Are standalone GPS devices still relevant today?

[Chickenbackside]

Ever since Nokia introduced AGPS in their latest devices (N95-8GB, N82 and N95 through firmware update), I find myself using my Garmin Nuvi less and less. These latest batch of phones with built-in GPS provide almost the same effectiveness in terms of navigation as SIRF III devices.

 

Here's a video comparison between actual usage of my Garmin Nuvi 610 and Nokia N82 GPS:

 

http://meandmyphones.blogspot.com/2007/11/...armin-nuvi.html

 

I find AGPS consistently getting faster satellite fixes than my Garmin, give instructions that are just as clear and concise and maps that are very decent. Considering the fact that a Nokia N82 costs less than a Garmin Nuvi, and that an N82 can do a lot more stuff than a Garmin Nuvi, I'm not sure if standalone GPS devices are relevant anymore.

 

I think most of you will agree that now, more than ever, phones that embrace convergent technology are getting really good. These are exciting times...

 

[Falc]

Interesting ... How is the hp battery affected by the GPS application?

 

Take MP3, i almost never listen to MP3 on the hp now because of the ridiculously high consumption on the batt, espcially compared to a dedicated flash-based MP3/4 player

[macrosszero]

Although the mobile phone functions as a GPS, I would not want to be operating it when I am driving, while I do operate my GPS as I drive along, reason being that LTA frowns upon mobile phone use but are fairly alright with GPS use.

 

I would have a rather hard time proving to the police officer I was using the Nokia's GPS function instead of texting or calling someone.

[Watwheels]

Is there a need to fiddle with your GPS(phone/standalone) while u are driving?

 

Unless u have to change your destination half way thru your journey .

It's safer that u to stop your car somewhere w/o obstructing others to set your new destination.

Dan u need not have to worry TP spotting u holding your phone or fiddling with your GPS system while u drive.

Edited November 26, 2007 by Watwheels

[macrosszero]

Yes I do, I do divert quite often, I also tell the GPS to make a detour when I notice it telling me to head out onto known traffic jam areas such as the CTE, and sometimes I simply need the map zoom to be customized so that I can see enough detail (it sometimes zooms too far out, sometimes zooms too far in).

 

In my case, my GPS also has an MP3 player function which I wire back into the car audio unit, so I use it to select music too.

[Titanium]

i using nokia 6110. When i detour, the gps will auto re-calculate the new route leh. The re-route for Route66 is much faster than Mapking.

 

i dun really neeed to fiddle with it, the voice navigation quite accurate. For zoom in n out just press the * or #.

[Titanium]

Hmmm... n82 Nokia Map have voice navigation? I installed it in my nokia 6110, but there is no voice navigation leh. Need to buy issit?

[Watwheels]

When u divert, dun have to fiddle or tell anything what.

U just drive and it'll auto re-route what. What detail u want to see on the map? IMO see out window can see more detail.

 

U listen to MP3 music or u listen to the GPS navigation? Or u very good at multi-tasking, listen to both?

 

I find u very dangerous leh. Do so many things while driving...

[Sirbrian]

bro if you are interested to sell your garmin let me know ok...

[Sotong_kia]

No doubt, some users will find integrated devices useful.

 

Somehow, I still haven't owned a PDA phone.. still using Laptop, PDA and small mobile phone separately..

 

Have you tried the GPS on your nokia WITHOUT data charges ? Like go overseas and no roaming, or hiking in areas without cell coverage ?

AGPS uses the GPRS to get data from servers, right ? That is why it is faster to lock onto satellites. (Unless my understanding is wrong.)

 

And when you need to answer a call (lets say you are using earpiece, so not illegal here), is the navigation affected ?

[Longg8]

can i ask someting about HP GPS?

 

Does it has to be connected to GPRS before it can be worked?

Im currently using Dopod 818 pro-which doesn't have GPS...maybe getting one with GPS so that my gf and I can use it.....but if it needs to be connected to GPRS then can forget it..i will stick to my streetdirectory map.haha

[Titanium]

dun need... GPS dun require GPRS to work.

[Nutty]

Rec... 6110 really that good ah?

 

Do you recommend SGT to buy?

[Osiris]

My first GPS device is the Nokia 6110. For me, unlike you, I don't use the GPS function daily.

So to me, getting a standalone GPS unit is not justifiable.

Imho, majority of the people have similar usage pattern as me. So hp with GPS will outsell standalone unit.

The 6110 comes with default Route66 Navigation s/w. Tried MapKing and Nokia Maps

Maps

R66 - 3/5

NM - 4/5

MK - 5/5

Ease of Use

R66 - 5/5

NM - 4/5

MK - 2/5

Voice Instruction

R66 - 5/5

NM - 4/5

MK - 3/5

Bro, if you think NM is not bad, you should try r66. The only disadvantage is the map.

[Sotong_kia]

AGPS (Assisted GPS) requires a data server and will use the GPRS or 3G. I heard of some old HP Ipaq that takes like hours to lock on without a GPRS connection to the server.

[Kwchan]

i am using an old ipaq 2210 but i can lock on within a minute, it all depends on the GPS module and signal coverage

[Silver_blade]

You can just buy a GPS receiver for your 818pro.

[Sotong_kia]

Sorry, was referring to friends who brought the units overseas.. upon arrival, without a GPRS connection, it take very long...

 

 

For more info :

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS

 

Some A-GPS solutions require an active connection to a cell phone (or other data) network to function, in others [2] [3] it simply makes positioning faster and more accurate, but is not required.