GPS advise

None of the stand-along GPS units like Garmin use any data while in use. Be it handheld, dash mounted or bike mounted they just have a battery that will go dead eventually but simply use the "free" signal coming from the GPS satellites.
If yo want a map to use on your phone instead of a stand-alone you can use Google Maps. You do a one time download in the area you will be traveling and it will work just fine even if you have the phones data connection turned off.

gemert wrote:

Fizz wrote:
I don't know about non Apple products but...
My iPad is cellular with a GPS chip.
I don't use it cellular wise, not even registered.
The GPS is independent and works perfectly, even better than my old Garmin.
This goes for any iphone.

I used my phone once. It took my 21 Tons onto a road with a 3 Ton limit. It was not comfortable backing back out onto the road when I noticed the sign. I always use my Garmin RV-GPS now.

Co-Pilot has an RV version, but like you, I do prefer my Garmin for RV use.

Fizz wrote:
I don't know about non Apple products but...
My iPad is cellular with a GPS chip.
I don't use it cellular wise, not even registered.
The GPS is independent and works perfectly, even better than my old Garmin.
This goes for any iphone.

I used my phone once. It took my 21 Tons onto a road with a 3 Ton limit. It was not comfortable backing back out onto the road when I noticed the sign. I always use my Garmin RV-GPS now.

diver57 wrote:
hello

I was looking for a hand held GPS or maybe and app that does not use data when using it.
I need this for when I pull into a city and go for a bike ride or a walk, so I know how to get back to my starting point.

The Co-Pilot app can download regional maps or the complete North America map for use off-line. Set to walking mode, it works well for finding your way back to your starting point even if you stray off of roadways.

Maxi Signal wrote:

If using a cellular device for GPS , there are couple things to keep in mind . 1) The use of data is a must with any GPS app to work . 2) It will not be as accurate as an actual GPS as it Triangulates the cellular towers in your vicinity for location . A GPS device uses an actual satellite so it is more accurate.

There are some older cell phones that only used tower triangulation, and possibly some very low end phones that still do, but nearly all current phones, especially smartphones, do have a GPS receiver built in. Tower triangulation is normally only used when too many GPS sats are blocked for accuracy. Below is a screen shot from the "GPS Test" app on my Android phone. Note that it was using 11 satellites of the 20 in view in the screen capture.

We've had good success with our Tom-Tom (Click here.) We purchased ours from WallMart about 2 years ago, had to replace the previous one, which lasted over 10 years.

Tom-Tom works very well. Doesn't require any band-width like on an I-phone or SmartPhone using the Internet, and works very well in those spots where cell phone reception reaches a dead-spot, since it uses positioning by 7 different satellites all at the same time.

In a pinch, we use our Smartphones and Google Maps. But you are correct, that takes bandwidth and eat up your on your data plan.

I don't know about non Apple products but...
My iPad is cellular with a GPS chip.
I don't use it cellular wise, not even registered.
The GPS is independent and works perfectly, even better than my old Garmin.
This goes for any iphone.

Garmin offers some good handhelds that have good topographical maps.
GPS store
Most apps require data so I agree a self contained unit is best.

diver57 wrote:
hello

I was looking for a hand held GPS or maybe and app that does not use data when using it.
I need this for when I pull into a city and go for a bike ride or a walk, so I know how to get back to my starting point.

If using a cellular device for GPS , there are couple things to keep in mind . 1) The use of data is a must with any GPS app to work . 2) It will not be as accurate as an actual GPS as it Triangulates the cellular towers in your vicinity for location . A GPS device uses an actual satellite so it is more accurate.

Probably depends on where/how you are going to use it. Can't direct you to an app, but can tell you I have two GPS's and have used both to find my way back depending on where I am.

Normal car GPS will work great in a city as it gives you streets/blocks. Doesn't have to be fancy to do this. Won't work too good in parks on trails as it only recognizes roads, so you might not want to go where it wants you to go.

I also have a hiking GPS (Garmin Etrex 30) for going out in the woods. Does a good job for direction/distance etc. Only catch is, if you want to see the terrain you are walking, you have to pay for the maps of the area you are in (about 6 areas in the US @ about $100 each area). But this detail lets you know where the trails are, bodies of water you have to walk around, etc.

Again, depends on what you really need it for.