using iphone and gps while out on the trails?
rapid_uphill
Posts: 841
Im thinking of buying an iphone instead of a gps system. does anybody use the iphone gps while out in the middle of nowhere? does it still work or do you need to be within a certain range of a mast? and how accurate is it?
is the battery life drained when in this mode?
is the battery life drained when in this mode?
0
Posts
Battery life is about 3 1/2 hours on the 3GS continuous use. Well, that was before iOS 4. Not had a chance to test it out since.
The iPhone 4 is meant to have 50% better battery life but the new OS4 operating system gives much better GPS use for the 3GS as it can still work when the screen is dormant. I also have an external battery and a dock extender lead so I can get a full 8-9hrs GPS when on a full day's ride out.
Accuracy is initially from triangulating the phone masts, until GPS gets a fix. GPS is far more accurate than the phone mast triangulation.
I had thought of getting a Garmin but there really is no point if you have an iPhone. There are lots of GPS mapping apps now. Some really good ones for skiing and boarding too.
Boardman FS Pro
if its just to see where you are...the gps should work anywhere with a clear view of the sky...however...downloading the appropriate segment of google maps to pinpoint your position however...requires cell signal.
I am sure there will be GPS apps that include the maps so no connection is required though...but these are usually coslty...the TomTom one is £40 for UK, £50 for Europe.
OS Landranger Series?
H.G. Wells.
As has been said, without a cell signal, you'll have no google map on which to plot your position.
TrainerRoad
Strava
For route logging I use a Garmin Etrex Legend, which can be bar mounted, is waterproof and can take the odd knock. The maps are pants but it'll last all day on a set of AAs.
As for accuracy, I've checked IPhone against Garmin and Military GPS. All equal in positional accuracy, Garmin fastest to get an accurate fix.
Jeff
Giant Trance 06
I'm really not sure where this comes from. Although I am glad I don't experience it. I regularly ride 4 hours plus tracking my ride on the endomondo application and still have 30-40% battery at the end of the ride (3GS also). Strange.
It comes from using Runkeeper on a 3GS. After a 2-3 hour run the battery is pretty low. Haven't tried it recently since switching to iOS4, possibly it's improved. Different apps may use battery differently I suppose, depending on how often they update the GPS position.
Jeff
Giant Trance 06
Boardman FS Pro
forget it , won't be a patch on a dedicated gps.
mate tried google maps on his phone while lost out on a ride together.
after several minutes waiting to lock signal , it showed us as a red dot on a green background with a motorway as the only terrain feature :shock:
fat load a good it did us.
thus purchased garmin dakota gps this week , sweet 8)
you talking about the iphone or the dakota i just mentioned ?
well the garmin is shockproof and waterproof while the iphone can access youtube and facebook and ebay
i know which one i'd take to navigate a bike ride
but this will be reduced if you have screen brightness on full all the time and the digital compass switched on all the time.
should still be good for a 12 hr ride using it regulary.
most important issue is what batteries you use.
best results are either use hi-power lithium which last the longest but arent rechargable thus expensive
or rechargable MINH batteries ( at least 2000 mA/hr ) which last almost as long but can be re-used ( the option i've gone for )
got a duracell mini charger with 2 AA rechargable batteries for £10 from asda.
A lot of you are opting for the Garmin Dakota but has anyone compared it to the Memory-Map 2800? They're doing a bundle for £295 which includes seamless OS Landranger 1:50 000 for the whole of GB. Which sounds like exceptionally good value. What would I be missing over the Garmin if I chose that?
It would be a back up to my preferred OS Explorer and compass navigation which is very good but not entirely reliable ... 8)
Whyte 19 steel '10
So, I wanted to switch to Iphone 4G but I changed my mind. For difference in cash (I would get around 400 EUR for my old one) and I would have to pay another 200, 300 EUR to get 4G I decided to buy myself a decent GPS. I bought Garmin Dakota 20 (optional was EDGE705) and I'm really satisfied. It has everything I need and more and I can use it on hiking, biking, on a boat and if necesarry in car. I paid 250 EUR (no map software), it's water-proof, it survived heavy crash and it's still alive.
EDIT: Can't find full OS GB mapping on eBay. Can anyone point me to it?
Whyte 19 steel '10
yep , carrying spare ready charged batteries means you can stay out navigating the wilderness for days
interchangable micro sd card maps means you have the exact info for whatever location you're in , though can be a bit pricey.
and yep , got mine from handtec for £189 ( £100 off retail price )
but i got the whole of the usa road map card for £40 for my forthcoming trip
Thank you.
Whyte 19 steel '10
ungrateful rabble
mutter , mutter , grumble grumble.
Sorry biff, I did appreciate it :oops:
Whyte 19 steel '10
Tough Case
Boardman FS Pro
It is great for position checking though. I use an OS Explorer map and an app called GPS2OS to get an accurate location.
http://www.codeartisans.co.uk/