Who is happy with their gps?

[Cormanus]

To use your phone for any sustained period, you have to be able to plug it in to a power source. I'm also beginning to wonder whether having it clamped to handlebars in the sun all day is bad for the longevity of the battery.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Anything "GPS" eats energy. My olde dedicated GPSs got pretty hot too.

I reckon top shelf batteries are engineered to tolerate the load, but they cost significantly more than run-of-the-mill Chinese sourced batteries. In any case, that is what I am experiencing - at both ends of good and poor.

[bajonett_imp]

Long time Sygic user here, I paid the the app once some years ago and I get lifetime support with no further fees. I have ridden across Europe twice with it (once offline only, once with a 1gb data simcard which is more than enough, cost me like £5) and it really works for me.

I purchased a Samsung Galaxy Xcover4 rugged phone (cost like £70) for that use only and as it has a replacable battery I did get another 3 set of those, so I didnt need to worry on the road about getting out of juice..

I was looking at the Tomtom rider before, but just couldnt justify the pricetag.

Happy with the Sygic, takes me where I want to go and imo the navigation layout is way better than anything else Ive used before (and I used more then a few)

[Stichill]

I’ve said for years it would be cool if Google would make dedicated GPS hardware.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I’ve said for years it would be cool if Google would make dedicated GPS hardware.

Microsoft once optionally packaged a USB-based GPS module with their "Streets & Trips" software. Pre-Google Maps era - worked well, but required a PC. I wonder if MS broke even on that module product?

[ysrebob_imp]

Ran a Garmin 276C for many years, and a couple years ago upgraded to its successor the 276Cx without regrets. Very pricey ($600ish) and doesn't navigate all that well. But the Garmin is reliable, built to last, big clear screen, and great if you like to look at a MAP (vs a simulated 3D view of the road ahead). Has BUTTONS (not a touchscreen), thus easy to use with gloves on. Can be hard-wired into the bike's electrical system. Never overheats. Always works. Sort of the modern-day version of a paper map taped to your gas tank.

I tried using smartphones and although far cheaper they just didn't work as well in my hands... too fiddly and touchscreen+ gloves wasn't a good combo.

[riggies_imp]

Do any of these GPS/smartphone map options allow you to develop your own route to a destination and then save it for navigation to said destination? I want to be able to “drag and drop” each road I take, not just choose from a few pre selected routes calculated for me. Any advice there? Thanks.

[kingofthehill_imp]

Do any of these GPS/smartphone map options allow you to develop your own route to a destination and then save it for navigation to said destination? I want to be able to “drag and drop” each road I take, not just choose from a few pre selected routes calculated for me. Any advice there? Thanks.

I have the TomTom Rider and I can use the PC or phone app to plot a route (dragging pins to customise) and then sync it to the Rider

[emptysea]

I use Scenic on my iPhone. https://www.motomappers.com/ I can create routes in the app or on Google on my PC. I can import the latter to my app via a web app they provide. I can download maps for offline use and there is a small charge for extra maps. The app also tracks my route whether I have set one up or am just wandering around. I use a Ram X mount to hold my phone and the only time it failed was due to user error. On hot sunny days, the iPhone screen is not the easiest to read, especially when it's in the waterproof case I have, but I haven't missed a turn due to the screen being dim--I have missed them due to the user being dim. It has the availability of audio turn-by-turn, but I don't have that hooked up yet.

There is a slight earning curve to using the app to its fullest, but not too bad. I've been using it regularly for at least 2 years and have been very pleased with it.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I use Scenic on my iPhone. https://www.motomappers.com/ I can create routes in the app or on Google on my PC. I can import the latter to my app via a web app they provide. I can download maps for offline use and there is a small charge for extra maps. The app also tracks my route whether I have set one up or am just wandering around. I use a Ram X mount to hold my phone and the only time it failed was due to user error. On hot sunny days, the iPhone screen is not the easiest to read, especially when it's in the waterproof case I have, but I haven't missed a turn due to the screen being dim--I have missed them due to the user being dim. It has the availability of audio turn-by-turn, but I don't have that hooked up yet.

There is a slight earning curve to using the app to its fullest, but not too bad. I've been using it regularly for at least 2 years and have been very pleased with it.

lol - "user being dim" - understood. I once fell asleep ... never happened since then.