google maps on your cell phone

[ChevRock]

Being new to 5th wheeling we had several issues to resolve one of which being navigation since the truck we got did not come equiped with it. We resolved two issues with one solution, a GPS enabeled phone/pocket pc (AT&T Tilt). The cost of the phone is equivelant to an average aftermarket navigation tool.
The phone comes with a navigation program, TelNav which runs about $10 per month. We were not very impressed when we ran the trial offer. We downloaded google maps for free. We have found the address locating, directions, and search functions to be far better that any of the several factory installed navigation systems we have ever had. A data plan is required, and may be more than some want to spend.

In addition to navigation we have a phone that is a very nicely featured pocket pc with standard micrsoft office functions. To us, the deal maker is the internet connectability. We can connect anywhere we have a cell signal and in a campground without wi-fi being able to use the phone as modem to connect the laptop to the internet is a lifesaver, being that we are working on the road. When we are conncted on the 3G network we get broadband speeds. We have also used the laptop while driving down the intersate!(No, I wasn't behind the wheel) You can't do that whith a satellite unless you spend the cost of a new Monty.

We did also spend some extra dollars on a Wilson signal amp. If you have or get one of these you may not want to tell fellow campers about it in a place with sketchy phone service unless you enjoy folks stopping by to be able to use there phone to make a call and visit a while.