Drive with confidence with a Bad Elf GPS for Vehicle Navigation!
Photograph by shirokazan
The Bad Elf GPS turns your iPod touch, iPad or iPhone into a powerful navigation device for your vehicle. The AppStore offers a selection of excellent navigation apps. The Bad Elf GPS frees you to change your preferred navigation app over time. You are not stuck with a special purpose GPS device or locked into a specific app, because of your GPS hardware selection. iTunes makes updating navigation apps easy, which means simple map updates. The Bad Elf GPS includes a small keychain lanyard so that it is always at the ready for you next trip.
We collected a list of apps and accessories that enhance your vehicle navigation experience. Suggest other apps or accessories through the feedback link.
You will want to consider three accessories to augment your iOS device as an in-vehicle navigation system:
- Mount your device safely and securely within the vehicle, so you can keep your eyes on the road
- Power your device from the vehicle, so you will not drain your device battery
- Connect your device to the vehicle audio system, so you can listen to music too
Mounting Accessories
Much like with dedicated single purpose navigation units, you can mount your device in a variety of ways – use a windshield suction cup, a weighted base, a cup holder, or even insert the mount into the vents! The right choice depends on your vehicle design and your personal preference. Please note that some US States have laws prohibiting the use of windshield mounts. Make sure the option you select is legal where you live. We present a starting point for your investigation below.
Power Accessories
Your Bad Elf GPS includes a micro USB cable to provide power to your iOS device from an external power source, such as your vehicle. You will need to look at your vehicle to determine if you need one of these adapters in order to provide power. Some newer vehicles include USB power outlets and will work out of the box, while older vehicles will require purchase of a cigarette lighter power to USB adapter. Please note that the iPad requires more power than the iPhone or iPod touch to charge. If you own an iPad, make sure to select a USB adapter specifically designed for the iPad.
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Scosche reVIVE II Dual USB Car Charger for iPad |
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Kensington PowerBolt Duo Car Charger (K33497US) |
Newer cars may also have a standard power plug or even a USB power plug point. If your vehicle includes a USB plug for power, you do not need any adapters, you will be able to plug the micro USB cable directly into the vehicle. If your vehicle has a standard (wall) power plug for your country, then you only need a USB adapter compatible with your country’s plug design. The following adapters are for US style power plugs, so be sure to pick the equivalent adapter for your country.
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Apple USB Power Adapter (MB352LL/C) for iPod touch and iPhone |
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Apple 10W USB Power Adapter for iPad |
Audio Accessories
The Bad Elf GPS makes use of the 30-pin dock connector in order to provide GPS information to your iOS device. This limits the audio accessory options available to route music from your iOs device into your audio system. If your vehicle has an audio or aux-in line, you can simply run a standard audio cable from your iOS device audio jack directly into the line in jack. However, if your lacks this option, you will likely need to rely on an FM transmitter. There are a variety of FM-Transmitters on the market today and many require access to the 30-pin dock connector. We have collected a list of options that do not rely on the 30-pin dock connector, so that you can use your Bad Elf GPS and listen to your music through the vehicle audio system at the same time.
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Aerielle i2i FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod and MP3 Players |
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BTC8 Bluetooth FM Transmitter with wireless music streaming & Hands Free Calling |
General Bad Elf Reviews
- Amazon Reviews (various)
- Cio.com, Finding yourself with a Bad Elf (12/2/2011)
- Pocket GPS World, Bad Elf iOS GPS Dongle Review (9/7/2011)
- About.com, Easy GPS Upgrade for iPad, iPod (5/28/2011)
- Wired Gadget Lab, “Tiny Dock-Dongle Adds GPS to iPad, iPod Touch” (10/19/2010)
- Geeky Gadgets, “Bad Elf Adds GPS to iPad and iPod” (10/18/2010)
- Engadget Germany, “Bad Elf Dongle bringt GPS auf iPad und iPod touch” (10/18/2010)
