Sailor Dad

About two+ weeks ago I purchased a new BlackBerry Pearl, upgrading from my previous phone via Cingular / AT&T.  As soon as I got it setup, I was sure to download Google Maps and play with it. It uses a combination of GPS and cell tower signals to triangulate where you are in the world. I say world, but it may just be the United States; I haven’t any experience with my phone and Google Maps outside the US. It’s very useful and has all the features of Google Maps at home, but in a handy format. The best part is that it is free, except for whatever you pay to have your phone (airtime + data plans).

So the other day, I was on the way home from work and had the great idea to get some Arby’s. So I grabbed my phone, turned on Google Maps and ran a search for the closest one. I got the directions, but as I was driving down the road at the time, Google Maps tends to start the directions at an odd point, and I ended up getting off the freeway early and jammed up the directions. While I was trying to re-route myself onto the freeway, I was delayed by an accident that happened on the on-ramp to the 94 east, exactly the point I needed to continue on my journey. Since I was nearly in the middle of the accident I decided to take some pictures and post them on Twitter.

http://twitpic.com/9bw6 – It isn’t the greatest shot, but it’s my first ‘action shot’ with my new phone and I had it zoomed in in order to get a better shot at it. In case you can’t figure it out, that car is upside down.

The next day I was on my way to a MeetUp for folks that use Twitter in San Diego, dubbed SD Tweetup. I again used Google Maps to get me directions towards downtown to get some parking. Unfortunately, I had to go out of my way to hit an ATM and foolishly reacquired the directions which took me down a side street for some time to get onto the I-8 and then onto the 163 into downtown. Originally I had directions to take the 94 all the way into downtown. I wish I hadn’t changed the directions. While I did learn a new way around my neighborhood, it took me into traffic and the drive took longer than it should have.

In closing, I would recommend Google Maps if you have a phone that it supports. At the same time I would caution as to not overestimate the capabilities of the program, even though it is really great. And if you aren’t using Twitter yet, check it out and give it a try. You may follow me (@SailorDad) if you want, but introduce yourself or you might end up getting blocked.