<— Click to download app ($0.99)
I travel a lot for work so having a GPS navigation unit in new cities is a must-have. I used to carry around a separate navigation unit like a Garmin or TomTom because I didn’t trust the accuracy or reliability of the iPhone apps. One time last year, I did try a couple and it sent me to the wrong place, the long way. Once was enough. However in the last few months, I’ve used the native Maps app, the free version from MapQuest, ALK CoPilot and MotionX Drive. I used them side-by-side with my TomTom unit just in case.
- The native Maps app doesn’t update your location in real-time and I think it’s as bad as a print-out of directions from a usability standpoint.
- The free MapQuest version was ok but didn’t have features I wanted like landscape view or time-to-destination. But hey, it’s free, so I really shouldn’t complain.
- I hated the ALK CoPilot – not only were the maps not updated (my home address didn’t show up and it’s been here over 12 years) but every time there’s an update, you have to re-download all 1.66GB again – it’s a huge app. It took forever and sometimes wouldn’t because you actually need 2x the 1.66GB because you have to download it first before the update would happen. Waste of $20!
- But for $0.99, the MotionX Drive is so impressive. This app used to cost $25 but now, after the $0.99, you pay either $3 for voice-turn-by-turn directions or $20 per year. The app graphics and information display is so good, that you don’t need the voice in my opinion. It has every feature that $100-$250 standalone GPS navigation units have and it’s very easy to use.
MotionX GPS Drive….hands down.