"smart phone" -dumb user-I'm almost afraid to ask

2 gps programs that are free are called GPS status and My Tracks. Gps status is a basic one that gives you lat and long and a few other basics. My Tracks lets you see where u are on a map (sat view if you want) and records your track which you can put on a google map.
I have these on my android smart phone. As i said, they are free so just download them and play around with them. Dont like them, then just delete them.
One nice little feature in both programs is that you can email from your phone your lat and long position in a web link. the person you emailed just clicks on the link and up pops a map of your location. Only when you are in mob range that is.

cheers
wizzer

You create an account when you log into the app store. You enter you credit card details and they are kept on file. When you purchase an app there will be a record on the credit card statement.

What phone?

Presuming iPhone (not sure precisely about Android which I'm sure others will help for) it has Google Maps (as do most Smartphones) and a built in GPS which any app you buy can access.

For geo caching, Geocaching Inc make their down App. You can get a limited but functional free version or an inexpensive paid version.

For free mapping that includes other maps than Google the GPS X is excellent in both its free and paid versions. It allows you to save track data and has Bing and other excellent free maps, inc topo. It allows you to download these free maps for mapping out of signal range (Phone signal is usually required to download map tiles on the go)

For the deluxe, VMS from MudMap is pricey, but excellent. Its $200 but has full 3d turn by turn nav, as well as numerous hema and topo maps included as well as the option to buy down to 1:25000 maps. Works great on iPad, too.

Even the built-in phone maps will allow you to find grid references with varying ease and map to them.

Purchasing varies by platform, but is usually paid by credit card entered into the store for all your purchases. Then you just click and pay when you want one (or not pay, if it's a free app!)

Ask away - it's what the forum is for!

Cheers, T

THanks guys. The phone is a Samsung Galaxy S2- so android not apple. Sounds like I might have to stick with the free apps as I'm not comfortable with putting my credit card details on there(I don't make internet purchases either). Anyway- I will have look at the ones you mentioned and have a bit of a play around if I get time this weekend and go from there.Ta, doc.

hi

just purchased the exact same phone last week and like you have been on a steep learning curve !!

I have found the easiest way to get apps is to go on the computer and use google search for android apps..........there are several sites that will come up and some specific to Australia....one that comes to mind is appbrain.com

There is a plethora of free apps that are very good and of course some you have to pay for.....just look around at them and select those that you want

I refuse to use my credit card on the phone and so far have downloaded a number of free apps that are absoultely brilliant...these range from financial stuff, weather, navigation, compass, spirit levels, dictionary, football, amazon kindle etc etc.

Two geocaching apps that are free you could look at are Geobeagle and C:Geo
these may suit you ok

what i do as to use the computer to search for the aps that are available, read user comments and once I decide what I might like i then go to the phone and click on the little green market app on the menu that came installed on the phone, put in the title on the magnifying glass search spot to search for the title and then download...all done in a flash and no charge

hope that is of some help to you

Regards

Graeme ( PS remember us? ..we just up the road)

Try going to the geocaching.com.au site (Aussie) and follow the links to the forum, there you will find a bunch of very friendly geocachers who can tell you the pros and cons of using your smartphone.

We have been geocaching since it's inception in Australia back in 2001 it's very addictive.

Quick plug - Oz Mega event 2012! We will all be there, last event was more than anyone every expected, we are doing the big trip again to be there.

Happy to answer any other geocaching questions if you PM me.

Cheers

Sue
Karratha WA

Team name - Team Pathfinder.

Best app free or paid by streets is
Androzic and its free
it is a direct ozi explorer rip off and is better than the actual ozi app.
It creates waypoints and track files that can be used on ozi explorer.
My androzic runs all the hema maps all the wa 50kin maps natmap 250k for all of oz and perth ubd as well as maos for every country town in wa
beyond question the best mapping app

Hey Oz Doc.

Have a look here Discussion of Motion X on Android for some informed chat on mapping on the Android.

The Galaxy S2 is a great phone. It should have , or for free be able to load, Google Maps and variants. Try them out and let us know.

What network are you on?

The best way to get to know your phone is to use it, look up problems or ask here for help.

Have fun and post your findings.

T

Hi
What is the Galaxy S2 reception like as you get further out of town.

I am looking at a new phone. I currently have a Nokia 6720 which has given me pretty good reception on my travels and around the farm.

The Galaxy S2 looks a good phone but does not have a blue tick. For that matter neither did the 6720 at the start.

The Nokia N9 looks OK and has a blue tick but has MeeGo which reviewers are doubtful about?
Lachie

Hi Oz doc,

FWIW I go the other way round with my phones.................so much so that my kids say that I'm a Smart user with a dumb phone.

I use my phone to ring people up to talk to them, that's it nothing more.
Anything else I use a hardcopy map and a GPS.................Lots less to learn for an old phart.

Disco.