It's time to buy a new GPS, or should I just use the iPhone?

[erratikmind]

Personally, I prefer a standalone GPS unit.

 

[sixxmum]

Some good points raised here. My spouse has a newer Garmin (with lifetime updates) in his car, so I could take that if I was making a long drive, as we are never both traveling distance at the same time (too many kids). The iPhone would mostly be for more local trips (less than 3 hours). I guess I should do a test run with it before I decide so that I can get a sense of how much data it uses if I run it on a streaming program.

 

[forty2j]

I've thoroughly enjoyed the TomTom app + HD Traffic subscription.

iOS 6 turn-by-turn was fine for a basic solution the couple times I tried it, but doesn't automatically recalculate a faster route based on traffic, which is very important to me.

It's also important to get a solid car dock. I like the ones from DICE, but they don't have a Lightning dock yet (of course, nobody does).

 

[Djs621]

This

For me, a standalone device is the way to go especially for long trips. Remember, the iPhone is a multi-function device which means its missing features that are common on standalone devices. As noted above, the iPhone is great for here and there, but for trips that require my devices to be separated, my dedicated GPS can't be beat as far as functionality.

Please elaborate.. What features are missing on an iPhone?

 

[Rigby]

Now, you can even access Navigon's directions through Maps.

How do you do that? I read that they added this functionality in Navigon, but I don't see a way in Apple Maps to switch to Navigon directions for a destination?

 

[Ntombi]

How do you do that? I read that they added this functionality in Navigon, but I don't see a way in Apple Maps to switch to Navigon directions for a destination?

Enter the address, and instead of getting Maps directions via the bus on the left of the flag, click on the > on the right. That will open the location info, choose "get directions," then click on the bus icon at the top. That will open all the compatible apps from which to choose.

That's the same way you can open transit directions, BTW.

 

[big samm]

Get navigon and you should be good!

 

[Rigby]

Enter the address, and instead of getting Maps directions via the bus on the left of the flag, click on the > on the right. That will open the location info, choose "get directions," then click on the bus icon at the top. That will open all the compatible apps from which to choose.

That's the same way you can open transit directions, BTW.

Argh. I never equated Navigon with transit directions. Not exactly intuitive. Thanks!

 

[JonMPLS]

For a long time I traveled with both my Garmin and my iphone/Navigon. Navigon is so good I quit using my Garmin. I have heard TomTom is good, but did not try both.

 

[gentlefury]

Why have another portable computer when the one you have works great! iOS Maps is awesome if you have internet and Navigon is good if you don't (the interface is garbage, but at least the maps are stored locally)

 

[AppleFan360]

Please elaborate.. What features are missing on an iPhone?

The new Garmin software for the standalones have detailed pictures of upcoming lane information (lane assist) that are a more true representation of what the environment looks like. Sort of like a computer drawing complete with photo-like backgrounds. Mine even has a split screen. One side of the screen is lane information and the other is the map with my location.

Standalone units require no monthly fees. Pay once and that's it. Most now even have unlimited map updates. Mine also has lifetime traffic.

SD Card slot for expanded maps, music and custom voices.

Bigger screen than the iPhone.

Approaching exit information (tells me what services are available at the next exit).

I can talk to my Garmin and tell it where I want to go (yes, the iPhone has it too) but I can also set a "wake up" phrase so I have complete hands free operation.

Not necessarily a "feature" but the fact is that I don't need to worry about having a data plan or any other type of subscription to run the Garmin. Just plug it in, say where I want to go and that's it. I'm not fumbling with a phone and mounting it in a place where I really don't want it to be (in direct sunlight near the dash). I can also Bluetooth enable the GPS so I can make and receive calls and text through it. The Garmin also tells me who is calling which is sorely missing from the iPhone.

Trust me, there are benefits. It's only a matter of whether or not you are willing to pay for them.

 

[ATC]

^^^

Garmin GPS' Junction View and Lane Assist are great. I had an old nuvi that had neither of those, I didn't know what I was missing until I got my new nuvi with those two features and they've already saved me a couple of times at complex/busy intersections. The split screen for Maps and Junction/Lane Assist is fantastic if not a little distracting; I've caught myself admiring the graphic depiction of the upcoming junction for a little too long . Also it's consistently been spot on. Wonder if the Garmin GPS app for iOS has those features.