Need GPS recs: iPhone GPS app vs. standalone GPS

[ADent]

I have TomTom app on the iPhone and don't use my standalone TomTom at all.

TomTom is fully loaded onto the iPhone (1.5GB) and works like a standalone TomTom - not the greatest interface, but the wife and I are used to it.

I think the GPS on the iPhone is not quite as speedy and accurate as the standalone, but it is close. Not that the standalone was perfect either.

The reason I have an iPhone is so I don't need all the friggin cords and such I used to travel with. PalmPhone, TomTom, iPod with car cords for all three and wall charger for two. Now it is iPhone, cord, Wall adapter, Car adapter.

Which ever GPS app you use, plan on the iPhone being plugged in when using it.

[neophyte]

I thought Google Navigation, which uses Google maps, provides audible GPS navigation for free on the 4s like it does on Android devices...

[macphanatic]

I have the Navigon App for my iPhone. Works great on the iPad as well. I like the fact that there is no cost to upgrade the app. Map updates are $15 every other year IIRC. I bought the Magellan Car Kit as it was the only one I found that will hold an iPhone while in its case. It also has a built-in gps receiver to improve satellite reception. I use this setup when I travel on business. It works really well. I've had no issues with accuracy or updating of data. Realize that the Navigon app includes maps for either all of the US or all of North America, depending on the version you buy. You can download as much or as little of the maps as you want or need (by state/province). So, it will work where there is no data service.

If you go the stand alone route, make sure that you buy one with lifetime map updates. Otherwise, the cost to keep the unit up to date may wind up making the purchase of a new unit a better choice.

[testcase]

Stand alone GPS will have a larger screen which I find much easier to use. Although many / most now come with Lifetime Map Updates, not all do so, be careful to ensure that the model you buy has LMU included.


:oldfogey:

[pinkoos]

What would you all consider the best bang for the buck of those listed on Costco's site?:

EDIT (Costco link was not working): http://bit.ly/srv0A6

If I don't go the iOS route, I'll probably just buy from Costco b/c returns are so easy.

[Article Accelerator]

pinkoos wrote:
One of the biggest things I lost when switching from Android to iPhone is Google's awesome, built-in and free GPS.

Patience, Grasshopper...

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/1...icture.ars
http://9to5mac.com/2011/10/29/apple-acqu...ext-level/

[pinkoos]

Article Accelerator wrote:
[quote=pinkoos]
One of the biggest things I lost when switching from Android to iPhone is Google's awesome, built-in and free GPS.

Patience, Grasshopper...

http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/1...icture.ars
http://9to5mac.com/2011/10/29/apple-acqu...ext-level/
Interesting!

[Article Accelerator]

ADent wrote: I think the GPS on the iPhone is not quite as speedy and accurate as the standalone, but it is close. Not that the standalone was perfect either.

I suspect that nothing is faster than the iPhone 4S at location acquisition. It is one of the few devices that uses both GPS and GLONASS for positioning.

[AllGold]

pinkoos wrote:
What would you all consider the best bang for the buck of those listed on Costco's site?:

EDIT (Costco link was not working): http://bit.ly/srv0A6

If I don't go the iOS route, I'll probably just buy from Costco b/c returns are so easy.

I would say the 2360LMT if you want all the bells and whistles or the 1300LM if you want cheap.

LMT stands for Lifetime Maps and Traffic, LM stands for Lifetime Maps, so with either you will always have current map data. Obviously the 2360LMT also includes traffic information but I don't know how important that is to you.

Both speak street names. The 2360 adds some nice features like Lane Assist and Junction View. The other nice feature with the 2360 is it has voice recognition so you can control it by talking rather than messing with the touchscreen.

[macphanatic]

AllGold wrote:
Both speak street names. The 2360 adds some nice features like Lane Assist and Junction View. The other nice feature with the 2360 is it has voice recognition so you can control it by talking rather than messing with the touchscreen.

If you frequently travel to areas that you're not familiar with, the Lane Assist is well worth it. Nothing like having to dodge multiple lanes in traffic.