I don't understand?? Post pros/cons here:

[Guest jonathanbaker1]

For the help of myself and others, I'd like to see some of the Pros versus Cons of using Garmin XT and Google Maps. I have NOT used Garmin XT so I can't comment on it's use. But I have noticed that it costs $99 bucks and then gives you guys problems. I'm using Google Maps which is totally free and never had a problem so far. Keep in mind I have an Unlimited Data package, so I don't have an issue with constantly loading map data.

To start it off, Here's some pros and cons of Google maps:

Pros: FREE, provides some traffic info, works worldwide (untested, but I was looking at street maps of Moscow, Tokyo, and Madrid), realtime directions, Street AND Satellite View maps!! If you have addresses saved for your contacts then you can get directions to them from your location (untested), can use cell-towers to triangulate your approximate position when/if gps is unavailable

Cons: lots and lots of data usage, traffic info is questionable, no points of interest (hotels, parks, ect), kills batteries quickly (probly true with any gps prog), small lag time while new maps are downloaded (at 3G speeds, lag is .5 seconds to 1.5 seconds)(never bothered me.. will not affect use while driving, since it loads the next maps),

Okay I'd really love to hear from some more experienced users :D

[Guest thelostsoul]

Comparing Gmaps to Garmin is like comparing apples and oranges.

Google Maps is a mapping service. It provides you with maps, with the added bonus of a "you are here" dot.

Garmin is a navigation program. It stores all maps on the device, and is turn by turn.

If you want/need turn by turn NAVIGATION, then get garmin. If you only need maps and basic directions, then go for the free google maps...just remember you'll also need a data plan.

Google Maps is not the "free alternative" because it serves a different purpose.

Also, I've had equal problems with Google Maps as I've had with Garmin, if not more with Gmaps because it times out when it searches for a GPS chip.

[Guest jonathanbaker1]

apples and oranges

Ah I see.. Thanks for clarifying. I was able to get Google Maps to give me directions, but the process is not simple and far from real Navigation. And definately NOT turn by turn.

[Guest Monolithix]

How about throwing Windows Live Search/Services into the mix?

That does turn by turn text navigation, all the traffic stuff etc (I assume, according to MS/Google we don't have traffic here in the UK!). I actually haven't installed Tomtom yet as WLS has been enough for the little amount of sat nav i need! The only negative i'd say is the map won't rotate to the direction of travel and it isn't 3D. Hardly deal breakers :D

[Guest Confucious]

A full GPS such as garmin (which people in the US seem to like because it's cheap - my fav GPS is CP7 but you have to get the maps for the whole of the US which makes it expensive) is a completely different thing from Google / live - as thelostsoul said, it's apples and oranges.

[Guest thelostsoul]

Yep, you can compare Google Maps to Windows Live search (I prefer WLS because it has more "local" things - like finding a store, movie times, etc) or you can compare Garmin to Copilot or TomTom or whatever (I like Garmin because it was a gift to me for free :D ..haven't tried anything else) but any other combination just wouldn't make sense.

There is a free turn by turn navigation program called "amazegps" that the developers have been working on for Windows Mobile, but the current beta (or alpha) version doesn't work on the Blackjack II yet.

If you don't wanna pay for anything though, keep an eye on it at amazegps.com - it looks pretty good, but they've been working on it for so long and seem to not have made it very far...

[Guest atl]

The thing is that Gmaps technically will give you turn by turn directions, but it wont say "turn left now". Gmaps rocks, and its friggin F R E E. Even if I had a billion dollars, I would still use Gmaps.

[Guest jonathanbaker1]

I understand now thats its apples and oranges.. I paid $75 for my BJII from AT&T, brand new. I don't see myself buying a $99 accessory for it when the free accessory works ok for my needs. I'm a full time student and travel alot also, and the Google Maps does everything I want it too and more. But that's just me. I wouldn't buy a car for $15,000 and then buy $17,000 rims for it LOL.

Just my opinion and my logic.. but you know what they say about opinions.. lol

[Guest danzer]

Yea i tried the amazegps and chose Windows Mobile 6... seems like that ones for the PPC, didnt really work either

Yep, you can compare Google Maps to Windows Live search (I prefer WLS because it has more "local" things - like finding a store, movie times, etc) or you can compare Garmin to Copilot or TomTom or whatever (I like Garmin because it was a gift to me for free :D ..haven't tried anything else) but any other combination just wouldn't make sense.

There is a free turn by turn navigation program called "amazegps" that the developers have been working on for Windows Mobile, but the current beta (or alpha) version doesn't work on the Blackjack II yet.

If you don't wanna pay for anything though, keep an eye on it at amazegps.com - it looks pretty good, but they've been working on it for so long and seem to not have made it very far...

[Guest who4096]

Like others have said you can't really compare Garmin Mobile XT to google maps or WLS. That being said, I have tried all 3 and have to say that I prefer Garmin. Unlike gmaps and WLS I did not have any Problems getting Garmin to work. And, there was no need to use any of the gps hacks.