Using a cheap mobile as a GPS

[redcard]

So, I'm looking around at the lower-end Garmins, and probably can't afford one for another month or two. Also, If i did get one, I'd probably want splash out more and get a 705.

Another option is to get a 2nd mobile (my current one is too big to stick on the bike), and there's a number of Android phones with GPS on ebay around the £30-£40 mark, like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Huawei-u8...bile_Phones&hash=item27c861a56b#ht_500wt_1413 and this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Unloc...ile_Phones&hash=item256c1a5031#ht_7032wt_1398

I know Strava works with Android 2.1 but not sure about Endomondo, but that's not a deal-breaker as the file formats are compatible. I want the device on the bike rather than in my pocket or bag.

Anyone use a cheap mobile, and what's your experience?

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Take a look at this thread

 

[redcard]

Take a look at this thread

Thanks for the link. My question is more about the hardware, not the software. I'm looking for someone to recommend a cheap mobile, that's small, that runs Strava / Endomondo and has a half-decent battery life (3-4 hours max when running GPS).

 

[david k]

i think the second one looks good for the money, wouldnt know how good it was though

i use a blackberry

 

[Jimmy Doug]

The softward in the link I provided works fine with Android 2.1 - when I first installed the app my Android was 2.1 (I have since upgraded to 2.2)

 

[redcard]

The softward in the link I provided works fine with Android 2.1 - when I first installed the app my Android was 2.1 (I have since upgraded to 2.2)

What phone do you have?

 

[Jimmy Doug]

A ZTE Blade. Not a very high performance phone.

 

[redcard]

A ZTE Blade. Not a very high performance phone.

Probably a bit too expensive for my liking - looking to spend around £50 - so the San Francisco might be an option. I believe it's pretty similar to the Blade.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I think the San Franciso is the Blade packaged slightly differently.

 

[Diggs]

San Francisco is the same, Mrs D has one, at the time it wasn't a bad phone for the money/contract (I was getting frustrated with her never having having it topped up, now it's never charged). Just looked and it's on 2.1. When I upgraded I stuck a PAYG SIM in my old HTC Hero and have been using that. As you say, with the size of newer phones, I feel like I'm taking out a fragile sheet of glass in my pocket

 

[ufkacbln]

Beware of data costs. If you are on a cheap PAYG phone then data can be expensive.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

The GPS application that I refer to in my first post works totally offline - so no data costs! By the way, if you do get a Blade, it's easy to upgrade to 2.2 and well worth it in my opinion. However, if you do so it's well worth installing app 2 sd as 2.2 takes up more phone memory than 2.1. Thanks to this app, I've been able to install a heck of a lot of software!

 

[Tight Git]

Another San Francisco (Blade) user here - mine runs for about 5 hours running Strava and Endomondo, extended by going into airplane mode before you set off.

It's very easy to upgrade the OS to 2.3 and even 2.3 and I think is very good value.

HTH

 

[mip]

Beware of data costs. If you are on a cheap PAYG phone then data can be expensive.

Data isn't required for recording a workout. Just use wifi to download the app and upload on your return.

 

[okeydokey79]

just seen in a different post that halfords have got the garmin 200 on sale at £130 less 20% and also you can claim £30 back on the garmin website so making it around £75 so worth spending a bit extra and no data charges???