Noob question about maps

[suPerb0b]

Hey all

I still use an old Nokia and haven't played much on other smart phones, so this is why I'm asking this noobish question.

I'm looking at getting an HTC or Samsung running Android, but I've been wondering how does viewing maps work? As far as I know, it gets downloaded over 3G or gprs, so does this mean you need a data bundle for that to work? I heard that with Blackberries you pay a certain amount and get unlimited internet on the phone, is there something similar for Android phones to use the maps and emails?

I'm always surrounded with wifi at work and home, so internet like that isn't a problem, I'm just wondering for when I'm on the road how things work out.

 

[PapLepel]

Depends on what you use to view maps - If you download and install a GPS app like Co-pilot, the maps will be downloaded onto the phone and you will not need 3g to access them. If you however use a browser-based solution such as Google maps, then it will be retrieved from the internet, therefore using your 3g.

Hope this helps?

 

[HapticSimian]

PapLepel is spot-on. There are various offline nav apps available for Android; any of these would store the maps and other data on your phone (or SD card) so you wouldn't need a live connection. New (and higher range) HTC phones come with HTC Locations pre-installed, which can also be used offline - a lifetime navigation license can be had for about R300 if memory serves. Google Maps is an online application, as is Garmap, so they'd need constant internet access.

Emails on a cellphone will always consume data, for which you can get a small data bundle, unless you're using a Blackberry with Blackberry Internet Service (BIS) which runs at about R60 per month.

 

[suPerb0b]

Thanks guys. If need be, Co-pilot looks like it will do the job and +-R300 for it isn't too bad for it.

 

[PapLepel]

Just make sure you are connected via your wi-fi when you do the download - can be rather hefty!

 

[HapticSimian]

I've... *erm*... procured Sygic recently. They've only just added SA maps; I don't think it even reflects on their homepage yet. It's damn snazzy, but missing one or two simple features, like being able to disallow u-turns, giving alternate routes and text-to-speech directions, but these are all meant to be added soon. Judging by the prices on their website for other regions, the price should also be reasonable.

I'll probably just buy it when it becomes available officially; it's my favourite satnav app on android so far.