6 Reasons why a standalone GPS makes sense
For the most part I’m a fan of convergence, when it makes sense — like a video game system that can also play movies or a digital SLR camera that can shoot high-def video — but when it comes to GPS in your cell phone, there are some advantages to segregating the two technologies.
For the most part I'm a fan of convergence, when it makes sense — like a video game system that can also play movies or a digital SLR camera that can shoot high-def video — but when it comes to GPS in your cell phone, there are some advantages to segregating the two technologies.
As you may or may not know, you can pick up a standalone GPS navigation unit to mount in your car or, depending on your smartphone, add a service that lets you navigate city streets on the same device.
While I sometimes use GPS Nav on my Blackberry Curve from Bell Mobility (sometimes referred to as TeleNav, with other carriers), having GPS on your smartphone isn't always better than a standalone GPS unit.
Here's why it might pay to buy a separate GPS device:
1. They're much cheaper. You can now pick up a brand-name, feature-rich GPS navigation unit for $120 or so — and with no monthly costs. Compared this to a cell phone-based GPS service that costs about $10 per month to use (in other words, one year of service is equal to a one-time fee for a standalone unit).
2. Bigger screen, and mountable. Let's face it — when you're quickly glancing at your GPS device while behind the wheel — er, hopefully while at a red light — it's easier to see the map when it's 3- or 4- (or more) inches on a standalone unit, which is likely bigger than your phone's screen. Plus, the standalone GPS comes with a dashboard or windshield mount.
3. It's not all about you. Let's say your significant other has a business meeting or lunch date in an unfamiliar part of the city. Lend them your car — or the GPS unit itself — and they can benefit from the turn-by-turn navigation and you get to keep your phone with you, where it belongs. In other words, GPS on your phone is good for you, but not anyone else in the family.
4. Servicing issues. What happens if something goes wrong with your phone and it needs to be sent in for repairs? Or what if it's lost or stolen? Now you're without both your phone and your GPS device. This is a problem with any convergence solutions, of course, but it could be aggravating to find yourself lost in your car because your GPS isn't there.
5. Battery life. Having GPS mavigation on your phone is convenient as it's all in one device and you can easily carry it with you on foot, but it's no secret having GPS on your phone can seriously drain the battery. After all, you're now using more than one radio on your phone (GPS, along with cellular wireless and perhaps Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi) so it can take a toll on the battery.
6. Multitasking ain't so easy. What happens when you get a call on your cell phone that you're using for GPS? It temporarily disables the navigation unit until you get off the phone and reconnect with satellites. Problem is, when you're in the car and need the GPS to get where you're going, you might not want to take the call in case you miss your exit. With a standalone GPS unit, this isn't an issue.
Umm… GPS on the iPhone?
1) Cheaper, but not if you already own an iPhone.
2) iPhone screen is plenty big, and there are car mounting kits available
3) It's not all about you – very valid point.
4) Servicing issues – valid point, but should be an infrequent issue.
5) Cigarette lighter adapter…
Hey chzplz,
Good points but keep in mind iPhone doesn't offer voice-based turn-by-turn directions — yet (both Navigon and TomTom have it coming soon). It does have Google Maps, of course (now with a digital compass).
Cheers,
Marc
Marc, you also forgot to mention that standalone GPS can receive traffic information on a regular basis and can re-calculate the route so that you don't get stuck in slow-moving traffic.
Something GPS functions on cellphones are also unable to do.
To my knowledge Garmin has had this function on several units for quite a while now.
Why does noone ever comment on the quality of maps and directions on GPS devices? Isn't that what they are all about? It seems assumed they are any good when in fact they are quite poor as they all draw from virtually the same provider, which also supplies web based information — at least 2 – 3 years behind in most cases and full of errors.
Hi John,
Actually, my "GPS Nav" for BlackBerry (on Bell Mobility) has real-time traffic updates built-in!
Marc
Samsung Jack has built in GPS. I have Garmin XT which works with this phone, my palm or my laptop. There is a version that also works with a blackberry. Some good points about screen size above but for the most part i am not hampered with the screen size on the Samsung or palm. I have been a user of GPS on various devices for several years (8 or 9). The Samsung Jack can be set up, as mentioned in the article above to use the internal GPS by using the internet. I have never used it this way as yes, it does cost money. It can also be used to use the external Garmin xt GPS without any kind of internet connection. This requires that it comunicate with the external GPS via bluetooth and also requires an extra cable to ensure that both your phone and external GPS do not run out of battery power. I, however do not use the external GPS with the phone, only with the laptop and the palm. I do however use the internal GPS of the Phone with the Garmin program, thereby eliminating both the external XT and additional power cord requirement. You do have to unlock the phone in order to setup this way but there are ample instructions on the web to do this.
Also, i have never had my GPS stop functioning when a call comes in. And i do have my phone mounted quite nicely as well.
I turn off the GPS after arriving at my destination to save battery life so i don't have an issue there either.
Since i do have a functioning palm (or laptop which i can also mount both of) and the external GPS using the same program and maps, servicing is also not an issue should my phone go down, which to date and knock on wood, has not happened.
Just additional to my previous point on the the Samsung Jack. It does turn by turn voice and will use the 3G interface to check for traffic and road conditions with the Garmin interface for either the internal or the external GPS connection.
Hi, I have a new FORD EDGE with a GPS system built in from the factory but also have a Garmin. The system in the car is great until you fly somewhere and rent then you are out of luck. Yes I know they will rent you one but after one week of vacation my rental fee would have bought me one.
Only way to go is to get a hand held one………f.s.
I own a Garmin. Love it!. Cell phone screens are too small to track routes. My Garmin is usually right on routes & info. Why tie up cell-phone when the stand-alone device can be situated on the dash in view.
Could you please recommend your top two affordable ($120.)GPS standalone systems? Thank you.
Hi marilyn,
I'm a fan of Garmin and TomTom, myself. Also check out deals on http://www.redflagdeals.com and http://www.pricecanada.com
Best,
Marc
Is there a GPS system for truckers? I have been using a magellan system and it has taken me down some pretty crappy roads and through residental areas. I know that there are truckers maps which show height, width and weight restrictions, if the p.o.i. could be replaced with card-locks and truck stops or truck freindly/accessible parking, eating, etc and it should be able to get you in and out of any industial area without taking you through the middle of town, aresidential area or a school zone
Great advice, some of your questions never crossed my mind, I was just about to go & sign up for a 3 deal plan with my cell provider.
Thank you
I agree, I have had both built in units and stand alone. the built in units are expensive and out of date when you buy them. I have owned two different TOM TOMs and love them. Garmin is also good but I give TOM TOM the nod for user friendly and ease of use.
I have a GPS mount on my car and it better than a phone because it better to see infront of you so you don't have to take your eye off the road and look on your phone. If you at a point where you realy need GPS and the phone ring the screen will go blank,so in that case the GPS is bettet.
To Jeff who asked about a GPS system for truckers. In a prior life I worked for the following company who has such a product. Enclosed is the link http://www.alk.com/pcmiler/
CoPilot Truck is I believe what you should be looking at…
Dan
I want to buy a gps for my husband for his birthday – do they work on a skidoo and a quad as well as in the car ?
Good info…but which GPS is the best to buy? The easiest to use, and reliable? I am looking for one for my husbands birthday…that I could borrow!
On the safety side there are now several GPS units with Blue Tooth technology allowing hands free communication while maintaining the functionality of the navigation system.
a few months ago I bought a new car and went for the much more expensive in-dash GPS system because at the time, there was a lot of talk in the provice of Ontario about banning all hand held electronic devices from cars while driving including cell phones, MP3 players, and portable GPS units. I haven't heard any recent news, but something to look into if you're planning to buy one of these devices.
I can't say that the in-dash GPS is a lot safer, but there are some function that symply won't work while the car is in motion, and the Microsoft Sync voice activation works very well.