Interestingly New Zealand *almost* banned using phones as GPS devices even in a cradle
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/28/new-zealand-iphone-gps-ban-considered-then-overturned/
Use of them while driving even in-cradle may be banned in Australia however
http://www.roadrules.vicroads.vic.gov.au/14_faq_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html
Which is probably good given how even phone-free conversations interfere with driving
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/phone-driving--drink-driving-20090618-clp5.html
Although there's not much comment on what happens if the passenger is talking on the phone whilst someone else is driving!
Yeah, it's an interesting problem - it seems painfully clear to me that people talking on mobile phones are significantly worse drivers during that time. And that seems to apply whether or not they're using the handset - it's a mental bandwidth problem, not so much a physical dexterity problem.
But at the same time, things like GPSes make driving significantly safer, I believe, because they provide the kind of directions that let drivers drive more calmly and predictably.
And I can't really see there being any way of limiting phone usage in the car significantly without a serious crackdown, which would probably result in a backlash of its own. People simply won't see themselves as being in more danger for "just a quick call."
Right: until paper maps or map printouts are banned, only criminals will know where they are going.
And then there's scandals like this: http://binarybonsai.com/2009/09/29/tomtom-apple-i-want-my-money-back/
Summary: Whine whine, apple/tom tom will not refund my money. Well, no, I did not actually ASK for a refund.
I was really looking forward to the car kit, but £100 is way too expensive. I was thinking around £40 to make the whole package £100 total.
It will be interesting to see how many 3rd parties now step up to the plate and how long TomTom can justify the cost.
Navigon seems to get better reviews and a 3rd party car kit maybe the way to go. Sounds like the iPhone does need some help on the GPS front so the cradles having GPS seems like a good idea.
Any word on if the TomTom car kit will work with an iPod Touch?
There have been rumors that it would since it has a GPS chip that the iPod Touch lacks.
Seems like one of those things that's good in theory but in reality not really worth the considerable expense of both the software and hardware kit. I'd rather stick with my Garmin GPS and use the iphone for car entertainment. Secret agent music from SOMA FM anyone?
