Why buy a GPS app if you already have a GPS unit?

[dmk1974]

I already have a TomTom GO 510 in my car. I love my iPhone and like that it now can do everything with one of the new GPS apps, but what's the real benefit of the app over a standalone unit? I suppose additional portability if I am in someone elses car?

[celticpride678]

Its one device for everything, instead of two or more devices. Eliminating unneeded things.

[FearlessFreep]

Its one device for everything, instead of two or more devices. Eliminating unneeded things.
+1. I don't have to have a dedicated GPS unit. I will always have one on my phone, no matter where I am. I don't have to worry about getting it stolen from the car because I take my phone with me. Simplicity, and less clutter. It's always getting updated with new features, unlike a dedicated unit. If I buy a better phone, it comes along with me, too.

[dmk1974]

+1. I don't have to have a dedicated GPS unit. I will always have one on my phone, no matter where I am. I don't have to worry about getting it stolen from the car because I take my phone with me. Simplicity, and less clutter. It's always getting updated with new features, unlike a dedicated unit. If I buy a better phone, it comes along with me, too.

If I didn't have a GPS, I'd be all over one (or both) of the apps for the iPhone. Or if the app had all of the features that the higher-end units have (TTS, traffic, etc.)

[optophobia]

If I didn't have a GPS, I'd be all over one (or both) of the apps for the iPhone. Or if the app had all of the features that the higher-end units have (TTS, traffic, etc.)

NAvigon update is coming with TTS

[kwjohns]

I plan on continuing to use my Garmin. The iPhone may be one device that can do it all but when I'm driving, I don't want to have to worry about someone calling or texting me, etc. and having to exit the GPS app. I also like listening to Slacker radio when I'm on long drives and I can't use both of those at once.

[OneMike]

Its one device for everything, instead of two or more devices. Eliminating unneeded things.

Yep

My initial purpose of getting an iphone was to to end need of carrying a phone and mp3 player. Now with all the other apps and technology it reduces the items you need to carry.

[edmartin]

If you already have a dedicated GPS device, then you probably don't need an iPhone GPS app - unless you think the iPhone app is better and/or does something the device doesn't. It's like saying "if I already have a 50" LCD TV, why do I need 50" DLP TV?" Um... I don't know, you tell me?

I'll tell you why I have one... My wife's car has a built-in GPS. My car does not. And I don't want my dashboard looking like the back room at the local Radio Shack. So, I love the single-unit upside of a GPS app on my iPhone even if dedicated GPS devices might have more features. And honestly, the GPS in my wife's car drives me nuts because the politically-correct-safety-police made sure that it was neutered so that you can't input anything while the car is moving. Hello?!!! It's a friggin' Ford Explorer. Anyone think that there might actually be more than one passenger in the car? :confused: The damned car is "smart" enough to let me know if the passenger's seat belt isn't fastened when someone is sitting there so why can't it over-ride the stupid "no GPS input" if someone is sitting in that same seat? Oh, don't get me started! (sorry I already did)!!! :cool:

Also, thanks to FairPlay, I can put the iPhone GPS app on multiple iPhones (up to 5). I actually have it on 3 now (me, my wife & my daughter) which makes the iPhone app significantly less expensive than multiple dedicated GPS' to satisfy the same audience.

[Jeremy1026]

I have both a stand alone Garmin unit, and I purchased Navigon. I use my phone for music, and used to have my Garmin for navigation. Then I also have my V1 radar detector. That means every time I get in my car I have to connect 3 devices. I have a convertible which I often leave the top down while I am in a store or restaurant, so leaving these devices out will never happen. Now I only need to hook up two devices, and with my set up, my phone connects with just one cord. Easy of use.

[bildio]

I have an older Garmin Nuvi. I was thinking that I should purchase a map update, but considering the price I wasn't sure it was justified.

So, I purchased Navigon, just before TomTom was released, for its newer maps & to try it out. So far, locally, I've really been impressed. Tomorrow I'll be taking a trip using both, but will primarily rely on Navigon.

In my car, I can mount the iPhone close to me so I can easily see & hear it. I don't think I'd be able to see the map very well with a TomTom windshield mount (too far away & poor eyesight).

The only thing I'll miss when I give up the Garmin is the estimated time of arrival at destination updates.

[SpaceKitty]

We have two Garmin GPS, a Nuvi 680 and a Nuvi 850.

We still bought six of the GPS apps just for the fun of it. Maybe there would be one that could actually come close to replacing either of the two Garmins that we have. I think the only one that comes close is CoPilot. Hopefully an update fixes the few problems that CoPilot has and this will be the best iPhone GPS app ever.

Even then so far, there is no traffic like my MSN Direct offers, no built in gas prices like my MSN Direct, no movie times and titles like MSN Direct, no built in news app like my MSN Direct, bigger screen on the Nuvis, TTS is missing on all the apps, and more.

I guess the only real benefit is to not have to bring a GPS plus the iPhone.

[dmk1974]

This is really good discussion and feedback.

Also, my wife has a 8GB 3G iPhone and I have a 32GB 3GS iPhone. Will the TomTom and Navigon apps both work equally as well on each phone? A plus with the app purchase of course is that it can be applied to each phone since they are on the same iTunes account. Just wondering if they would have poor performance on hers though.

[Pika]

I have both (TomTom & Navigon)... It feels like having 2 different maps (TeleAtlas & Navteq) in one device.

TomTom = TeleAtlas
Navigon = Navteq

Best of both worlds.

But i prefer Navigon because:

In general NAVTEQ has more current mapping data in the United States. Want to see for yourself? Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/) uses NAVTEQ mapping data, but Google's GMap Pedometer (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/) site uses TeleAtlas maps (no doubt the result of NAVTEQ's unwillingness to let Google use the open API).

Now Check out a view of the same area of New Jersey via Gmaps (using TeleAtlas data):
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?centerX=-74.03115749359131&centerY=40.746639222374434&zl=2&fl=m-e-h-0-1&polyline=

Then checkout the same map using Google Maps (NAVTEQ):
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=hoboken,+nj&spn=0.015104,0.027479&hl=en

Clearly the NAVTEQ map is more up-to-date. Try it out yourself using your own address.

NAVTEQ is generally considered better, so why does anyone use TeleAtlas? No surprise here, TeleAtlas is cheaper.

When Google's Pedometer site recently switched to TeleAtlas data, it triggered a lengthy forum discussion (http://groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps-API/browse_thread/thread/57455b93bec19bbd/31fd56ceba8b7a93?lnk=raot&pli=1) about how much better NAVTEQ was. If you read through the postings, you'll see a lot of examples of data missing from TeleAtlas' mapping data in North America.

I found TeleAtlas mapping data was less accurate than NAVTEQ on several occasions.

If popularity is any measure, then we can definitely conclude NAVTEQ is the better option: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps, MSN Maps, and MapQuest all use NAVTEQ.

NAVTEQ is a US based company, while TeleAtlas is based in Europe. So while NAVTEQ is definately the better choice for North America, TeleAtlas is better for Europe.

I spoke with another expert on mapping data today, and he told me that TeleAtlas is improving their data every day, and it's entirely possible that TeleAtlas will someday be the better option. TomTom is the fastest growing GPS manufacturer in the U.S., and they're using TeleAtlas. Garmin and Magellan are using NAVTEQ, so clearly Magellan and Garmin have made a decision that the extra money for NAVTEQ is worth it. Of course, TomTom is a dutch firm, so for their European customers, TeleAtlas is a better choice.

NAVTEQ and TeleAtlas will both always have mapping inaccuracies. However, currently NAVTEQ is the better choice (in the USA). I think it speaks well for Magellan and Garmin that they are willing to pay for NAVTEQ mapping data. Frankly, when choosing a navigation app, I can hardly think of anything more important than having current and accurate maps! Until I hear otherwise, I say NAVTEQ is the way to go.

Vote Navigon.

[Jeremy1026]

This is really good discussion and feedback.

Also, my wife has a 8GB 3G iPhone and I have a 32GB 3GS iPhone. Will the TomTom and Navigon apps both work equally as well on each phone? A plus with the app purchase of course is that it can be applied to each phone since they are on the same iTunes account. Just wondering if they would have poor performance on hers though.

Her phone has the same GPS chip, so the lock will be equal. The only time you'll have a difference will be when creating a new route and when recalculating. Depending on the length of the route it will take about 5-15 seconds longer to generate the route on a 3G. Recalculating will take about 1-2 seconds longer, depending how much missing your turn will mess up your route.

[chstr]

Its one device for everything, instead of two or more devices. Eliminating unneeded things.

yes, because I carry my GPS around rather than just keep it in the glove box of my car

[dmk1974]

Then checkout the same map using Google Maps (NAVTEQ):
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=hoboken,+nj&spn=0.015104,0.027479&hl=en


Hmmmm...when I go to the link you gave, the bottom right says TeleAtlas. You get NAVTEQ?

[Tunnelrunner]

I already have a TomTom GO 510 in my car. I love my iPhone and like that it now can do everything with one of the new GPS apps, but what's the real benefit of the app over a standalone unit? I suppose additional portability if I am in someone elses car?

Possibly long-term viability as well. There's been more than one article on the "decline" of standalone GPS devices BECAUSE of the growing capability of GPS apps on smartphones. If these techno-"experts" are right, standalone GPS devices will be extinct in ~10 years, since everyone will have GPS on their phones. (Obviously time will tell whether this happens or not)

I know TomTom understands this. I just hope Garmin does as well.

For the record: I use AT&T Navigator by Telenav and TomTom as my 2 main GPS apps. I've owned/tried all the rest (excluding IGO and Co-Pilot), and these were the only 2 that I felt were solid enough and well-rounded enough to use on a daily basis. YMMV.

[nutmac]

I would keep my Garmin for these reasons.

My car is parked in the garage most of the time. When I park outside, I either don't worry about theft or put it somewhere safe.
My GPS comes with free traffic report. Traffic report and rerouting based on traffic load are very important to me. Neither TomTom nor Navigon offer traffic report.
I want to make/receive a phone call or change music without interrupting navigation.
I have tried TomTom in the past and I much prefer Garmin's routing algorithm.
Garmin has larger, anti-glare screen that is much easier to read in the sun.

[dmk1974]

Well, I went and bought the Navigon program. From what I have read, it seemed to currently be the better choice compared to TomTom. $30 cheaper too.

I only took it out for a 4-5 mile drive to the local Menards and it worked perfectly. The interface was pretty intuitive. Accurate directions. I also like that it integrates with my contacts list. The landscape screen is real nice too.

One thing I didn't locate (that my TomTom unit has) is the ability to add a favorite by using GPS coordinates. Is that possible? I usually pull from Google Earth. Some addresses are slightly off and I'd like to save a few favorites to exactly where I want them.

I am really happy so far with this purchase and look forward to the enhancements from the other thread that describes v1.2.

[ddrueckhammer]

Hmmmm...when I go to the link you gave, the bottom right says TeleAtlas. You get NAVTEQ?

Yeah.. All the maps I search in Google Maps say TeleAtlas. Interesting...

[iluvgr8tdeals]

I have a tomtom unit, and it has both the North American maps and the Europe maps. I believe that the current tomtom app can only download maps that are area specific (eg US and Canada, Europe, Australia, etc) and if you travel to Europe like I do, then you might have to buy the app for UK or Europe, which shall be an extra $99. So, personally, I would keep my stand-alone unit for the reasons listed above. I also believe that the $99 for the tomtom app is on the higher side, since the cost of a basic tomtom one 125 is about that.

The new tomtom app does not have TTS, so that might be an issue to some who are so used to spoken street names.

I guess folks who have an iphone are used to the iphone being an all-in-one device, and would like to eliminate the clutter of carrying many devices; but at what cost?

If the prices of the tomtom app (the navigon app is $69.99 till August 31st) comes down from $99 to some price reasonable, like the stand-alone unit prices once did (from about $500 to about $200 for a decent one, and even less than $100 for a basic one) then I might make the jump, but the app should give me both N. American and Europe maps. (which may never happen)

Let's wait and see!

[iSimon]

One thing I didn't locate (that my TomTom unit has) is the ability to add a favorite by using GPS coordinates. Is that possible? I usually pull from Google Earth. Some addresses are slightly off and I'd like to save a few favorites to exactly where I want them.
Well if you use "Show map" in Navigon and zoom out/in to the approximate location you are after then you can add a destination pin and then drag it to the precise location you want and then add it as a favourite. Don't think you can enter the lat/long co-ordinates manually though.

[fhall1]

Yeah.. All the maps I search in Google Maps say TeleAtlas. Interesting...

Same here....no Navteq for either....the maps and pedometer are identical (TeleAtlas)

[dagomike]

Honestly, if you're going to use the iPhone for GPS, you need a car charger. Probably a good idea to get a window mount too. That might mean the TomTom kit whenever it comes out, or go shopping at Griffin or something. So, figure your outlay of app of choice then compare to a dedicated unit. Then add in the fact your phone will be available for other things.

As it stands, it seems silly to spend $200-$250 or whatever for TomTom and its car kit, when you can basically get a better TomTom unit for about the same price.

$0.02.

[m3coolpix]

Honestly, if you're going to use the iPhone for GPS, you need a car charger. Probably a good idea to get a window mount too. That might mean the TomTom kit whenever it comes out, or go shopping at Griffin or something. So, figure your outlay of app of choice then compare to a dedicated unit. Then add in the fact your phone will be available for other things.

As it stands, it seems silly to spend $200-$250 or whatever for TomTom and its car kit, when you can basically get a better TomTom unit for about the same price.

$0.02.

My $0.03 :D

$69 for Navigon, $22 for Kensington window mount (eBay), and $32 (eBay) for a Kensington LiquidAUX charger/line out vehicle adapter. Never had a GPS unit before, so this was a good solution for me.

[gnortenjones]

I bought a Garmin Nuvi 260W about a year ago. I really liked it, except the battery, which has pretty much died, and won't hold a charge for more than 20 minutes before showing "low battery" warnings.

So every time I need to use it I need to plug it in, and attach the window mount because in my area even having an empty window mount is an invitation to thieves. This is a pain in the butt if your just making quick trips, or driving when you need the directions.

I got the Navigon app yesterday simply to have an all-in-one device, which will most likely be used more than the cumbersome Garmin.

I'm going to sell the garmin on craiglist, and likely get most of the money I paid for Navigon.

[jessica.]

The only question is the poll. I think many are in the same boat as you. Me, I'm not buying because mine is part of the car. I have a portable one for when I get into rentals and such so I'm good. Had I not had that portable I'd be buying the Tom Tom app.

[uberamd]

I already own a physical unit. It works perfectly (a Navigon), and was under $100. It doesn't hinder my ability to make a call, see a text, etc while in the car, and I never need to worry about forgetting it by accident, because it is always in my car.

The whole "one device to do it all" argument is a bit silly to me. A physical unit sits in your car, and frees up your iPhone to do any other task you need it to during a long trip. Who on earth carries around their car GPS? If you don't, then I don't see how it hinders anything.

[Jeremy1026]

I already own a physical unit. It works perfectly (a Navigon), and was under $100. It doesn't hinder my ability to make a call, see a text, etc while in the car, and I never need to worry about forgetting it by accident, because it is always in my car.

The whole "one device to do it all" argument is a bit silly to me. A physical unit sits in your car, and frees up your iPhone to do any other task you need it to during a long trip. Who on earth carries around their car GPS? If you don't, then I don't see how it hinders anything.

For those of us that can't leave the device hooked up at all times (due to security concerns) the 'one device' argument is perfectly valid. Only having to hook up and take down one device each time you do any driving is very helpful and saves a bunch of time.

[stockcerts]

I have an older Garmin Nuvi. I was thinking that I should purchase a map update, but considering the price I wasn't sure it was justified.

So, I purchased Navigon, just before TomTom was released, for its newer maps & to try it out. So far, locally, I've really been impressed. Tomorrow I'll be taking a trip using both, but will primarily rely on Navigon.

In my car, I can mount the iPhone close to me so I can easily see & hear it. I don't think I'd be able to see the map very well with a TomTom windshield mount (too far away & poor eyesight).

The only thing I'll miss when I give up the Garmin is the estimated time of arrival at destination updates.

This was one of the reasons I gave up my Garmin for Navigon. I wasn't about to pay $80 a year for map updates. I probably would have been OK with $25 or so, but $80 seems too high. I've been very happy with my Navigon purchase.

[uberamd]

For those of us that can't leave the device hooked up at all times (due to security concerns) the 'one device' argument is perfectly valid. Only having to hook up and take down one device each time you do any driving is very helpful and saves a bunch of time.

How on earth is hooking up your iPhone to your window any different than getting your GPS out of your glove box or center console and attaching it to your window? Either way you are hooking a single device to your window, one is just in your pocket while the other is in your glove box.

[Jeremy1026]

How on earth is hooking up your iPhone to your window any different than getting your GPS out of your glove box or center console and attaching it to your window? Either way you are hooking a single device to your window, one is just in your pocket while the other is in your glove box.

Because I use my phone for music as well. So I'd have to unlock my glovebox, take out my GPS unit, hook it up, hook up my phone, drive, unhook my phone, unhook my GPS unit, and lock my glovebox. (8 Steps)

Where as with the single device all I have to do is, hook up my phone, drive, unhook up my phone. (3 Steps)

[alphaod]

I just like having a backup; my GPS unit has messed up before once or twice.

I have a integrated GPS in my car, but I still keep a portable unit in the glove compartment. Now I have the iPhone app to help me when I don't have access to either.

[uberamd]

Because I use my phone for music as well. So I'd have to unlock my glovebox, take out my GPS unit, hook it up, hook up my phone, drive, unhook my phone, unhook my GPS unit, and lock my glovebox. (8 Steps)

Where as with the single device all I have to do is, hook up my phone, drive, unhook up my phone. (3 Steps)

First of all, you make it seem worse than it is. You forgot the 2 steps of taking your phone out of your pocket, and putting it back in your pocket (if you are going to have those glove box steps).

And, when someone calls you, crap. Suddenly your GPS is gone and you are stuck driving on your own. Fun times. I guess you can justify it, but to me it still makes no sense. It takes me all of 20 seconds to get my GPS out and suction it to my window. Oh well, glad it works out for you.

[Jeremy1026]

First of all, you make it seem worse than it is. You forgot the 2 steps of taking your phone out of your pocket, and putting it back in your pocket (if you are going to have those glove box steps).

And, when someone calls you, crap. Suddenly your GPS is gone and you are stuck driving on your own. Fun times. I guess you can justify it, but to me it still makes no sense. It takes me all of 20 seconds to get my GPS out and suction it to my window. Oh well, glad it works out for you.

Want to get picky about the steps?

Step 1: Take physical key out of my keyfob
Step 2: Unlock glove compartment
Step 3: Return physical key to my keyfob
Step 4: Take GPS unit out
Step 5: Hook up GPS unit
Step 6 Take phone out
Step 7: Hook up phone
Step 8: Drive
Step 9: Take GPS unit down and return to glove compartment
Step 10: Take physical key out of my keyfob
Step 11: Lock glove compartment
Step 12: Return physical key to my keyfob
Step 13: Take down my iPhone
Step 14: Return phone to pocket

Vesus

Step 1: Take phone out
Step 2: Hook up phone
Step 3: Drive
Step 4: Take phone down
Step 5: Return to pocket


Uuuu, 14 to 5, that made it sound even better. Point is, you (third person infinity) bought an iPhone so you didn't have to carry a camera, an MP3 player, and a phone. Same principle here.

[uberamd]

Want to get picky about the steps?

Step 1: Take physical key out of my keyfob
Step 2: Unlock glove compartment
Step 3: Return physical key to my keyfob
Step 4: Take GPS unit out
Step 5: Hook up GPS unit
Step 6 Take phone out
Step 7: Hook up phone
Step 8: Drive
Step 9: Take GPS unit down and return to glove compartment
Step 10: Take physical key out of my keyfob
Step 11: Lock glove compartment
Step 12: Return physical key to my keyfob
Step 13: Take down my iPhone
Step 14: Return phone to pocket

Vesus

Step 1: Take phone out
Step 2: Hook up phone
Step 3: Drive
Step 4: Take phone down
Step 5: Return to pocket


Uuuu, 14 to 5, that made it sound even better. Point is, you (third person infinity) bought an iPhone so you didn't have to carry a camera, an MP3 player, and a phone. Same principle here.

Personally, I didn't buy an iPhone to replace my camera, and I have 0 MP3's on mine. I like it as a phone, for text messaging, the apps, and the amazing web browser.

But please, indulge me on this: if someone calls you in the middle of navigating, what do you do? If you are going on vacation and having a friend drive you to the airport using your car, and having a friend drive your car home, what do you do? Leave your phone with him?

[Jeremy1026]

Personally, I didn't buy an iPhone to replace my camera, and I have 0 MP3's on mine. I like it as a phone, for text messaging, the apps, and the amazing web browser.

But please, indulge me on this: if someone calls you in the middle of navigating, what do you do?

Since I don't talk on the phone when driving, I ignore the call. Just like I would if I had a stand alone unit.

[uberamd]

Since I don't talk on the phone when driving, I ignore the call. Just like I would if I had a stand alone unit.

I saw that response coming. :rolleyes:

[Jeremy1026]

I saw that response coming. :rolleyes:

Well, I do drive a convertible. Which means a bunch of wind noise since I have my top down all the time unless its raining. Kind of hard to hear people sitting next to you, let alone on the phone. It does help that its illegal to talk on a phone (without a handsfree unit) where I live though.

[Gav2k]

Ask any police officer what most crims will break into ur car for and you'll find it's your sat nav. Hell I should know I've had two go. The cradle for a sat nav stands out like a sore thumb. Don't think removing the cradle solves the issue they look for the suction cup mark on the window. Now I don't know about u guys but sat nav units arnt pocket friendly.

I bought navigon purly because of this reason my iPhone holder looks like a phone holder no issues with that.

Tbh I don't use a sat nav to get places I know London better than most taxi drivers and if I go somewhere I don't know I've only got to do the trip once and I remember it. The thing I use my gps for is speed.

Over here in the uk we have crappy speed cameras that check your speed over a set distance. So if it's 50 mph u have to stick to it but do u? Lol nope uk law states your allowed 50mph plus 10% and 1mph so 55mph so I use gps to legally speed.

A police officer will not pull you till you exceed the 10% plus 1mph rule. ;)

[dmk1974]

Still liking the Navigon app a lot from my testing on the drive to work and running out at lunch.

I think I may need to get some sort of vent mount or something for this if I totally get rid of my bulky old TomTom GO 530. Is there something good/cheap that is recommended? My car is a 2008 Honda Accord.

[iluvgr8tdeals]

I just like having a backup; my GPS unit has messed up before once or twice.

I have a integrated GPS in my car, but I still keep a portable unit in the glove compartment. Now I have the iPhone app to help me when I don't have access to either.

1. You have a stand-alone GPS unit.
2. You have an integrated GPS car unit.
3. You have the iPhone GPS app to assist you when you have access to neither!

3 GPS enabled units? Isn't that a tad too many units?

When shall that be? Tell me! Can the first two fail? If they can, then the iPhone app can also fail!

[nrmillions]

I have a Garmin Nuvi that I keep in my car and I also have an iPhone but havent bought a navigation app yet. Does anyone know if you use an app such as the TomTom app and you enter an area without cellular signal will the app still continue to work or does the gps chip need a cellular signal to function? If the app needs cellular signal then there is no comparison and I wouldnt even consider using an app as a replacement for my nuvi.

[ddrueckhammer]

I have a Garmin Nuvi that I keep in my car and I also have an iPhone but havent bought a navigation app yet. Does anyone know if you use an app such as the TomTom app and you enter an area without cellular signal will the app still continue to work or does the gps chip need a cellular signal to function? If the app needs cellular signal then there is no comparison and I wouldnt even consider using an app as a replacement for my nuvi.

It will continue to work.

[QCassidy352]

I'm going to stick with my dedicated Garmin because:
1) I already have it
2) It works well, and an iphone app might or might not
3) I'm not the only one who drives my car
4) I want to be able to use my iphone for other things in the car (I don't mean irresponsibly - either a streaming music app while driving or other functions while a passenger).

Ask any police officer what most crims will break into ur car for and you'll find it's your sat nav. Hell I should know I've had two go. The cradle for a sat nav stands out like a sore thumb. Don't think removing the cradle solves the issue they look for the suction cup mark on the window. Now I don't know about u guys but sat nav units arnt pocket friendly.

totally agree, which is why I got a little beanbag "mount" for my garmin. it just sits on the dash and can be tucked away, leaving no trace, when not driving.