Arrested Development - Ex-Pats Mexico

I want to get a GPS navigation device. I used a friends Garmin when I was down last time and it worked great. I also need a new cell phone and was thinking of getting a IPhone because they have a GPS navigation system built in. Does anyone have one of these down there and if so does the GPS work well?

Cheers,

Bob

Bob:

While I will admit to ZERO experience with the IPHONE, we did just complete a 3600 miles trip through MX using an GARMIN 785T with the MX Card. I plan to post a full report of our observations and opinions this weekend. Off the top of my head, the screen size would be a real limitation and a real shortcoming that we observed was turn by turn directions. Looking at a full sized screen was a real enhancement!

I have a somewhat unique perspective in that I am a contract courier and use the unit virtually everyday in the "excited states". I was able to observe some real differences in the mapping in MX versus the "excited states"!

More to follow this weekend!

I've had an iPhone with Telcel since they came out and I use the GPS occasionally, mainly if I get lost and need to figure out where I am. It's basically google maps as near as I can tell, and there is great detail here in the Yucatan, street by street in Merida. I've never found routing to work in Mexico so I've stopped trying it. Perhaps, it is better now but I don't think so.

I love my iPhone and the GPS is just one small reason. It's a great phone.

If you are willing to pay $80 at the ITunes app store, you will find on more reason to love your phone. The Sygic Mobile Maps America offers turn by turn instructions as well as routing. It is one of many GPS apps available for the IPhone but the only one of which I am aware that includes all of the US, Canada and Mexico. A recent update allows you to control the Ipod portion of the phone so you can listen to music while still using the GPS. Works best when sound is routed through car stereo.

I'm waiting to see the iTablet - details are sketchy, but it is supposed to be Apple's hot new product - a cross between an iPhone, a netbook, and a Kindle reader (for reading ebooks). Jonna has GOT to get one of those - she can't help it! Others buy shoes.

Oh yeah! I'm saving money for it already

I'm actually bugged right now because I broke the tiny bit on the top of my iPhone that turns it on and off. It's what saves the battery and keeps you from pocket dialing everyone. I dropped the phone and it snapped off the minute bit that sticks up so it is easy to use. Now, to turn it off I have to use my almost non existent fingernails and try and get them down in there with enough force to turn it off. I'm getting better at it but it bugs me. I don't think I have insurance on the phone, I will check but I don't remember it. So, the question is do I pass this iPhone on to Mimi (who has longer fingernails) and get myself the new iPhone 3G-S or do I keep messing with it.

The only shoes I own are a couple pair of Crocs and a half dozen chanclas, I replace the chanclas when the sole gets thin and I never wear the Crocs. I used to own a pair of tenis but they rotted out and since I never wore them I didn't replace them. At least the Crocs don't rot, I may need them to keep my feet warm this winter. I love living in the tropics.

I have been beside the new iPhone 3G-S twice inside a BC Ferry.

And I would say it was a couple of very impressive demos.

But it is not a secure business tool to compete with "Blackberry Bold".

Luckily though, I am retired and not in need of a secure business tool. I used to have a Blackberry when I was working and I liked it a lot, it was easy to text with and it just worked well. Not as much fun though, at least the one I had back then plus it had the usual IT dept security on it which also made it less fun. Texting is easier on the iPhone since 3.0, it allows you to turn the keyboard horizontal thus making it bigger and it finally has cut and paste.

Sort of GPS and iPhone related - there is an app, I believe they said it cost $1 dollar, when you park your car you push a button, then when you try to find your car, it points in the right direction. Then, of course, those of you living full time in Mexico full time would probably consider this device to be completely useless!

Not really, I lose my car in the mall parking lots all the time down here. In fact, yesterday I parked in the underground lot at one of the big malls and forgot where I came up in the mall and it took me forever to find the right escalator down to where my car was. Did you think we don't have malls down here?