I've started using my phone as a GPS lately since my actual GPS failed (it was several years old).
Pros:
Only one device on the handlebar
Can run apps that tell me traffic reports ahead
Can toggle phone calls on/off so I can choose whether to be left alone
About the same cost as a motorcycle GPS
Can shut off the screen so it's not distracting, but still get audible directions in the earpiece
Easily charges through the USB terminal hooked to my battery
Cons
Might damage my phone
Might forget to turn off the incoming calls
Screen is a little smaller than a GPS
Just my two cents worth.:biggrin:
That's actually not true on newer phones. It is satellite-based, not phone tower-based, just like a true GPS system. You just have to enable certain settings to make it happen. Additionally, maps can be downloaded onto the phone for use even in places where GPS signals are weak.Your phone navigation app will only work where you can receive cellular signals, unlike your GPS device which will work as long as you can are outdoors and exposed to the satellites. With the maps stored in the GPS rather than just being received via phone lines you get much better coverage.
I drive for a living at the moment and IMO you'll have a hard time doing better than WAZE, which is phone based and FREE..and has largely made conventional GPS obsolete IMO... I do think you need the network to make it worth your while, but WAZE, in addition to finding the real-time best (fastest) route based on current traffic, learns shortcuts from its users, shows you: road hazards, potholes, accidents, objects on the road, POLICE TRAPS, red-light cameras and a host of other things, like where to find the cheapest and closest gas, food, etc...Other than probably being more rugged, the phone system has a lot more advantages in my view.
Of course, I can understand why some would prefer a true GPS system and I'm not knocking it. Just offering a suggestion for those who want to minimize the number of gadgets. :biggrin:
When I'm going somewhere I use WAZE. But when I'm going nowhere in particular, the phone GPS works.I drive for a living at the moment and IMO you'll have a hard time doing better than WAZE, which is phone based and FREE..and has largely made conventional GPS obsolete IMO... I do think you need the network to make it worth your while, but WAZE, in addition to finding the real-time best (fastest) route based on current traffic, learns shortcuts from its users, shows you: road hazards, potholes, accidents, objects on the road, POLICE TRAPS, red-light cameras and a host of other things, like where to find the cheapest and closest gas, food, etc...
I don't drive/ride without it...
In remote areas WAZE may not be as helpful.
Well my phone's GPS is WAZE. The other common option would be to use Google but Google also uses WAZE but doesn't offer the other options like police, pothole, red light camera warnings which I won't drive anywhere more than a couple of miles without. Not sure if Google uses WAZE's real time route changes either. WAZE does it all for me, the only limitation is that in areas not well travelled WAZE gets dumber from lack of data.When I'm going somewhere I use WAZE. But when I'm going nowhere in particular, the phone GPS works.
I've been experimenting lately with one of my old phones that doesn't have a network connection. Turning on WiFi and using the GPS function, it seems to find its way around in the middle of nowhere so far.
Well my phone's GPS is WAZE. The other common option would be to use Google but Google also uses WAZE but doesn't offer the other options like police, pothole, red light camera warnings which I won't drive anywhere more than a couple of miles without. Not sure if Google uses WAZE's real time route changes either. WAZE does it all for me, the only limitation is that in areas not well travelled WAZE gets dumber from lack of data.
On the WAZE map it shows lots of things.... It shows the regular stuff like roads, but it also shows traffic jams, cops, hazards and also red light cameras.. All as icons... When you approach something of interest, like a cop or pothole or red light cam, it will tell you....Sorry to ask a dumb question, but...what is a red light camera warning??