Help Google maps and wifi only question

[robertj298]

Here is my situation. I am renting a car in Ireland for 8 days next month. I can rent a navigation system for $10 a day or I can rent wifi with the vehicle for the same price. What I'm wondering is if I rent the wifi would the google maps and navigation system work just as well? Thanks Bob

 

[funkylogik]

Good question mate and I'd like to know the answer too.

All that worries me is how is the wifi to the car provided? Like is there a good chance you'll lose connection regularly?

 

[Unforgiven]

Good question mate and I'd like to know the answer too.

All that worries me is how is the wifi to the car provided? Like is there a good chance you'll lose connection regularly?

That would be my concern too.

I'm one survey away from buying the US version of this. All it needs to talk to is the satellites.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alk.copilot.eumarket.premiumeumaj

 

[robertj298]

I was told by the rental salesman that I would have a strong signal no matter where I went except in Northern Ireland, which I don't plan to visit. I'm wondering if the maps and turn by turn navigation system would work as well in Ireland as it does here in the U.S..

 

[funkylogik]

I'd say yes
But if it needs Internet access to work, I'd be wary of what the salesman is telling you because I strongly doubt that there's a cellular network that covers the whole of Ireland

 

[fdbryant3]

Well, you should be able to save the maps for Google Maps so you can operate offline. However I would probably recommend downloading HERE maps by Nokia which is built for offline navigation as a backup, if not your primary (and if you want really want to be sure, buy a physical road map).

 

[girolez]

Yes to HERE or try Osmand+ which works completely offline using Open Streetmaps data. (Southern) Ireland, Eire, does not have anything like complete data coverage..

 

[dvhttn]

If Ireland is anything like Cornwall (SW of the UK) for a mobile signal then you'll be lucky to get a voice signal in the more rural places. Any wifi they have in the car will just be a 3G/4G dongle for the car (I presume) that lets your phone/laptop connect to it via wifi. No mobile data - no interweb connection - no Google maps. So, as others have suggested, install an offline maps solution. I've got Here maps and CoPilot installed. Prefer Here but your best bet would be to try to find a forum where the best solution for Ireland has been discussed.

Dave

 

[Unforgiven]

That would be my concern too.

I'm one survey away from buying the US version of this. All it needs to talk to is the satellites.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alk.copilot.eumarket.premiumeumaj

I finally accumulated enough Play Rewards credit to buy this for North America yesterday. I used my N7 (no cell, no tether to my phone) and tried it around my location. Worked perfectly even when rerouting and taking less than common routes. I was impressed with the speed at which it rerouted.