Schmaps for iPhone: Review

iPhone handy?  www.schmap.com

Purpose:   A map service which is integrated with guide content. For example, you can search "top 16 restaurants" in New York City and get a list of restaurants – integrated with photos, brief reviews, contact information, and most importantly, a map.

Analysis:

Select your city. (click to enlarge)

Select a category among the Guide Contents: (City Info, Tours, Attractions, Activities, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Coffee & Tea, Art & Fun, Shopping, Services, Festivals) (click to enlarge)

Once a category is chosen, select whether to search "By Category" or "By District"  (click to enlarge)

When searching by category:

First comes a list… (click to enlarge)

Underneath each title is a brief description of the bar/club. By clicking on the image or title, several photos of the location are shown. (click to enlarge)

From the list menu, simply flip your iPhone horizontally to bring up the Map Screen. (click to enlarge)

At this point, treat the system just as you would treat Google Maps. Click on the location for contact info.

When doing a "Local Search"… (click to enlarge)

Enter your city and a keyword to receive the same type of list as before. (click to enlarge)

Once again, flip your iPhone to receive a map. Scroll down the list on the right and the map will automatically update. (click to enlarge)

The help menu isn’t very extensive but it gives a brief explanation of Schamps. (click to enlarge)

The Verdict: The Schmaps Web App provides an excellent service by combining intuitive guide content with Google Maps. However, the majority of iPhone users would be absolutely fine just using Google Maps. But remember – you love showing off cool iPhone tricks to your friends. And having a map magically appear and disappear just by rotating your iPhone is a very cool trick indeed.

What says the…

Geek: I’ll keep this handy dandy app bookmarked…I could use a few tips on where to find the city’s hotspots.

Socialite: I guess I need "Schmap" telling me what bars & clubs to go to. I should be telling them where to go.

Soccer Mom: Schmap. That’s funny.