Every good photographer or videographer needs a trusty GPS device if they want to get to their shoot on time. But sometimes the price tag may cause you to look the other way when shopping for a GPS unit.
Just check out your local Best Buy for some eye popping GPS prices:
1. Garmin Zumo 665 - $849.99
2. Garmin nuvi 3790 - $399.99
3. Tom Tom Go - $299.95
4. Magellan Road Mate - $249.99
5. Tom Tom Via - $229.99
Those are some big dollar signs for a photographer or videographer.
We went looking for a most cost effective alternative to the GPS units available on the market, and found two excellent solutions via the iPhone.
This was the first GPS app that we purchased (for $2.99) and we love it. It has a voice guidance system, and for $0.99 you can download and install different voices (Our favorite is The Cougar). This version gives you free traffic updates.
They have a great FAQ page on their website if you're having trouble getting the app up and running, but that's unlikely to be a problem. After downloading the app (over wi-fi, it's kind of large) we were on the road before I could get my old Garmin powered on.
The GPS also has a screen to help you look for shopping, restaurants, gas stations, or parking lots, and it integrates with your address book located on your iPhone.
Overall, the app has been great. The only issue we've encountered with the app, is a loss of GPS signal in New York City, but for those of you who have used a GPS in NYC, you know that's not an odd occurance.
If you're feeling adventurous or travel the same route every day, then Waze is a GPS for you! Waze describes itself as a Social Media GPS device, as in, it's users can edit maps, suggest alternate routes, and even lend a hand in the real time traffic reporting system.
Is there a car stopped on the side of the road? Report it with two simple clicks on your iPhone. Waze saves your current location and sends out a message to local Waze users about the stalled vehicle. Major accident on your way to work? You'll know about it as soon as you get in your car, and you can plan your alternate route accordingly.
Waze is also a fun app. It rewards you for updating traffic conditions, weather conditions, or accidents with a point based ranking system. If you find yourself on a road less traveled, your icon turns into a Pacman like character and begins to eat little road pebbles, earning you points.
You can join groups (folks you travel the same route with) for even more personalized updates. You can ping other Waze users as they appear on your GPS map. Waze even has the ability to connect with your Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare accounts.
Waze also has voice guidance, which makes the free price tag that much better.
If you're looking for a professional GPS app, stick with MotionX. That being said, I love my Waze App and use it all the time.
You know that old story about the shoemaker who made shoes for everyone but his own family? That's kind of how I was feeling when I noticed my Wedding Demo Reel was three years old.
