Cell phone for the motorcycle

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I need a new cell phone, mine's toast. And I wouldn't mind changing service since AT&T sucks.

Also need a GPS for the motorcycle. I've tried taping mapquest directions to the tank, too dangerous. Garmin and TomTom units are pricey!

Combine the two:

Verizon has the LG Dare iPhone style phone with VZ Navigator, turning it into a TomTom/Garmin for $10/month.

or should I go with a used iPhone? is there navigation software for it?

Thoughts on Verizon vs. AT&T service?

[peppy]

Verizon/Alltel really has the coverage in va and nc especially in the rural areas.

[HHI944]

There is no navigation software available through the app store that will turn an iphone into a functional GPS device.......some BS clause in SDK.

[jyl]

there is not yet turn by turn gps nav software for the iPhone. The phone can do it but apple prohibits it.

You might wait a couple months for the palm pre. Palm will not be screening pre apps like apple does. .

[jyl]

Verizon service gets top marks in consumer reports' reader surveys. I have found AT&T fine, though.

[porsche4life]

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/02/19/turn-by-turn-iphone-gps-app-already-available-in-itunes/
Have not tried it but there is turn by turn for iPhone.

[Rick Lee]

Sounds hokey, but this works for me. I got a real thin Garmin 250 or 205, I forget. I put it in the map cover in my tank bag and it's loud enough that I can hear it at near hwy. speeds. That's without an earpiece. I really only use it for city riding or as emergency backup when I'm out in the bush.

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by jyl

there is not yet turn by turn gps nav software for the iPhone. The phone can do it but apple prohibits it.

You might wait a couple months for the palm pre. Palm will not be screening pre apps like apple does. .

Not if Apple gets their way. They're sueing Palm for multi touch patent infringement.

[slakjaw]

Why would you want att or verizon?

[nostatic]

how is a paper map on a tank bag more dangerous than a GPS?

I don't like GPS except in emergencies. If I need directions I'll pull over and look at the map on my iPhone. Otherwise I just ride and figure it out.

[jyl]

No suit has been filed. Apple is considering it but has not acted.

Apple's patents do not appear that strong. I have read them. Their "best" patent basically lists many of the gestures used in the iPhone's UI. Some of these are probably not original enough to patent. All gestures listed are described as being done on a touchscreen, not on a touchpad. This is possibly why the Pre includes a touchpad under the actual screen. If need be, Palm can modify an infringing gesture to include the touchpad. For example, instead of pinch to zoom, you could put one finger on the spot of the screen to zoom to and slide the other on the touchpad.

Apple's other relevant patents concern hardware involved in touchscreens, which is not likely to be a big obstacle.

Anyway, these sort of patent disputes are not resolved quickly. Palm will be on Pre version 2 before anything is decided.

Quote de jyl

there is not yet turn by turn gps nav software for the iPhone. The phone can do it but apple prohibits it.



You might wait a couple months for the palm pre. Palm will not be screening pre apps like apple does. .

Not if Apple gets their way. They're sueing Palm for multi touch patent infringement.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by nostatic

how is a paper map on a tank bag more dangerous than a GPS?

I don't like GPS except in emergencies. If I need directions I'll pull over and look at the map on my iPhone. Otherwise I just ride and figure it out.

with the iPhone/Dare mounted next to gauges:

1. you have to look farther down from the road

2. you have to first find the right line on the directions before you can read them

3. with the Dare (hoping iPhone also) I would have audio. Was thinking of taking apart a typical bluetooth headset and adding earphone leads to it and mounting the transceiver on the helmet.