Stand alone GPS Navigation

[Vern_in_IL]

Originally Posted By: PumpPusher
Originally Posted By: Vern_in_IL
Originally Posted By: PumpPusher
My only gripe is you can't talk on the phone and navigate at the same time. I've had to cut phone calls short because I knew I was coming up on a turn, but wasn't quite sure where.


Good, idiots talk on the phone while driving.


Idiot, I use Bluetooth but the call screen still pops up.


Idiots talk on Bluetooth while driving.

Like others have said, perhaps you need TWO phones, one with no plan and just use WiFi to dl the maps, and the other one to "talk on while driving like a idiot."

I see it everyday in commute, and should you have more questions. I have built in navigation, because that was important to me. I've seeked out a vehicle with GPS built right into the dash.

 

[Californiabob]

I find phone GPS confusing until you know exactly what to do (non-intuitive icons and
peculiar searching AND constant changes with updates). Second problem is that I need
reading glasses and my large Android phone still has tiny buttons.

My Magellan has a last-minute chime for direction changes - ding ding at the divot point, etc.
Its readable even though its smaller than the android screen. It has fixed intuitive
buttons that are LARGE.

When apps are as smart as the phones is when I start using them.

Why can't I have only three large buttons when I answer a phone
RED for hangup, Yellow for mute, Green for talk (default and after muting)

ever trying hitting a tiny button to hangup in a moving car?

Software designers should have their grandparents use their apps
without instructions and see how they do.

Intuitive, self-explanatory, and adaptive apps...

 

[supton]

Never tried using my phone for nav, seems like I'd need a fancy holder, it'd use up data, and I'd wind up with a small screen that isn't easy to use. I've had GPS units in the cars that last a few years though, no need to mess with wires. I get that some people are in and out and live on their phones; but since I only "need" to use a GPS a couple times a year I prefer the standalone unit. Just seeing the speed limit on the display is kinda nice. We have a couple of Nuvi units at this time. Plug into the cig lighter, which is switched 12V; take the key out and the GPS automatically turns off.

That said, apparently I can talk to my phone and it will use voice recognition. I need to play with that some time... That and I suspect my next phone will have wireless charging. Once I get that then I'll probably be ok with using it more often: 2-3 chargers located in the right locations and I won't care about battery life.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: supton
Never tried using my phone for nav, seems like I'd need a fancy holder, it'd use up data, and I'd wind up with a small screen that isn't easy to use. I've had GPS units in the cars that last a few years though, no need to mess with wires. I get that some people are in and out and live on their phones; but since I only "need" to use a GPS a couple times a year I prefer the standalone unit. Just seeing the speed limit on the display is kinda nice. We have a couple of Nuvi units at this time. Plug into the cig lighter, which is switched 12V; take the key out and the GPS automatically turns off.

It's a matter of personal preference, I suppose. I used to be a big fan of standalone GPS Nav units, but my current phone has large enough screen that I don't mind just using that instead. All you need is a dash/windshield mount and a cig lighter charger. Both are relatively inexpensive on Amazon.

Your current G4 has a 5.5" screen. Isn't that about the same size as a typical lower-end standalone Nav unit?

There are Nav apps on phones that will display speed limits as well. Waze is one, for example.

Also, you can download maps to your phone in advance over WiFi so that you don't use up data, but then you won't have real-time traffic info. All in all, maps and traffic info don't eat up much data to begin with, but I understand if you have a very restrictive data plan, every little bit (pun) counts.

 

[supton]

yeah, it's 5.5". Not sure how large my Nuvi is. You're right, I might be splitting hairs. It's probably got something to do with usage. I get into my vehicles and go. The GPS turns on automatically; I rarely plug my phone into the car. The radio starts playing whatever I was last listening to, radio or off the thumbdrive. So it'd be a change of habit to get in and plug in my phone etc. Unless if it's snowed recently, I generally start the car, grab my seatbelt and go.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: supton
Unless if it's snowed recently, I generally start the car, grab my seatbelt and go.

I do, too. I only connect the phone when I need to drive somewhere that I don't know how to get to, which is rare. Otherwise, my phone just stays in my pocket.

 

[Andrew1972]

I am using 10 year old + DVD maps in my Acura MDX and validate with google maps on my smartphone.

Roads barely change.....

 

[supton]

It's fun watching the GPS try to make heads and tails out of road changes. I93 has moved around a bit recently.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: madRiver
Roads barely change.....

Depends on where you live/drive. Around here new stuff keeps popping up quite a bit.