Automotive App of the Week: MapQuest 4 Mobile

With free smartphone navigation apps offering so many features and so much functionality, it's getting harder to justify paying for a nav app. MapQuest 4 Mobile, a free iPhone and BlackBerry app from the trusted Internet mapping provider of the same name is a perfect example of getting something for nothing to help drivers get on their way and also find what they're looking for along the way.

If you've ever used MapQuest.com you'll likely find the mobile app version easy and familiar. In addition to providing voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, the app also has a useful and customizable POI "scroll" along the bottom that allows quickly finding businesses and services. And the app also has local search and a few features found only on most paid nav apps.

These include the ability to calculate a route based on the shortest distance, shortest time and to avoid highways and toll roads. The app also provides traffic info that can be added to a route at the touch of an onscreen icon with the iPhone app, as well drag-and-pan maps for the device. The BlackBerry version adds 2D/aerial maps.

Before shelling out cash for a paid nav app, download and use the MapQuest 4 Mobile apps first. You have nothing to lose and it may just save you from getting lost.