Using iPhones with GPS navigators
updated 11:55 am EDT, Wed July 25, 2007
iPhones & GPS units
An Italian website is offering suggestions for using the iPhone with car-based GPS units, specifically TomTom's x10 series. The iPhone has no internal navigation support; when connected to a device like the TomTom 910, the most that can be done is a live reading of directions. The best use of a TomTom may therefore be calling functions, since by pairing with an iPhone via Bluetooth, it can then sync with Address Book contacts. This allows the unit to quickly make calls through a readily-available list. To turn a GPS unit into a speakerphone, meanwhile, users can select the appropriate audio output on the iPhone.
Making use of the iPod functions with a TomTom requires a special $35 connector, but will allow owners to browse artists, albums, podcasts and playlists from the unit without reaching down. The connector also does not directly support the iPhone, but there appears to be no penalty to leaving Airplane Mode off, and music is silenced as calls are received.
