My review of Google Navigation after 3000 miles

[JoeFresco]

I've driven more than 3000 miles in the past month with my Droid in its car dock. After using it this much, I have a pretty good understanding of how it works and I wrote a review comparing it to the Magellan GPS I used for the previous 50k miles. I also threw in some tips that might help you better use Google Nav and the Droid while driving. I hope it helps... let me know what you think.
Google Navigation version 1 real life review Joel Kleppinger

[pandroid]

i finally had a chance to use it the navigation app today. coming from a tomtom i really liked it. but you did point out some good downsides like the mph and nightmode, which i missed dearly tonight

[New2u]

Good write up. thanks

Just remember it's still very very very new

[JonKyu]

GREAT article I definitely agree with a lot of your points. I just recently moved and google navigation has been my life saver, not only has it gotten me more confidence to drive in unfamiliar places but I've found it a great way to explore your new surroundings. I can now mostly drive to wherfe I need to go without navigation.

IMO navigation is best when its used for city travel, but due to limitations with cell phone converage I still think a dedicated gps unit is still best when going on long road trips.

[Martin030908]

Good write up.
I too have noticed that the 'route choices' aren't always the best (trying it driving to somewhere I already know how to get to) but it does re-route very very fast when you don't follow the suggested route.

[bodean]

let me know what you think.
Google Navigation version 1 real life review Joel Kleppinger

link is broken

[Mmracing]

The link didn't work

[JoeFresco]

Sorry. My website went down. I'm working on it.

By the way, I know Google Nav is "in beta," but it's also something they are advertising and promoting with the Droid so I thought a full review was in order, especially because I've used it so much.

[omnibus]

I'm waiting for your site to come back up but in a recent 1100 mile trip from northeast Wyoming to Phoenix AZ, Google Nav routed the trip more than 200 miles further than Garmin and Microsoft streets and trips. Google steadfastly routed the trip on Interstates while the other routing was on U.S. and state highways but a far more direct route.

Now, after reading your review I agree with almost all of your points except the final one that Google navigation wins. Maybe by comparison to Magellan but certainly not against Garmin. But it's fun to play with if you know in advance where you're going.

[reefsrt4]

great write up. thanks.