New GPS

[KennyG]

The phone GPS works but I much prefer my Garmin. The phone interface isn't as convenient in the car and I wouldn't consider trying to use it while driving. My kids seem happy with the phone app but it doesn't work for me. I have two cars with built in GPS and would never pay extra for the in-car systems. They are inferior to a $125 Garmin and will hit you for $150 to $200 just for an upgrade.

When getting a Garmin (or any other GPS) consider the map package if you ever expect to drive in Canada. The model with Canadian maps is a few dollars more but you will need it if you cross the border.

 

[MikePA]

...will hit you for $150 to $200 just for an upgrade.

If you're lucky.

When I bought my last car (used) I negotiated a map upgrade as part of the purchase. The map upgrade alone was $200 and only the dealer can install it, off a USB drive. Add another $100 or so for 'labor'. It is convenient having it built in. My last 3 cars have had it built in, but I could upgrade them via a DVD. I replaced the audio unit in my 2004 Z71 with an aftermarket unit that included GPS, also upgradable via a DVD.

 

[Toyboy]

I have 2 Garmin units both GPSMap models. The one in the boat is stationary mounted like my depth finder and stays there, the hand held is the GPSMap 78. Both will take the micro sd cards which makes them very versatile, and Garmin makes about the easiest gps units to use. When I had questions and called them, I got techs in Kansas not India. Great people to work with.

 

[Ford850]

I'll pile on in favor of the Garmin nuvi. I got a 7" screen model with lifetime map updates and traffic. It is so much better than using my iphone 6, I won't even try to list all the ways. It was one of the first and best mods I did to my truck a couple years ago. Garmin definitely builds these based on customer input.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Ford850 could I ask a favor, please say a bit about what you find better, nuvi vs iphone. One of my daughters has a nuvi and really likes it, I haven't even thought of a Garmin since getting the iphones. But am always ready to look at increased functionality. It would be helpful to know what you think having both.

 

[pohorsky]

Yesterday on a whim, I dropped by a thrift shop and they had a nuvi for $20. Much better. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[s219]

Only the coordinates come off the satellite, the map data needs to come from the internet. Unless you stay on map images currently in the phone buffer you will need an internet connection to get the map data. If you are using one of the third party apps that stores the map data on the phone then you need to pay for map updates.

Many apps offer offline maps for reasonable cost (I develop a couple myself) such that internet is not required. For transportation apps that benefit from periodic mapping updates, usually the cost is far lower for apps versus dedicated devices, due to the ease of download/install on smart phones.

 

[grsthegreat]

A gps doesnt rely on cell phone signal drop. Thats the main point. My garmin comes with preinstalled maps of us and canada. Not sure if mexico is included. I travel in canada alot and has worked flawlessly. I even switch it to that pesky metric system when in canada.
Try running iphone in canada and be prepaired fir a thousand dollar phone bill. Haha.

But searously, i use gps daily in my job. Id hate to think about going back to maps and thomas guides.

 

[Ford850]

Ford850 could I ask a favor, please say a bit about what you find better, nuvi vs iphone. One of my daughters has a nuvi and really likes it, I haven't even thought of a Garmin since getting the iphones. But am always ready to look at increased functionality. It would be helpful to know what you think having both.

I'll start with a disclaimer. I had my Garmin prior to my iphone, so I was already used to its features. Maybe there are apps for the iphone that have advantages, but for me (and when I watch friends use theirs) the Garmin wins.
- First I like the size of the GPS. The 7" screen is a monster. I use it on a bag type mount on the dash of my F150, with a permanent hidden power cord. It doesn't block any view and it is easy to read, even for back seat drivers .
- The feature on the GPS that automatically splits the screen and adds a street view as you approach large exits etc is fantastic. They use actual photos so the signage, trees, and landmarks are shown just as you see them out your window. This is helpful in heavy traffic, confusing exits, and when you're stuck behind tall trucks etc.
- POI and other text can get cluttered on my phone, but the GPS is easier to navigate within the screens for me.
- There are more views, options, calculations, estimates, etc, on the GPS. Maybe the phone apps have them, but they are buried and not easily accessible while driving.
- Voice recognition is about equal between the 2 for me. I think they both work very well.
- Having the dedicated GPS frees up my phone. My GPS is waiting and ready when I get back in after a pit stop etc, picking up where I left off.
- Recalculating routes works better on the GPS for me. Some of that is due to the preference settings, so it knows my driving style.
- The traffic warnings on GPS are not great though, unless you are in a metro area. The radio coverage they use is hit and miss in other areas.
- My GPS can also be used as a phone. Never tried it, and don't plan to. I don't want a device that tries to do too many things, and that's what I think is happening to smart phones. I don't use my GPS as a phone, and I don't use my phone as a GPS in my vehicles.

When I bought my truck, I got the best touch screen dash option, but skipped the navigation package. I saved a ton, and if doing it again I would do the same. There are advantages to the built in nav, but not enough for me to justify the cost. I do like the free quarterly map updates on my Garmin.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Much obliged, that's very helpful.