Another post by Ian, a fellow Google enthusiast.

First of all, I just have to say that I am really sorry for not posting anything for the past two weeks. My day job has been quite taxing at the very least and I have had to stay at the office till the wee wee hours: around 8 to 10 pm. So, dear readers, I ask you to accept my most sincere apology...even though it wasn’t my fault.

Google Maps. Downloaded this little gem for my Nokia 5800 a little less than a week ago and my original opinion hasn’t changed since then: it beats the hay out of the pre-installed Nokia Maps 2.0.

For one thing, Google Maps is fast. It can locate my position within 30 meters in less than a minute whilst Nokia Maps clocked in at a very disappointing 5 minutes. This is probably because Google Maps, apart from GPS signals, also uses timing signals from the cellular network towers in the area. This means you can still see your position indoors. An added bonus with using a Google navigation app is access to Google Earth topography. That is, searchable satellite shots of any area you happen to be viewing are downloaded straight to your phone. Included also are all user created bookmarks on Google Earth. Of course, you’d need internet access to get the images but once they’re there the maps stay in memory. A 3G or HSDPA connection would be ideal. GPRS is okay but would definitely take longer to load.

I activated Google Maps on the shuttle on my way home from work last Friday. I couldn’t help but feel really cool as I watched my location being updated every few meters. Also came in handy this Saturday when I and Renee were looking for Robinson’s Mall at Sta. Rosa.

This is one app that’s definitely for keeps. Good thing it’s free as are most apps from Google. Gone are the days when I ask for directions from Chowking security guards and jeepney drivers. Metro Manila will never again seem so daunting.