hi all. im looking into getting a smartphone, so i can use it as an all in one get about tool. i would like to run endomondo on it for cycling, running etc. and also use it as a gps when im out wild camping, walking. does anyone have experience with apps to do this?. im looking at android phones, trying to get good battery life, and an 8mp camera so i dont need to carry one of them aswell. needless to say that my map and compass is not being retired just yet!. the phone will be used alongside the map. cheers!
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hmm most android phones will run GPS apps fine, my desire HD works perfect but the cheaper versions like the older desire, or the wildfire will also work fine. As for apps, viewranger is great if you need to purchase maps and maps can be downloaded from the website for not to much mone. If you already have maps from "memory map" on the pc you can download the memory map tracker app for £5 from the market. Theres also a few free apps that use OSmaps but you cant store the map data on your memory card so if you dont have a signal you're pretty much out of look.
As for battery life, well any smart phone isnt really ideal for long battery life, my advise just buy some cheap batteries off ebay i managed to get 2 battries for £5 i now have about 6 spare so my phone lasts me a week no problem and thats using it to phone go on the internet listen to music and watch the odd movie on a night, you can make it last longer by turning the radio (call, internet) off, dimming the screen light and underclocking the cpu.
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 As per another thread on here I bought a Samsung Galaxy S2 phone which runs Android. I've also downloaded and installed the trial version of Viewranger.
The phones really impressive.... but the battery life is utter shite i.e. struggling to get a days use with moderate usage.
I'm still 'fiddling' with Viewranger so can't really comment yet. Paul above makes a good point when it comes to maps. If you already have an investment in them in some another form i.e. Garmin it means having to 're-buy' them which is expensive. Have no experience of the memory map app but sounds a good idea.
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yep, that was the intention to buy a coulpe o spare batteries to go wi the phone. i think veiwranger will probably be the 1st choice software aswell. the only maps i have are paper, so will need to download them aswell. i was looking at the galaxy, or a sony ericsson. thanks for the advice!
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galaxy is a nice phone, yeah just get a few batteries like i said if you turn the brightness down ect you can make it last quite a while, with everything turned down low including the cpu (need to root your phone for this so not for the novice user at all) i can keep the gps on all day and not use the entire battery.
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Given your needs, I'd get the Sony Xperia Arc in preference to the Samsung. The GPS on the Samsungs is supposed to be poor in comparison to other makes, and the Sony has a better camera and longer battery life. The Samsung is a more powerful phone, (and probably the one I'll be getting next), but I'd go for the Sony in this case.
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the only thing i had read about the arc, is that the screen has very poor vis in sunlight. i had also read that the sony has poor batt life aswell!. im guessing that with all their power needs these days, none of em will last more than a day without a batt charge. the only answer will be to carry spares. while im on the phone question, can anbody reccomend a good waterproof case?.
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Can I just ask.... how are people charging their extra batteries? I guess its in the phone rather than an external charger?
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 Its worth checking ebay for external chargers, quiet often they come in the form of a desk charger with a slot for a spare battery.
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yeah external charger off ebay, about £3 or something, got to love the chinease.
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Paul, got a link of any sort to one of these?
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Check these bad boys out Http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Trent-ultra-pack-IMP50B-Universal/dp/B003PFCEGA/ Theres also 11000mah versions that charge the phone 7+ times Also the Powermonkey explorer solar chargers, but this is the uk not spain 
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 I am using View Ranger GPS on a Mororola Defy Waterproof Android Handset.
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| Edited: 11/07/11 08:59 |
.JPG) I am using View Ranger GPS on a Mororola Defy Waterproof Android Handset.
getting on with it OK Stephen? I'm happy with mine. (apart from battery life - gonna get a couple of spares on ebay soon) I have MM tarcker to use with the old memory maps, but haven't used the GPS much (except in cities with the 'tomtom' type app).
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Hi Mole, I am very happy with it, I used it the Lakes last weekend and I coudl not fault it at all. I got two batteried and a hard case for it. I must say VR is very good on it, it even tracks when in my pocket, Cheers,
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 HTC Incredible S for me, great for hill walking and wild camping trips, GPS, camera/camcorder, E book reader, loads of GPS/mapping apps available. I turn on Airplane mode to save the phone searching for a network, and only turn it on when on the ridges high up. I get around 14 hours from the battery, and take a spare battery when out on the hill and camping. I use this to charge the phone and spare battery. http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/dual-desk-dock-for-htc-incredible-s-p29325.htm
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made me mind up, think im gonna go wi a s,e neo. slightly smaller than an arc, "and cheaper!" but with same capability. should fit onto my bike easier, and be less bulky in day to day use. still with a decent enough screen for mapping with aswell thou. thanks for the feedback!.
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