TomTom launches iPhone GPS app

TomTom, one of the big names in GPS technology, has released a navigation application for the Apple iPhone.

On sale in the iTunes store, the $99.99 app includes maps of the United States and Canada—versions for Western Europe and Australia are also available. The application includes IQ Routes, which factor in historical traffic data, a trip planner, a database of points of interest, and more.

As we’ve observed before, generally smaller screens and controls can make phones more difficult to use than dedicated GPS units, but there is an advantage to having one less device to carry around.

For more information on the TomTom iPhone app, see TomTom iPhone navigation app now available on Consumer Reports' Cars Blog. For help on choosing a dedicated handheld navigator, see our free GPS Buying Guide.

If you try the Tom Tom app, or any iPhone GPS app, let us (and the rest of the readers) know how it works for you.

Traveling overseas with your cell phone—without the big bills.

With the summer travel season in full swing, the last thing on your mind may be your cell phone. Unless, you’re traveling overseas.

Will my phone work in the country I’m traveling to? Will I get socked with per-minute charges? International roaming costs? Will I be able to send and receive text messages? Should I just buy a “disposable” pre-paid phone when I land at my final destination?

We’ve covered these questions—and more—in our recently updated guide to Getting Cell Service Abroad. But, here’s a list of tips for staying-connected while vacationing overseas.

1. Check if your phone will work at your vacation hot-spot. Depending if your phone’s technology (CDMA or GSM) matches the network used at your destination, you have different options. If you can’t take the phone with you, you can rent a phone from your carrier or a third party like Cellhire or 1-800 Mobiles. See "If your cell phone’s a globetrotter," for more information.

2. Consider suspending your cell phone service if you can’t travel with your phone. If you can’t use your personal cell phone overseas, putting your account on hold might save you some cash—perhaps enough to rent or buy a temporary phone overseas. For more help, see “If your cell phone is a homebody.”

3. Consider texting, rather than talking. You can potentially save yourself from increased minute rates, as most international messages are no more than 50-cents to send, and even cheaper to receive. See “Survival tips for using cell phones internationally,” for rates on specific carriers.

For the ins and outs of international cell service and even more ways to save, see the complete "Getting Cell Service Abroad" article, which is full of up-to-date information and pricing on all your cell travel needs. Just remember to pack a charger, and that cell phone thing is set (if only packing were this easy). —Will Dilella

A first look at the Navigon iPhone App.

Recently, the Consumer Reports Cars people took the Navigon iPhone GPS navigation application for a spin. After downloading the app—for the one time fee of $70—to an iPhone 3Gs, they gave their new toy the usual treatment, with a battery of tests.

The results? Mobile Navigator does a good job of mimicking traditional portable navigation devices, and the iPhone’s large screen is a definite benefit, as is the touch interface, but in laboratory and real-world tests, they found some differences that leave the iPhone application lacking.

Entering directions can be a chore because of the often-complained of virtual, on-screen keyboard—which has smaller buttons than a traditional GPS. The voice volume (used in turn-by-turn directions) wasn't favorable, neither was GPS accuracy. Mobile Navigator is not as precise as traditional navigation devices. The GPS will often place the current position on a surrounding road—as experienced with other iPhone applications—rather than the road on which a user is actually traveling.

Getting a charge: Tips on keeping gear juiced on air trips

Powering high powered electronic devices on the go can be a headache. How do you handle it?

Summer travel season can easily create power struggles in airport terminals, as the gaggle of geeks seeking to recharge laptops, cell phones, and other gear outstrips the supply of working outlets.

I had first-hand experience of this last week when I was waylaid in Terminal C at Logan International Airport in Boston after a flight was canceled. Over four or so hours, in a terminal choked with travelers, I saw (and, I confess, perpetrated myself) some quasi-military tactics to take and hold functional, well-located outlets.

But I also witnessed some random acts of power-sharing kindness, and had time — plenty of time — to gather the following tips for energy-seeking air travelers:

Gather intelligence. During my delay, I was blessed by the company of many friendly Coloradans (we were all waiting for flights to Denver). They shared their knowledge about where outlets were and which actually worked (only about half, it seemed). There’s also the AirPower Wiki, which details outlet availability airport by airport – even terminal by terminal, in some cases.

Several devices to charge? Bring a multi-outlet wall adapter. Packing an adapter that allows you to plug several devices into a single outlet increases the chance of getting the power you need, and frees up extra outlets for others. A single outlet should have no problem handling the power demands of two portable-electronic devices. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll likely need another adapter to handle differing voltage, plug design, or both. Sites like the World Electric Guide can be helpful.

GPS on the new iPhone: (Re)enter Navigon

Navigon's MobileNavigator software app for the new Apple iPhone 3G S (Click to enlarge.)

After declaring last month that it would leave the U.S. market for GPS units, the company has now announced new software in the works for the soon-to-be-released iPhone 3G S. The downloadable app, called MobileNavigator, will be available later this month and will offer turn-by-turn directions—one of the feature upgrades on the new iPhone.

The Cars blog reports that two version of the software will be available: a Lite version with maps but limited functionality, and a full version with Navigon’s usual complement of features—reality view, turn-by-turn guidance, lane assistance, current speed, day/night mode, and points of interest. Prices will be available upon release.

Navigon is joining TomTom in jumping on the iPhone bandwagon. The latter recently announced plans to release its own app software for the next-generation phone, including a car dock, microphone, and speaker to fully mimic a standalone GPS unit. TomTom for the iPhone is set for a late-summer release.

Not planning to buy the iPhone 3G S? You can still get guidance from standalone units. We’ve just updated our Ratings of GPS navigators (available to subscribers), so take a look. —Nick K. Mandle

Watch those cannonballs: Keep your camera dry

[Photo: timparkinson/Flickr]

On Sunday, June 21, most folks will be celebrating for two reasons: It’s both Father’s Day and the first day of summer. And, if you’re at a pool or beach, it’s also a prime opportunity to soak and ruin your camera. (I know that my best jumps soak the entire perimeter of almost any pool area.)

There’s good reason to avoid soaking a digital camera: According to online subscribers we recently surveyed, 71 percent of point-and-shoots that became waterlogged stopped working; 36 percent quit after mere spills. Here’s how to help your point-and-shoot avoid a similar fate:

Bag it. When the forecast is rain, take along a plastic bag. If it rains, wrap most of your camera in the bag, cutting a small hole for the lens if you need to shoot.

Accessorize. If you often shoot in damp conditions, check online or in your local camera store for accessories specifically designed for shooting in wet weather.

Go waterproof. For the most protection, use a water-resistant or waterproof camera. Several manufacturers make them, and four such models are included in our digital camera Ratings (available to subscribers): the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000, $400, and Stylus Tough-6000, $300; Pentax Optio W60, $250; and Olympus Stylus 1050SW, $280. Before shooting underwater, check the camera’s specs to see how deep it can go. Limits can range from several feet to 30 or more.

Also, before jumping into water with even a waterproof camera, check the instructions. Some models might malfunction under the force generated by a plunge. —Terry Sullivan

Hotels push high-tech perks

Luxury hotels and budget-friendly chains alike are giving travelers what they want—and that's evidently all the technological bells and whistles they have at home. You're almost as likely to find an LCD TV, Wi-Fi, high-end audio systems, and other high-tech touches as you are a mile-high mattress and a minibar.

Case in point: The Pierre, a venerable name on the New York hotel scene, is reopening in a few weeks with 40-inch TVs and Bose Wave Music Systems with iPod docking stations, as well as Wi-Fi, according to the New York Times.

In other hotels, you'll find Wii or PlayStation gaming systems, projection screens, fully loaded Macs, and more, according to Digital Trends, a tech lifestyle Web site.

And it's not just pricey pads that offer such perks. Even Motel 6, a name synonymous with low rates, has LCD TVs and Wi-Fi.

If you're traveling this Memorial Day weekend or planning for your summer vacation, do these amenities matter when you're choosing a hotel? Do you use them? Are there any other perks that are still missing? Let us know. —Eileen McCooey

More electronics for the road

Here’s an update on car-related electronics at CES 2009 in Las Vegas last week, courtesy of our colleagues in the Cars department. (They have since moved on to the Detroit Auto Show, where they are doing some intensive blogging.)

The debut of two eBikes. Designed for urban dwellers, eBikes can either be pedaled or ridden like a scooter thanks to a built-in electric motor. The Ultra Motor A2B ($2,700) weighs 72 pounds and has a top speed of 20 mph in its scooter mode. (Click on image at right for a closer look.) ELV Motors, which makes the bike, estimates that a 160-pound person can ride for 20 miles before the motor’s lithium-ion battery needs recharging (which takes about 3 1/2 hours). ELV motors estimates the A2B’s battery would need to be replaced after 700 too 900 charges. (Cost: $350 to $400.) Schwinn’s Tailwind eBike ($3,200) ups the ante in many respects. At a lighter 50 pounds, the bike can run 25 to 30 miles at 18 to 19 mph. The battery takes only half an hour to recharge. Schwinn claims its battery will last through 2,000 charges, and has reached 6,000 in tests.

Wi-Fi on wheels. While it’s dangerous for a driver to check e-mail or download music on a laptop, passengers can, using Autonet Mobile’s wireless Internet Service Provider. On its 3G network – where available – the router provides download speeds ranging from 400kps to 800kps and upload speeds from 128kps to 300kps. (When not on the 3G network, speed ranges from 50kps-100kps download and 120kps-200kps upload.) Available on Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles since last summer, the routers are available at retail for $400. Professional installation is necessary, and monthly service plans start at $29 per month.