Need to recommend a navigation app to a freind

doodah · 24 Oct 2011 at 15:28

A friend of mine is interested in getting a (driving) navigation app for her iPhone. Obviously TomTom jumped into her mind but she isn't (nor I) very savvy to what navigation apps are available on iOS and how good they are. She wants a solution that will be very simple to use but ultimately also provide a lot of features later down the line when she is comfortable using it. I believe TomTom is around £50 - that is for life I presume? She is willing to pay that but if there is another app that is almost as good/just as good but cheaper - that may be more appealing. What do you think? Many thanks

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Additional information: iP4 on iOS 5, she drives an open top car so noise could be an issue/interface that is simple to see and use whilst driving.

doodah · 26 Oct 2011 at 08:54

Any one?

Just had a go on Nav Free - initial thoughts - doesn't seem great.

Si. · 26 Oct 2011 at 10:02

I used to run TomTom on my 3GS and it was great, I would recommend it.

Diggsy · 26 Oct 2011 at 11:23

The free one by Skobbler might be worth a look, and you can purchase cheap maps for offline use rather than rely on internet connection...

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gps-navigation-2-satnav-by/id329340711?mt=8

EDIT - was free last week, seems it's £1.49 now. I got it when it was free, but haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet.

uchuff · 26 Oct 2011 at 11:27

iPhone4 with iOS5 here, long term TomTom user, would recommend.

Not sure as to whether that is "for life" but I've had it since release (over two years now) and not had to pay a penny for new maps since.

doodah · 26 Oct 2011 at 11:52

iOS doesn't do trials right?

Feek · 26 Oct 2011 at 11:56

xibinim said:
iOS doesn't do trials right?

It's nothing to do with iOS, it's whether the app creator decides to publish a trial (normally a LITE) version.

TomTom seems to be the leader in iPhone satellite navigation packages, it's developed into a good mature piece of software that as far as I can tell is far ahead of anyone else. I've tried a few.

Eddie182 · 26 Oct 2011 at 12:06

Either Tom Tom or Copilot, I've used both and they are both excellent. I switched from Copilot to Tom Tom for the Traffic and the UI, but it does cost more than Copilot.

doodah · 26 Oct 2011 at 12:07

Thanks Feek. I think is a clear choice now - just wanted some additional input.

BathmanNick · 27 Oct 2011 at 09:34

iv used co pilot for the last year n its been great in the car, cant complain for 20 quid

uv · 27 Oct 2011 at 18:23

BathmanNick said:
iv used co pilot for the last year n its been great in the car, cant complain for 20 quid

I own copilot, and whilst it's a great app, the GPS on my 3GS is dire.

I'd recommend tomtom, but only because you can buy a holder that uses external GPS iirc.

Gavcur · 30 Oct 2011 at 16:41

I have found navigone a fantastic gps app. It is also often on offer. Its like dull price for a month then discointed for a month. I was a long term tomtom gps unit guy but thought the app was expensive compared to others.

The tomtom gps car mount also works with all gps applications on the iphone.

Berserker · 30 Oct 2011 at 23:10

I've been using Copilot since TomTom barely existed on the iPhone. It's been fine, but quirky and not particularly accurate at walking pace (which is ironically what I got it for).

Question now is do I upgrade or switch to the dark side (TomTom). No idea if TomTom would be any better for a pedestrian.

Yes, I use Google maps while in range of a UK cell tower, but that doesn't cover everywhere in the UK, let alone anywhere else.