Free Google Maps.vs GPS....R U kidding me?

[Marty]

Ok, I may have picked up the link on this Forum. I tried a search but can't find it.

I downloaded Googlemaps.com (it's free) for smartphones, and I am totally blown away.

Anyway, I travel a lot as a sales donkey. Was considering a GPS for the phone or a Garmen/TomTom type Device.

Well I'm saving enough off of GoogleMaps to cover the monthly $$ for the data plan, in addition I can link my laptop to the internet, if I get in a jam.

It its simple to use, (I'm a technodummy) can locate you withing 1500 feet, (through your phone), pops up with address, phone, map, and if it's a restaurant, link you to reviews, and it's free.

It's highly intuitive, if you don't have full info on your location,
I have a data plan with ATT so I'm even saving money as I now don't use the directory assistance 411.

The more I use it the more it amazes me...I mean, it's free.
I can look up my appointment in Outlook, highlight the address,and under menu it has a "Locate in Google Maps".

Or if I don't know all the info, just type in the name (as much as I know), city and state, hit the search, and BOOM, phone, address and map, or a choice of possibilities to choose from.
No monthly charge, no extra thingy to carry around.

And,And,And.....unlike Mapquest (so last year) it hasn't given me wrong directions yet.

One of my vendors was talking about his new blackberry, garmen (for the rental car), and Ipod, and how his briefcase was getting overloaded...... ,,, Get a Treo buddy, I have it all here all the time.

Even if you don't travel, just having access to a simple online phone directory is killer.

Downside: It doesn't remind you your exit is coming up

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee,,, did I mention it was FREEEEEEEEE?

Now it's time to master the music side of this thing.

[Marty]

Sorry, this may need to be moved, I found the other thread

[TazUk]

One of the downsides is it only works where you have cellular coverage unlike a proper GPS which works pretty much everywhere, but as you say it's free and you can't argue with that

[Marty]

Originally Posted by TazUk

One of the downsides is it only works where you have cellular coverage unlike a proper GPS which works pretty much everywhere, but as you say it's free and you can't argue with that

Well, actually I didn't think of that, as I live in a metro, and most of my travels are to metros. I will have to remember to google it before I leave when traveling through a remote area. I noticed, when I pull it up to search, it always defaults to the last search map I used, so I should still have it on the phone, just have to make sure the view is correct.

Thanks, definitely not an option for a back packer or a off road cyclist.