iPhone - Got an APP for that?

snowdance

snowdance

Member
So I got myself an iPhone 3GS and I'm amazed at how much I can do with it. So, I started thinking of how I can it on my snowmobiling adventures. Anybody have any input of what apps you might use to aid on snowmobile trips? How the phone handles in cold weather, etc...?

I was considering getting the Tom-Tom software for $39.99, but then found MotionX GPS - Drive and its only 99 cents and seems to get better reviews than the TomTom software. I did notice that the voice guided feature is free for 30 days and then it either $2.99/month or $24.99/year after. Not sure how necessary the voice guiding is.

I also found an App call Topo Maps for $7.99. Once purchased you can download any map for free. I'm wondering if anybody knows how detailed these are? Do they show forest roads and the stuff like a Gazetteer does?

Any input is appreciated ;~}
 
F

fusionfool

New member
I do not have an Iphone, but do have a Droid. As far as the cold temps they are not real good about handling them. Keep the phone in an inside pocket like shirt pocket next to the body it will be fine. Most apps are created for either phone.
A few Apps we use for snowmobile trips:
Where <-- provides best fuel prices in the area and will GPS right to them. Find good eating, based on location, and preference, and lots more.
Food Finder <-- Another app much like Where, better for type of food / restaurant break down.
Pandora <-- Music while riding. Set up your preference need good signal so not good in all locations because phone is in your pocket. Does work in most area's just not real good in the UP Keweenaw.
Bank& ATM <--Find ATM or specific bank based on location.
Google Earth <-- Obvious for Satellite view
Weather.com <-- Obvious
Internet <-- John Dee of coarse.
I am sure there are more, but these are the main ones I use.
 
L

landoman

New member
Mapping may not work if you do not have cell service. My iphone reception is very sporadic in northern wisconsin and the UP.
 
N

nickels

New member
Phone battery is bad when sledding. Can barely make it through the day.I keep mine in my pants pocket as well.
 
F

formanek

New member
snowdance said:
Anybody out there?
Click to expand...

I have had my iPhone for nearly a year. I will NEVER go back!!!!!! I had great reception throughout the U.P. this winter. more so than any other phone I have had.

We got turned around out on some hunting roads and I opened up the Motion X GPS app. Does NOT need cellular service. Just GPS sighting. The damn thing knew the names of the hunting roads we were on. I couldn't believe it. Led us right back to the trail as i stopped every once in a while to recheck the route.
 
snowdance

snowdance

Member
formanek said:
We got turned around out on some hunting roads and I opened up the Motion X GPS app. Does NOT need cellular service. Just GPS sighting. The damn thing knew the names of the hunting roads we were on. I couldn't believe it. Led us right back to the trail as i stopped every once in a while to recheck the route.
Click to expand...


Cool, thats what I like to hear! Of the 3 MotionX GPS apps, which were you using? The lite, the 99 cent drive, or the $2.99 app? Thanks for the info.
 
Last edited:
M

muskyman

New member
Iphones

I work for AT&T and I sell Iphones. I have been with the company for 11 years now. The Iphone in my opinion is by far the most versatile device we offer. I have used the droids, I have used other service provider " killer Iphones devices " .............. and none have come close to what apple has to offer. If you look at all the other devices out there, they are all trying to mimic what the Iphone has to offer. Just try one out and you will see. When I was in Hurley riding this past spring ; I was one of two people who had service on their phone. The other guy had an Iphone too. I work for a corp store so if anyone wants to take a look, hit me up.
 

Attachments

  • IMGP0337.JPG
    IMGP0337.JPG
    80.1 KB · Views: 32
M

mulchatna

New member
My iphone worked great in Crane Lake this past season as well. Just picked up the 3g ipad to use in the Minnesota north woods.
 
C

cmharcou

Member
I just got a new palm pre plus from AT&T and I think its better than the iphone. i have had both. THe palm pre allows you to have multiple apps open at the same time. Check it out.
 
5

5_spot

Member
If you want to conserve battery life on your iPhone while in the northwoods, here's a couple things you can do:

1. Turn off 3g. there's no 3g up there and it will use alot of battery searching for a 3g signal.
Go to settings>general>network>enable 3g and turn to off. (remember to turn on later)

2. When about to go riding, when you obviously won't be using it for a while, turn ON airplane mode. This basically turns the phone off, leaving wifi, apps, etc usable. It's almost like turning the phone off without powering down. When you get to a stop, just turn OFF airplane mode and it takes a fraction of the time to grab a signal vs. powering up. It can be found in: settings>airplane mode (1st option)

I do these and I still have 75% battery after a 200 mile day vs. 25% or less when it's searching for signals all day wearing down the battery.
 
M

mulchatna

New member
The multiple app issue on the iphone/ipad will be solved in the next firmware release later this summer. Up in northern MN, ATT is on the edge network which seems to use about the same battery power as 3g. Slower downloads but tolerable. I have an ATT tower near by so I get full a full signal.
 
5

5_spot

Member
Yep, Multi tasking coming in OS 4.0. ( I've configured mine to have multi tasking for the past 2 years). Yes, battery power will be similar, but unless you turn off 3g in a non 3g area, it will always search for 3g. iPhone signal hierarchy is:
1. Wi-Fi
2. 3g
3. Edge
Unless you turn off 1 & 2, it will always search for them, consuming battery power. You will notice this if you don't turn off "ask to join networks", as you drive around, a popup will keep asking you if you want to join the networks it finds. I usually only turn on wi-fi if I'm going to use it, to conserve battery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top