GPS on a phone vs. handheld GPS?

Question

The story:

I will be moving to California in July and am worried about living with relatives and all. I don't really expect my relatives and friends to keep driving me around so I am thinking of getting a device --- any device that will help me get acquainted with the area, can guide me while walking in between the house to a bart station or what not. (no, I don't drive)

I am a new graduate and am currently looking for jobs --- so you can imagine how much I need to get around.

And just for more information, I haven't seen America since I was six and am currently in Michigan. So you can imagine the difference and my utter need for guidance.

I am open to any device that I can put in my bag.

No -- no paper maps, please. I get lost faster that way.

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Yeah it is hard to get around in Michigan without driving specially in the city. The phone units work great with one very large catch, they make you pay monthly to use it.  I say this is a catch because GPS location services are free for hand held units and it is far from fair for phone companies to monopolize on a free service like this.