VZ Navigator
 

Has anyone used the VZ Navigator feature on their Verizon Wireless phone? I'm thinking about using it for the trip up to Connecticut on Friday.

Any thoughts/feedback.....

I tried once, and it looked like useless crap and I gave up. I found it far easier to print maps from maps.google.com and bring them along. Are you planning to use it for locating Starbucks and such? I didn't try that functionality.

When I bought my 4.4i in 2006, it stretched me to the limits (financially). I decided to go with a bare "naked" 4.4i from the factory, and decided to skip the Nav which would have added another $2-$3K to the cost. I figured I could pimp out the 4.4 bit by bit with after-market add-ons, which is what I've been doing.
For the navigation, I've been using VZ Navigator for the past year or so. It's actually quite good! The screen is obviously smaller than most of the dedicated Navis on the market, but it's very versatile and the newest version has traffic re-routing. It talks to you in 1 of 5 voices that you pick, and has the same 2-D and 3-D routing of all the good navi units out there. It hasn't steered me wrong yet.

:iagree: Cell phone nav systems are always POS. I'm sure the next iPhone's navigation will be better than any Garmin, though...

Not true. The Nav system on my BB8800 was actually VERY good. But I switched over to the iphone.

I used VZ Navigator once. It was pretty decent, although I had trouble connecting since I used it on day three that the system was up. :) (free trial).

never used it.

side story: Received a promo email from Onstar last week about using their turn by turn voice navigation.... i responded saying "no thanks, my vette has a navigation system". Onstar knows everything about my car, yet, they ignore it in search of making more money... why would i use onstar when I have the GM nav system? :rolleyes:

GM also knew (as early as 2002) they were going to discontinue analog OnStar, yet they decided to install that system anyways in my 2004 Saab. :rolleyes:

I would take 95 North to Palisades Parkway to 287 east to 95 North.

With this route you do not take the GW Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Not a big fan of OnStar,, i miss my blue tooth but i'm sure OnStar would rather one bought their minutes instead...

I think I'll try it out. I'm going to have mapquest printouts just incase.

Few questions:
I'm guessing I better have a car charger for the phone, as this will drain the battery?

What happens if I get phone calls or text messages while using it?

yes, it will drain the battery.

And yes, it still works as a phone. I don't remember well, but I'm sure it will switch over.

It just suspends your app into the background, at least on my friend's voyager. I don't prefer it because it has a difficult UI and I just use google maps on my black berry with a bluetooth GPS :p

Mapquest? Not very good IMHO
Yahoo maps are better .
Google earth is the best.

I always double check the directions on Yahoo and Google, but I like the way Mapquest's print out best. When Jeff and I drove up last year, the Mapquest directions we used were accurate, so I'll use them again.

I solve that problem by doing a "Print Screen' of the google map, copy & paste into Microsoft Photo Editor, crop out the non-important stuff, and then save/print as a .jpg instead of .bmp to reduce file size.

LMAO!!! That sounds like a ton of work!!!

M, try going to www.google.com/gmm from your phone. Give google maps a try. I use it on my BB even instead of my garmin sometimes - i like the overview it gives me (mapped out route).

Save a tree.. don't print it out!!! at least text it to your phone!! In this day and age of cell phone GPS/mapping software and in car navigation... why print? :stickpoke

I know I know.. I'm not even coming so why did i stick my nose in this thread? LOL :dunno: :(

It takes about 2 minutes, LMAO...

Less time and easier on the eyes than a dealing with the tiny screen of a cellphone....

Yeah, just keep it hooked up to the charger while you're driving. If you get calls, it switches over to the call, and then automatically switches back to VZ Navigator when the call is over. If it gives you peace of mind you can go ahead and print out the Mapquest/Google stuff, but like I said, it hasn't steered me wrong yet. I've been paper-free for the past year. I think the folks knocking it just haven't taken the 20 minutes or so to play with it, and to learn the different functionalities. Just my $0.02.

P.S. Make sure you have the GPS Location function turned "on" or VZ Navigator won't run. And make sure you've downloaded the latest version to get the traffic and congestion updates. Also, it's $9.99 per month to subscribe. Works out better than buying a new $600 Garmin every 3 years.

Thanks, Stan. I just got a new enV2 on Friday, so the I have the latest version downloaded. Also, I upgraded to the Premium Plan. VZ Navigator, Unlimited Messaging (to anyone in any network), VCast, Email, and Mobile Web is included in the monthly rate! I am actually paying less now. :)

Most mapping programs default to shortest interstate highway.

This is not always the best route, you need to factor in traffic and safety. I would not want my daughter driving the Cross-Bronx or the BQE late at night.

M, please don't blindly follow the route given by Navigator or any other mapping program.

Blue

Here's what Mapquest says:

• Merge onto I-95 N via the ramp on the LEFT (Portions toll) (Crossing into DELAWARE). 45.6 mi
• Merge onto I-295 N toward NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE/DEL MEM BR/NJ-NY (Crossing into NEW JERSEY). 6.4 mi
• I-295 N becomes NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N (Portions toll). 73.0 mi
• Keep RIGHT to take I-95 N/NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N toward CARS/TRUCKS-BUSES (Portions toll). 32.9 mi
• Keep LEFT to take I-95 N/NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N toward EXITS 15W - 18W/I-280/GEO WASHINGTON BR/RT-3/MEADOWLANDS SPORTS COMPLEX (Portions toll). 10.8 mi
• Keep RIGHT to take I-95 N/NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N toward FORT LEE/G WASHINGTON BR/US-46 (Portions toll). 1.6 mi
• Keep RIGHT to take I-95 N/NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N toward GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE/LOWER LEVEL/FORT LEE/LOCAL. 3.2 mi
• Keep LEFT to take I-95 N toward G W BRIDGE UPPER LEVEL/US-1 N/US-9 N (Portions toll) (Crossing into NEW YORK). 10.6 mi
• Take the HUTCHINSON PKWY NORTH exit, EXIT 9. 0.1 mi
• Merge onto HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY N via the exit on the LEFT. 1.7 mi
• Merge onto I-95 N via EXIT 6 toward NEW HAVEN (Portions toll) (Crossing into CONNECTICUT). 19.3 mi
• Take the GREENWICH AVENUE exit, EXIT 7, toward CT-137 N. 0.2 mi
• Turn RIGHT onto FIRST STAMFORD PL. 0.3 mi

:dunno:

I can click on "Avoid" at any of the steps to get an alternative route.

I would take 95 North to Palisades Parkway North to 287 east to 95 North.

With this route you do not take the GW Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway.



__________________

How far out of the way is that?

Its about 20 miles further, depending at what time of Day you hit the GW and the Cross Bronx it could be much faster.

When do you think you will be getting to the GW?

I will be at the starting point of my directions at 5:30pm. I think that's about 175 miles south of the GW?

At 8:30+/- at night you should be good with the GW, just listen to News Radio 88 AM, when you get close.

Here is the link for the map

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=1620135414356075681 0,41.038317,-73.547629&amp;saddr=Fort+Lee,+Nj&amp;daddr=west+ny ack,+ny+to:46+Southfield+Ave,+Stamford,+CT+06902+( Crab+Shell)&amp;mra=pr&amp;mrcr=0&amp;sll=40.85121 6,-72.921753&amp;sspn=1.342086,3.010254&amp;ie=UTF8&a mp;ll=40.851216,-72.921753&amp;spn=1.342086,3.010254&amp;output=emb ed&amp;s=AARTsJrI_pxx86hLW9x5jW8osh1JCFjiRA"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=1620135414356075681 0,41.038317,-73.547629&amp;saddr=Fort+Lee,+Nj&amp;daddr=west+ny ack,+ny+to:46+Southfield+Ave,+Stamford,+CT+06902+( Crab+Shell)&amp;mra=pr&amp;mrcr=0&amp;sll=40.85121 6,-72.921753&amp;sspn=1.342086,3.010254&amp;ie=UTF8&a mp;ll=40.851216,-72.921753&amp;spn=1.342086,3.010254&amp;source=emb ed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

There's no link....

link do u have a bluetooth earpiece? if so, wear that and the directions will be spoken into ur ear.

If I have a bluetooth thingie in my ear, how will I be able to jam to my radio? And if the phone is doing it's navigational thing, how in the world can I text and still get the directions??? (I'm kidding...sort of...)

I think I'm gonna stick to the old-fashioned Mapquest printouts for this one!

they don't actually go in ur ear. the vznavigator person doesn't
speak the whole time; so, in between turns, u can rock out to
bubba sparxxx. well, for 1, u shouldn't be driving and texting at
the same time. shame on u.

GW is usually bad but can be ok on Saturday. Alternate route I suggest (if you want to fly and pay tolls;)) is Garden State Parkway all the way to I-87 East to Tappan Zee bridge to I 287 East to 95 north and then take the exit for Crab Shell. You can also switch to Hutch Pkwy from I-287 at exit 8 S-N.

And I will add to Barry's list ;)
http://maps.live.com/

You mean 880 AM?

I looked at this route and this is the way that I am going through from Philly. I don't want to go through the City or near that place. I may get diverted to a "dollar store":p

That's the route I take. You can take the NJ Turnpike to exit 11 which will put you on the parkway.

Ok...I was able to click "Avoid" enough on Mapquest to get the route Sunil mentioned. This is it, right?:

• Merge onto I-95 N via the ramp on the LEFT (Portions toll) (Crossing into DELAWARE). 45.6 mi
• Merge onto I-295 N toward NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE/ DEL MEM BR/ NJ-NY (Crossing into NEW JERSEY). 6.4 mi
• I-295 N becomes NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N (Portions toll). 73.0 mi
• Keep RIGHT to take I-95 N/ NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N toward CARS/ TRUCKS-BUSES (Portions toll). 17.9 mi
• Take the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY exit, EXIT 11, toward WOODBRIDGE. 0.6 mi
• Merge onto GARDEN STATE PKWY N (Portions toll) (Crossing into NEW YORK). 43.2 mi
• GARDEN STATE PKWY N becomes NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY N. 1.8 mi
• Take the I-87 S/ I-287 E exit, EXIT 14-1, toward NEW YORK CITY. 0.5 mi
• Merge onto I-287 E/ I-87 S/ NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY S via the exit on the LEFT toward TAPPAN ZEE BR (Portions toll). 11.9 mi
• Keep LEFT to take I-287 E/ CROSS WESTCHESTER EXPY via EXIT 8 toward WHITE PLAINS/ RYE. 11.4 mi
• Merge onto I-95 N (Crossing into CONNECTICUT). 7.9 mi
• Take the GREENWICH AVENUE exit, EXIT 7, toward CT-137 N. 0.2 mi

Those are horrible directions. Just

Take the NJ Turnpike to the GWB.
Take Cross Bronx Expressway and follow the 95 North signs
This takes you to the NYS Thru-Way into CT
Then take exit 7.

:thud: That's what Post #22 says.

Or are you just messing with me?????

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/30/cra...pse/index.html

I'm assuming the crane collapse will affect my traffic?

Don't listen to Clint (sorry). The trip is more miles going the parkway over the Tapanzee bridge and to 95 but it's a much easier/faster ride. I HATE the GWB. I always take the parkway to the Tapanzee bridge when I travel to New England.

The crane will not affect you if you go my way. :)

Thanks, L! Remind me to slap Clint tomorrow! :slap:

It's 15 miles longer the way you and Sunil suggested...no big deal.

Ok, but don't come crying to me tomorrow when it takes you 7 hours to drive a 4 hour trip. :nanana:

She's not leaving Baltimore until 5 pm, she won't hit the parkway until 8 if she's lucky. She'll fly up the parkway and over the Tap at that time

:iagree:

They are suggesting that you take 95 NJ Turnpike to the Garden State to 287 East. I would go with this route.

Wow, this thread is still alive! :bustingup I didn't think navigation was such a contentious issue.

Michelle, crane collapse is on the East Side, far away from both GWB and Tappan Zee, so it's a non-issue no matter which way you go.

GWB means that you would then need to take the Cross Bronx Expressway: in other words you should avoid this route like the PLAGUE.

Stick with the Garden State to I-287 to Tappan Zee route that everyone is suggesting.

(The Cross Bronx Expressway is arguably the worst, most congested, ugliest, truck infested, most polluted creation known to man).

I made it! I left at 5:30 and arrived at 8:40. 230 miles in 3 hours and 10 minutes. :zoom:

I screwed up though. I was too busy checking out an alpine white M5 that I missed all of the signs telling me to get in the far right lane for cash payments for the $0.70 toll on the GSP. I went through the exact change lane and I only had like $0.37. :banghead:

Damn woman - you were flying! Glad that you made it safely.

Yeah...I really was!! No traffic...except at the lanes at the toll booths (no e-z pass).

I have a really nice room. It's an end/corner room. It's pretty freaking big! Much better than the rooms last year when the hotel was a Westin. There is a prom and a salsa festival going on here, so the hotel is crazy busy.

Salsa Festival??? Is it all weekend? You and L going to join the festival and learn how to Salsa?

I think it's just tonight.

It took an hour and a half and three tech-support dudes to get me online. :tsk:

Do you like get a withdrawal if you don't get your internet fix?

Glad you had a safe trip


Here is the link for Ezpass
http://www.ezpassmd.com/en/home/index.shtml

Thanks for the link, but I'd only use it like once every two months, so I really don't need one. I should've grabbed the one out of my mom's car when I dropped off my dog with her. Oh well. I now know to get over to the right lanes when it's toll time. :rofl: :tsk: