If you want an affordable way to use Google Maps without the eye-strain of your cell phone screen, you can utilize the pseudo Kindle GPS feature. This is definitely an added benefit while you are on the go, and need directions to your next destination.
As you know, ereaders have different capabilities, so let’s take a closer look at the top ereaders, The Barnes & Noble Nook and the Amazon Kindle, and how they handle Google Maps.
Barnes and Noble Nook
The Barnes & Noble Nook does allow you to use Google Maps, but only when you are in a WiFi area. The Nook can only browse the internet through WiFi and not 3G. Although, WiFi hotspots are becoming the norm, you obviously still have limitations.
Amazon Kindle
In comparison to the Nook, the Kindle is much better at handling a browse through Google Maps because, well, it’s free and accessible while driving around. Here is the step-by-step method on how to use the pseudo Kindle GPS feature to get Google Maps:
1. Press the Menu button on the Kindle, select the “Experimental” option and the click on “Basic Web”. The basic web mode is perfect for text-only directions, and if you’re in a hurry it will be faster than using the “Advanced” or “Desktop Mode”.
2. You may want to “Clear Cache”, so you have more memory readily available for the web-browsing section.
3. Press the MENU button to pick “Go to Top” or “Enter URL”.
4. Next, type maps.google.com/m/directions.
5. Five-way to the right until you reach “Go To”. This should take you to the Google Maps text directions.
6. This is a good time to press the menu button to bookmark the page, so you don’t have to type the URL again.
7. Use the 5-way button to navigate through the “To” and “From” fields.
8. Use the 5-way button to choose one of these options: “By car”, “By transit”, “Walking” and “Bicycling”.
It is true that the ereader has changed the way we view books. It has made purchasing books fast and easy. Additionally, ereader manufacturers are coming up with other great advantages, and utilizing your ereader, such as the Kindle, to use Google Maps as a pseudo Kindle GPS unit is yet another.