Basically I'd like to find something as close to Google Maps in my pocket as possible.

Phone options are out because I want something independent of any connection plans and fees.

Been looking around online for a few hours but everything I see is geared way more toward everything BUT straight street mapping...

Anyone know of anything that'll approximate Google Maps?

I bought a Delorme PN20 this past summer and it does it all from Street maps to topo and even aerial imagery. Even putting aerial imagery into 3D on the color display.


Check them out here

I have been using a Garmin nuvi for over a year and like it. I got it over half off when Circuit City closed here. It has vehicle, bike and pedestrian modes. The maps automatically scale depending on speed and destination to reduce clutter, ie if you are driving on the interstate going to some distant location, it does not show all the nearby roads, until you exit and then they pop up. It also updates and recalculates if you change routes. It is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, which is nice when walking around in a city. The points of interest works well to find food, gas, hospitals, etc.

I've got a GRMN nuvi. Love it.

I've also got Google maps on my phone and the nuvi is waaaay better, IMO. Just bought one (nuvi) for my dad for Christmas too...great deals on them now.

Too bad about the "no phone" requirement... The next generation of Android/Google phone will have the best nav: turn by turn nav, overlaid with Google Earth sat imagery and tags! I'm guessing iPhone users may have to pay for an app like that, while Android-ers will have it included no extra charges....

Man-up and get an iPhone.
(Yes I realise that's a contradiction :))

I'm aware that you don't want phones but I am still going to recommend Nokia's GPS-enabled phones.

Ovi Maps (previously known as Nokia Maps) comes free (already installed) with the phone so you don't have to download the map everytime you need it.

Have a look at CoPilot Live It's for Android and WinMobile smartphones, but the maps are located on the phone, much like a ordinary gps. Some services, like position sharing and traffic info are run over mobile internet, but those functions can be turned off, as I understand it. I haven't tried it myself just yet, but I'm planning on buying it sometime next year..

Other than that, I will recommend something in the Garmin nüvi line. I got a 250W (I think) and it works well, also for walking. I suspect something with an electronic compass in it will work even better, as the one I got need 10 to 30 meters of travel, before its able to figure out wich way I'm going.

Depends on the coverage installed. Like you might only have, say, Scandinavia. Which'll cost you dearly when you try to use it outside of that, as it'll download maps for you over the cell network.

Thanks for all the input, looks like that Garmin Nuvi may be the best thing for me.

Prior to going overseas, you can download a new country's map via the Nokia PC Suite on your PC/Mac (and an internet connection) then transfer/install this onto the phone by USB.

This is what I have at the moment:
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/nokia-5800-xpressmusic-452815/review



@Vulgarity, good luck with the Garmin Nuvi.

Search Youtube for the "Google Maps Navigation (Beta)", coming very soon free for Android 2.0! It's such an improvement that TomTom and Garmin stocks dropped the day this was shown...

http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/28/google-introduces-free-gps-navigation-for-android-2-0/

Apple is apparently trying to negotiate something to get it for the iphone too...

Good.

Since "everybody has a smartphone" the GPS makers will have to lower prices to compete. Or go out of business.

I mean come on, $300 bucks for a handheld GPS unit in TWO THOUSAND NINE?