Can I use unactivated Iphone 3gs as dedicated bike computer?
 

I have a friend with a older iphone 3gs, it is in decent shape.. Most of the better bike mounts seem to be iphone specific.. I was thinking that I could use this as a dedicated bike computer using strava or Map my ride..

I know I have to wait to upload data when I have a wifi signal, but has anyone done this with an older inactivated phone?

You could do it. But you probably wouldn't have a map on it and you'd have to spend money on a ANT+ adaptor if you wanted other info like cadence or heart rate.

As long as you have it, just try it and find out.

J.

wouldn't the gps function still work on a phone - activating just gives you data and phone capabilities, or am I wrong on this.

Without a cellular plan the phone won't be able to download/update maps while you ride. If you use an iOS app that allows you to download and permanently store the map before you begin, using WiFi, you're all set. Or don't use the app's map function at all, and just have the GPS-based speed, distance and tracking functions while you ride.

just found out that the 3gs does not have a trued internal gps chip.. It uses wifi and cell towers to co-ordinate your location. I guess I would have to find an iphone 4 to do this or maybe a lesser expensive android phone..

AFAIK, the 3GS does indeed have a GPS receiver (I used to have one). In normal uses it combines GPS with info from cell towers and wifi, but in the absence of cell/wifi signals I'm pretty sure it still works off GPS alone. http://gizmodo.com/5015930/giz-expla...iphone-3gs-gps


FWIW: The Android app OSMand allows downloading OS maps to the phone so a data connection is not needed for viewing maps and nav while on the road. Does lots of other stuff too. http://osmand.net/

The 3g doesn't have an internal GPS. The 3gs does.

That said, install a GPS app on the phone and get a mount for it and it should be fine, minus the battery life issues that such devices tend to suffer from when used like this, especially since most of the 3gs's are getting older now and suffering from even worse battery life.

If you want maps, you'll need a GPS app that includes maps. Google Maps won't work, as it requires an Internet connection.

Another option would be to trade the phone for a handheld GPS unit with maps -- the street values are about the same ($80 or so?), but the handheld GPS will probably have better battery life and won't require buying any apps.