I am curious as to why a stand alone GPS still seems to be so popular. What with smart phones and tablets being readily available I would think that the stand alone units would sort of fade away. I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone for using whatever works for them. We all have our preferences.I am just wondering if I am missing some info that I could get with a GPS that I am not getting with my Droid phone.RichH

Was thinking of getting a stand alone because i hate my iphone gps and i hate when people call and text which i get way to much. My iphone has gave me wrong directions or would take me the long way. Im tech savy too and i love it just hate my phone for direction, i like everthing else that i can do with it.

the required data package to use a Phone as a GPS is the problem. the cost of a data package will be expensive.

The DW (aka the navigator) thought her smart phone was just fine, but after two years of it she now wants a tablet with cell connection.The phones are too small for detail. Then if you set them down for a moment and pick it back up, you always touch something, either a button or the screen that you shouldn't have and then it takes you several minutes to get back to the screen you want and meanwhile you've gone by a turn. It all gets much worse if the driver is trying to use a smart phone in traffic.Buy something like the Garmin 760 with a large screen and mount it so the driver can see and listen to it if they want. Why create stress trying to use a phone as a GPS.And a GPS for truck or MHs like the 760 will help keep you off of roads you might not want to be on with a large MH - single lane roads, small bridges, low overheads, weight restrictions, etc. A cell phone won't do that.And using the phone as a GPS with Google maps drains the battery rather quickly.Get a phone to talk on and do emails or texts, get a GPS if you want a GPS..........Bill

I got a GPS when my phone carrier started charging for voice GPS. And as mentioned above, the screen is too small to really see the details and I certainly wasn't going to pay for the ability to add voice directions.My phone's screen also fades out after a few minutes if I don't touch the screen or a button - so while driving, it can be a pain.But I've never been a fan of multi-use electronics. If you use your cell phone for music, GPS, camera, and phone, and the screen goes bad - you have nothing. With a separate GPS, mp3, phone and camera, if the screen on the phone goes bad, I can still use all the other functions.

My Tom-Tom was given to me years ago by our kids....to use on our cross country trips. A simple "better use it or else" situation. No problem...I use it as intended.Just got a 'droid tablet with google maps. Experimenting with it, some routes are different than the Tom-Tom...but OK. It is also "bluetooth"...my radio is "bluetooth"...so I gotta figure out how to connect them. IF they are compatible. Right know, experimenting with the tablet, after a certain amount of time, the screen DOES go off...but at every turn, comes back on. Not aware that VERIZON charges for "voice gps" on the tablet...just air time.

GPS Why not a smart phone? | Good Sam Community

156 Replies

SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
SaltiDawg wrote:
whjco wrote:
The problem with using a phone for a GPS is when you're in a big city with a lot of sequential turns and then get a phone call which puts the GPS into the background. This never happens with a dedicated GPS unit.

So, you want to Simultaneously talk on your phone And listen to and follow directions while driving?

My in-dash NAV will not let me do that... which I view as a good thing! :S
Mine will.. It operates exactly the same as the iPhone with internal GPS as mentioned above.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
whjco wrote:
The problem with using a phone for a GPS is when you're in a big city with a lot of sequential turns and then get a phone call which puts the GPS into the background. This never happens with a dedicated GPS unit.
Gee, mine works just fine when on the phone. I can clearly hear the person on the phone as well as the navigation prompts, and this happens often when traveling for work.
jayw900
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
I've had good luck with just the iPhone gps but I also have a tom tom and a paper map for those "just in case" moments. However, I use common sense as well. Like not following the gps blindly.
SaltiDawg
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
whjco wrote:
The problem with using a phone for a GPS is when you're in a big city with a lot of sequential turns and then get a phone call which puts the GPS into the background. This never happens with a dedicated GPS unit.

So, you want to Simultaneously talk on your phone And listen to and follow directions while driving?

My in-dash NAV will not let me do that... which I view as a good thing! :S
whjco
Explorer
Feb 16, 2016
The problem with using a phone for a GPS is when you're in a big city with a lot of sequential turns and then get a phone call which puts the GPS into the background. This never happens with a dedicated GPS unit.
NinerBikes
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
I used to own stock in Garmin. It's great in airplanes and ships.

IMHO, there are better options on land if you are within range of cell phone sites, since Google Maps will tell you current traffic conditions, as will WAZE. But you will be tracked at all times with a smart phone. All times.

But at least you have options.
wing_zealot
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
aguablanco wrote:
wing_zealot wrote:
I guess I must belong to the flat earth society because I prefer to use my GPS.
On the other hand --
Maybe it means I have different preferences than everyone else; I'm not one of the Sheeple that has to follow the crowd.

Definition of sheeple "people compared to sheep in being docile, foolish, or easily led." So by using the latest technology we are now to be insulted? Really? Reminds me of the term Luddite defined as "One who fears technology (or new technology, as they seem pleased with how things currently are...why can't everything just be the same?) Why do you feel it is necessary to justify your decision by denigrating others? The only constant is change.
RichH
Gee, that's funny you didn't say anything about the guy calling us "Flat Earth Society" because we prefer to use a GPS. Then you turn around and call me a Luddite. Sounds like you got a bad case of Hypocrisy.
aguablanco
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
wing_zealot wrote:
I guess I must belong to the flat earth society because I prefer to use my GPS.
On the other hand --
Maybe it means I have different preferences than everyone else; I'm not one of the Sheeple that has to follow the crowd.

Definition of sheeple "people compared to sheep in being docile, foolish, or easily led." So by using the latest technology we are now to be insulted? Really? Reminds me of the term Luddite defined as "One who fears technology (or new technology, as they seem pleased with how things currently are...why can't everything just be the same?) Why do you feel it is necessary to justify your decision by denigrating others? The only constant is change.
RichH
wing_zealot
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
I guess I must belong to the flat earth society because I prefer to use my GPS.
On the other hand --
Maybe it means I have different preferences than everyone else; I'm not one of the Sheeple that has to follow the crowd.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
WILDEBILL308 wrote:
NinerBikes wrote:
WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Yes but in Texas today it was 72.:B
Bill

That's it? That's all you got? It was 83 where I was in the city of Los Angeles today.

What do I need? I am in Texas and you are in Los Angeles. :D
You wine about how bad Texas is but you are in Los Angeles. :R
Bill
Well, you DO have real BBQ. I have to import my rub and Sause from Texas since we on the coast have no clue so I roll my own in the smoker.

Forum Discussion

GPS Why not a smart phone?

156 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

phone-based GPS

Motor Home GPS Phone AP

gps

phone-based GPS

Using Cell Phone As Your GPS