Looking for a GPS phone

[Glenn]

I'm after a GPS capable mobile phone ideally at less than £15/month, I don't use many texts, less than 20/month and 100 minutes would be fine too. Has anyone used, or have a Nokia 5800? Virgin have them on a special offer at the moment, £10/month http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/617836/free-nokia-5800-from-10pm-on-virgin

[Glenn]

I'm currently with 3, but apart from working for the company that manages their network, I will go with the best phone/deal/provider combo.

[Rik]

Not me, sorry.

[Glenn]

I know an admin, that has had more phones, than hot dinners 

[Rik]

Indeed, we'll wait for him.

[Ray]

Who would that be then? 

[Steve]

Is this for the bike Glenn?

[Glenn]

My 3 contract is either up now or next month, so it is time I had a new phone. The GPS will be used to plot the route, in case we make a detour  Using http://velocomputer.com/ it can also double as a cycle computer too.

[Steve]

My worry would be keeping the phone dry,that's why I've always preferred something like the outdoor Garmins which  not only are they completely waterproof they are virtually indestructible. When we go on our walking trips I load the routes on to the GPS from the PC using Memory Map and if your careful with the waypoint plotting you don't have to refer to the maps. The Velocomputer is obviously tailored specifically for cycle use giving data for the route you've already done, you won't get cadence etc form a basic Garmin but you will get waypoint mapping,distance travelled,distance to travel,ETA and altitude etc.

[Glenn]

I have been looking at the Edge 605/705 but at £230 - £350 they are expensive. I have also looked at modding a 'cheap' windows based car GPS, to extend it's battery life, but we need around 5 hours. I could go low tech, and buy a map 

[Simon]

The BlackBerry Storm has GPS (BlackBerry Maps), and is newly available on T-Mobile, so there may be some deals to be had.  Also available on Vodafone, or you can get them unlocked on eBay, then have a SIM only deal with whoever you like. 

You would also have the benefit of the email facilities with the BB.

[Rik]

That way, you could keep us posted, Glenn.

[Simon]

I have to say, I'm not sure I'd rely 100% on a GPS phone for a lengthy journey, as the battery wouldn't last more than a few hours with the screen on all the time.

[Glenn]

I can't spell now, and I have seen what happens when Simon posts from his phones.  

[Rik]

[Simon]

Well, you did ask! 

[Glenn]

I have to say, I'm not sure I'd rely 100% on a GPS phone for a lengthy journey, as the battery wouldn't last more than a few hours with the screen on all the time.

No need for the display to be on constantly, Simon, just if we make an unscheduled route change,we don't get lost, just explore new avenues

[Glenn]

[Rik]

It tickled me.

[Simon]

In which case, it would be fine.  I use mine almost constantly during the day, and the battery lasts OK. With any Smartphone, though, even the iPhone, you're looking at daily charging.

[Glenn]

I have been casting an eye over the HTC Desire, it's available on 1/4/10

[Simon]

I have an HTC HD2, and it's a great phone, albeit very large in the hand.  I have a feeling the Desire is the Android version of the HD2.

[Steve]

I think a Garmin Geko 201 or an Etrex will do the job plus I am sure the C2C cycle waypoints will be available in CSV format somewhere.

[Glenn]

I have a gpx file of the route Steve

[Simon]

Whxt I'm not keen on is that it effectively runs on two operating systems.  Windows Mobile is overlaid with HTC Sense, which does most things, but you still need to enter the murky world of WM for some advanced functions and settings.

[Simon]

You two type too quickly!

[Glenn]

I have an HTC HD2, and it's a great phone, albeit very large in the hand.  I have a feeling the Desire is the Android version of the HD2.

The Desire is the HTC version of the Nexus from what I have read.

[Glenn]

If the HD2 runs WM, then I could install Memory Map on to it.

[D-Dan]

I'm with 3 and my contract was up for renewal last month. I got them to send me a Samsung Jet (GT-S8000) which has built in GPS, though you need to install the software. I got Route 66 and overall I'm very pleased with it. Significantly faster than the GPS on my old Nokia N95 8GB (running Garmin) and the OLED screen is just gorgeous. You may be able to convince them to give you one at the £15 mark, especially if you ask them for a Nokia N97 first

Steve

[Glenn]

I've just signed up for an HTC Desire with T-Mobile, I need to wait until the end of the month for it to be released now.

[Rik]

And then test it thoroughly.

[Glenn]

 , I'm sure all the guys at work will try breaking it, with intensive testing

[Rik]

 

Me too, me too...