've bought this, you'll find yourself using it over and over. Still though, if you already own a GPS unit, it's probably not worth it. But if you don't have one, then go grab it now. It's great.
EDIT: Phil's brought to my attention a much more in-depth article he'd written a while ago. It's more of a run through of the features than the review, so it's definitely worth checking out. Clicking here will take you there pronto.
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Philip Roy
said:
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The timing of this article is amusing for me...TomTom lead me up a one way street in the wrong direction in Wellington today! Luckily I wasn't too far into it and was able to reverse quickly. Luckily I can report this with the new mapshare feature. Phil PS There's an existing article and video of the app elsewhere on the site |
iforkiwi
said:
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Woops Thanks for that Phil. I do have to say I'd be extremely impressed if the app managed to navigate you flawlessly through the rabbit warren that is Wellington. I do love that city  I'll cross link the two articles, I'd done a search, but hadn't seen the article till just now. I'll be sure and do a more thorough check next time. -Caleb |
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