GPS: Finding the right one
The choice of a suitable GPS device really come down to one of three options. WE take a look.
The choice of a suitable GPS device really come down to one of three options. WE take a look.
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Finding the right GPS
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briantw
Well-Known Member
I hate to say it, but "the choice between GPSes comes down to one of three options."
technofool
Senior Member
I have heard that the GPSes on cellphones (eg. Nokia 5800 & N97) are almost unusable because they jump about so badly. Must be due to bad reception or slow processors or inferior software.
Which cellphones have stable GPSes that can match the dedicated units?
Which cellphones have stable GPSes that can match the dedicated units?
I've tried a few different packages on my E90 and they are all pretty accurate and reliable in operation and do a good job IMO.
Gekco
Expert Member
Using a Garmin Colorado 300.
Admittedly it was primarily designed for Outdoor/Hiking/Boating purposes.
But it works just as well for road Nav. (No Voice prompts.. just a beeping sound and visual indicator as you approach a turn on your route... But much more versatile for other uses.. And you can download the road safety database warning you of fixed and mobile camera emplacements.)
Your GPS accuracy will be much better than on a cell phone device.
Admittedly it was primarily designed for Outdoor/Hiking/Boating purposes.
But it works just as well for road Nav. (No Voice prompts.. just a beeping sound and visual indicator as you approach a turn on your route... But much more versatile for other uses.. And you can download the road safety database warning you of fixed and mobile camera emplacements.)
Your GPS accuracy will be much better than on a cell phone device.
DigitalSoldier
Honorary Master
Have no complains with my Omnia but it comes with Garmin installed.
Any GPS is just as good as the software installed on it. If the maps don't get updated frequently it's not really a good buy as the information then cannot be trusted and you could wound up up the creek with no paddle (As litterally happened before).
Also, if these map updates are not free you should look at alternatives, because it could cost >R1,000 to do this then every time a new update comes out.
Many features like audio/video playing can usually be added afterwards if the device does not support it out of the box, so don't stare yourself blind against these and fork out more cash just for this.
Also, if these map updates are not free you should look at alternatives, because it could cost >R1,000 to do this then every time a new update comes out.
Many features like audio/video playing can usually be added afterwards if the device does not support it out of the box, so don't stare yourself blind against these and fork out more cash just for this.
InTheCube
Expert Member
Definitely NOT the Nokia N95. Takes forever to connect to a GPS satellite, anywhere between 2 and 15 minutes, if at all. By the time it connects, either you don't need it anymore, or it's too late, or you get so frustrated that you feeling smashing your phone into a Metro cops head.
Also, if it does actually connect when you need it to, the battery only lasts for about 30min to an hour, and that's when its fully charged. The 3G/HSDPA connection (for A-GPS) and the GPS device connection chows the battery dead in no time.
For any real world usage, you need a dedicated GPS unit. Phones really suck as GPS devices.
jannievdberg
Well-Known Member
Im thinking of buying the Tomtom XL Classic. Can anyone give me feedback on this GPS?
LancelotSA
Banned
Your personal experience!
I use Garmin XT on my Nokia N82 for work purposes when meeting with clients. I usually start up Garmin on my way out to the car and by the time I have climbed in and got the car started it is ready to direct me.
For long trips to Joburg etc I use the car cellphone charger and have no problems with dying batteries. A-GPS is only implemented when you first start up your GPS unit as far as I am aware so not sure how this is being blamed for the battery life.
By the way I had the N95 prior to the N82, and yes the N82 is superior but I cannot say my experience with the N95 was that bad either.
I have absolutely no issues using my cellphone as a GPS device. I think the old computer tech issue of PICNIC comes to mind...
Gekco
Expert Member
GPS on cell phones are like cameras on cell phones.
There is a difference between dedicated DSLR Cameras/Dedicated GPS and a cell phone...
Compare a Nikon/Canon DSLR to a Cell phone camera.
Compare a Garmin GPS to a cell phone GPS.
There is a difference between dedicated DSLR Cameras/Dedicated GPS and a cell phone...
Compare a Nikon/Canon DSLR to a Cell phone camera.
Compare a Garmin GPS to a cell phone GPS.
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Carbon_Fibre
Expert Member
My 5800 works pretty well. The detail on Nokia Maps is not up to scratch but the gps works brilliantly
perelson
Active Member
There is a 4th option that I use - not a dedicated GPS device, and also not a cellphone. I have an iPaq pda linked via bluetooth to a Garmin GPS10 receiver. This means that the pda can be used for routing. The Garmin software on the iPaq is very good compared to my wife's dedicated Garmin unit. But, it is pretty unstable and can take a few reset's of the pda to get it going properly.
LancelotSA
Banned
There is absolutely no difference between a point and shoot camera and the camera on a cellphone. That would be a more valid comparison! By comparing a Canon DSLR you are no longer comparing apples with apples.
A dedicated GPS gets you where you want to go, so does the GPS on my cellphone. I have custom POIs, the latest Africa series 2009 maps, speed alerts, it shows me all places of interest, voice directions sound identical to my father's dedicated Garmin device... not sure what else I would want/need really?
Oh, and I have Tom Tom, Garmin XT and Nokia Maps on my phone to choose from... I just so happen to prefer the Garmin software.
AND... my cellphone goes with my in my pocket when I leave my car anyway. One less advertisement for a would be thief to break my window...
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KhoisanX
Expert Member
rudirautenbach
Senior Member
I use:
Garmin GPSMap 60CSx for outdoor use. Has no voice prompts but excellent rugged design for accidental drops, rain etc
Garmin Nuvi 710 for wife's car. Probably the best unit Garmin ever released, its large touch screen is easy to use while driving (although I do not recommend using it while driving lol) and you can pop an SD card in to load MP3's. Routes the voice prompts through a user-selectable FM frequency on your car stereo. RSA Streetmaps 2009 loaded on both units, excellent mapsets!
Both units sold by Outdoor Warehouse, excellent service from them backed up by Avnic, they offer a no-nonsense exchange agreement or free repairs.
I used to have a Garmin Quest, it lasted for a long time until I used it in Siberia at -45 degrees outside, it stopped working, so they gave me the 60CSx at cost (like half the list price) even after two years of owning the Quest.
My Merc's Satnav works very well, but a new map DVD is extremely expensive. I have the 2007 DVD, and it lacks updates in many areas around Gauteng.
Garmin GPSMap 60CSx for outdoor use. Has no voice prompts but excellent rugged design for accidental drops, rain etc
Garmin Nuvi 710 for wife's car. Probably the best unit Garmin ever released, its large touch screen is easy to use while driving (although I do not recommend using it while driving lol) and you can pop an SD card in to load MP3's. Routes the voice prompts through a user-selectable FM frequency on your car stereo. RSA Streetmaps 2009 loaded on both units, excellent mapsets!
Both units sold by Outdoor Warehouse, excellent service from them backed up by Avnic, they offer a no-nonsense exchange agreement or free repairs.
I used to have a Garmin Quest, it lasted for a long time until I used it in Siberia at -45 degrees outside, it stopped working, so they gave me the 60CSx at cost (like half the list price) even after two years of owning the Quest.
My Merc's Satnav works very well, but a new map DVD is extremely expensive. I have the 2007 DVD, and it lacks updates in many areas around Gauteng.