GPS alternative

[DavidR8]

I've been looking for a GPS solution for a few years now. I had an iPhone running the TomTom Go app . I really liked the mobile app and the planning app but it was not an all-weather solution and it wasn't glove-friendly.
Just couldn't bring myself to drop $600 on an XT.
I ran across a rugged smartphone called a Umidigi Bison X10. It has a 6.5" screen, is fully waterproof and shockproof for $120CDN.
Received it today and I'm very impressed.

 

[natsmada]

Very interesting.

https://www.umidigi.com/page-umidigi_bisonx10_overview.html

Umidigi Bison X10 & X10 Pro Review – New Budget Rugged Smartphone

Umidigi Bison X10 and X10 Pro Review For New Budget Rugged Smartphone with 6.53 inch Screen, 6150mAh Battery, Android 11, and Helio P60 CPU.

techxreviews.com

 

[JamesInCA]

Which navigation app do you prefer with it? How is the brightness in full sun?

 

[DavidR8]

Which navigation app do you prefer with it? How is the brightness in full sun?

The app that I've used the most and prefer is TomTom Go. It has all the same functionality as a dedicated GPS with the exception of taking calls and playing music.
I have tried Sygic, Google maps and another whose name I've forgotten.
Brightness seems to be just fine in full sun.

 

[61996]

4g...yesterday's technology.

Joe

 

[DavidR8]

4g...yesterday's technology.

Joe

In fairness I don't intend to put a SIM card in it. But thanks for your comment.

 

[r0ckrat]

Might be worth looking at the MOA's free TourStart subscription. App seems to work well, the desktop web interface is good, and the routes could transfer from desktop to your primary device to your dedicated device. Or export as GPX for other uses.

Found on https://www.bmwmoa.org/page/memberdiscounts

 

[DavidR8]

Might be worth looking at the MOA's free TourStart subscription. App seems to work well, the desktop web interface is good, and the routes could transfer from desktop to your primary device to your dedicated device. Or export as GPX for other uses.

View attachment 96711

Found on https://www.bmwmoa.org/page/memberdiscounts

Thanks for that!

 

[61996]

In fairness I don't intend to put a SIM card in it. But thanks for your comment.

How will you access data?

 

[DavidR8]

How will you access data?

I downloaded all the North American and European maps over wifi at home.

 

[r0ckrat]

And he can always piggy-back off his iPhone.

 

[61996]

I downloaded all the North American and European maps over wifi at home.

I need to try that. I have a nice tablet, WiFi only, that I would like to use for navigation. Which is essentially what you're proposing.
Let me get this straight: Download maps and hit the road. No need for a data connection or cell service.
Thanks for the tip!!

 

[DavidR8]

I need to try that. I have a nice tablet, WiFi only, that I would like to use for navigation. Which is essentially what you're proposing.
Let me get this straight: Download maps and hit the road. No need for a data connection or cell service.
Thanks for the tip!!

As long as the device has a GPS receiver it will work

 

[rich]

As long as the device has a GPS receiver it will work

David, any chance you can see if the Avenza app is available to be downloaded to your device? I use it for running my SxS in the Black Hills and I am looking for an alternative to my iPhone to use. The Avenza app is the best thing I have found for that purpose.

 

[DavidR8]

David, any chance you can see if the Avenza app is available to be downloaded to your device? I use it for running my SxS in the Black Hills and I am looking for an alternative to my iPhone to use. The Avenza app is the best thing I have found for that purpose.

It’s in the Google Play store so I expect it will work fine.

 

[rich]

It’s in the Google Play store so I expect it will work fine.

Nice, thank you. In the meantime let us know how the device is working for you after putting it to a little more use. I'd be interested in battery life and the perceived durability of the device.

 

[DavidR8]

Nice, thank you. In the meantime let us know how the device is working for you after putting it to a little more use. I'd be interested in battery life and the perceived durability of the device.

Will do.

 

[r0ckrat]

Battery life can be alleviated with a usb charge port...

 

[DavidR8]

Battery life can be alleviated with a usb charge port...

Yup, I've got all the stuff to put that together.

 

[r0ckrat]

Yup, I've got all the stuff to put that together.

I figured as much. Looking forward to reports. (I'm using a ConnectedRide cradle with my Note10, fun to see the lean angle reported on my 2016 R1200R...)