My phone as GPS didn't pan out

[el duque_imp]

el duque, reflection shouldn't be a problem. If you're using the GPS for exploring, you'd be stopping to check it out, would't you?

ah....no. I look at it while i'm riding! I don't fiddle with the buttons anymore though...

I would have to stop, take it off my sunglasses, shade it and even then its hard to see. Yes - the brightness button is 100%.

I guess I will just get something like a cheap nuvi and see how that works.

[kvdv_imp]

el duque, reflection shouldn't be a problem. If you're using the GPS for exploring, you'd be stopping to check it out, would't you?

ah....no. I look at it while i'm riding! I don't fiddle with the buttons anymore though...

I would have to stop, take it off my sunglasses, shade it and even then its hard to see. Yes - the brightness button is 100%.

I guess I will just get something like a cheap nuvi and see how that works.

Oh my...well, that might not go so well for you one of these days, you know...please be careful out there!

[4 Paws_imp]

I have a Garmin GPS on every bike I own, buy them from Amazon for cheap. Phones don’t work for me, too many areas with no cell coverage for miles. I just like to see what roads are coming up and which direction they go.
My Sena flooded and died and I never replaced it. If I’m actually following gps directions I just glance at the screen prompts.
A zip lock baggie serves as a waterproof cover or I just put it in my pocket.

[Cormanus]

There's no need to rely on Google maps or Apple maps or other apps that require cell phone coverage to give turn by turn directions. Tom Tom and Sygic—to name but two—offer GPS apps that store their maps on the phone and work regardless of cell coverage.

[Roper_imp]

You can also download Google maps to your phone to use off-line. You still get driving directions, but not traffic info or alternate routes.

[el duque_imp]

Quote:I just like to see what roads are coming up and which direction they go.
that's all I want it for.

the phone works as a gps without service because there is a gps chip in it. you can buy a phone (no service) turn it on and it will work as a gps.

There are lots of other mapping apps you can download to the phone that work. I like OsmAnd. A lot of adventure rider dudes like the phone and apps... not tied to garmin for updates and or issues.

Quote:Oh my...well, that might not go so well for you one of these days, you know...please be careful out there!
thanks for your concern Kman. I am careful. I don't stare at it, I glance at it like you would your speedo, tach, or map on the tank bag.
Plenty of other things that can go wrong that's for sure.

[husky385_imp]

I use a dedicated app called CoPilot. It takes some space on your phone but you don’t need cell service. The cost is around $15.00. Sold in the app stores for iPhone or Android.
Kevin

[kennyw]

What phone do you have? I have been using my Samsung galaxy and note phones as GPS for years and only have trouble on a few occasions.

[el duque_imp]

Phone is an LG. the phone/gps works I just can't see it while riding - not a bright enough screen.
I had a Samsung for awhile...it had issues so I changed brands.

I had no problem seeing my old garmin gps even in bright sunlight.

[kennyw]

I tried a car version Garmin before going to my phone and could not see the screen in bright sunlight.