GPS - Buy a GPS unit or get it on your phone?

Question

Pros of getting a dedicated GPS unit:

-1 time fee

- Battery only used for GPS (if used phone would have to constantly recharge phone after using as GPS device)

- larger screen

Cons of getting a dedicated GPS unit

- Maps don't auto-update

- 1 time fee is high

I guess there are more pros than cons, anyone?

Answer 1

Well, maybe for a car. As far as for a phone, I would say more "cons".  To me, it's just another way for companies such as Sprint/Nextel, to squeeze  more money out of your wallet. I mean, I know one of the "wonderful'' features of GPS can back up your contact data, storing up to  several hundred contacts at a time. When, in the event that you buy a new and updated device, GPS can seamlessly transfer all of your existing contact data to your new, expensive device. As far as locating  individuals and contacts on my family plan, if I really need to "locate" them, I will find them.  Oh, that's just what everyone needs in times of crisis- GPS services.

Answer 2

I strongly recommend the dedicated GPS.

The advantages as you state it.. the unit is dedicated to the job. It can live in your car, run from car power, and most units are smart enough to automatically turn on/off with the car (at least if, like in my car, the "accessory" power is cut when you turn off the car).

There are some other cool things in modern dedicated units. You can play MP3s, sometimes they link to your FM radio over FM. Some units have a hands-free function for your Bluetooth cellphone, which is getting important as states start to outlaw regular phone use. There's no missing a turn, either, because you're talking on the phone in the car.

Some even give you updates, if not automatically, then via sync with your computer (the Tom Tom unit I just bought for my Son's birthday lets users add into and change maps, so things can be updated regularly, probably more often than GPS, map, or phone companies do it).

I also have a problem with paying $10 a month or whatever... I can buy a basic GPS for under $120 with a much better screen than most cellphones... space on-screen really does matter for GPS use. The cellphone GPS needs to have network access to keep updated... if you lose service, you can run off the end of the current map and find yourself lost.

If you really want to spend money, you can get a couple different update services for the GPS, with realtime traffic and other things... never found it useful myself.