GPS standalone vs Smartphone GPS - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Delibes · #16 10-28-2015, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

Well that was an expensive one - or did you pay a lot for extra maps?

The Garmin cost me about $140 in 2011. The only thing you need is a MicroSD card; maps are readily available online via OpenStreet or pirated copies of the Garmin City Navigator Maps. You need a computer, the Garmin software and a "fat" USB chord (the old style) to transfer the data.

Stretch · #17 10-28-2015, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delibes

The Garmin cost me about $140 in 2011. The only thing you need is a MicroSD card; maps are readily available online via OpenStreet or pirated copies of the Garmin City Navigator Maps. You need a computer, the Garmin software and a "fat" USB chord (the old style) to transfer the data.

So OpenStreet maps work on Garmin?

My Garmin thing was sold to me as having a UK map but it effing doesn't. This is a real pain. I don't want to buy another map at Garmin because they want the cost of yet another machine for the software.

KarTek · #18 10-28-2015, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

For land based navigation I have found a good smartphone to be the best. That Garmin will work, I used to have one years ago, but...it doesn't have voice command, real time traffic, radar trap info, constant updates from Google, satellite photo based maps, and it won't help you with walking directions either. It also lacks a 3D option which is nice for cities.

Now if you have no cell signal? Of course GPS only units are still the best.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the real time traffic updates. Google will actively monitor traffic ahead and re-route me around slow-downs. Came in real handy last August when driving through/around DC.

cmac2012 · #19 10-28-2015, 12:32 PM

My iPhone GPS works well for me, believe it or not it's my first device of that sort. I've been comfy with the Thomas Guides for a long time. But I'm liking this. One thing I've noticed, Google maps in general really sucks down battery charge in a hurry. Data, dunno, I have an unlimited plan.

Stretch · #20 10-28-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

My iPhone GPS works well for me, believe it or not it's my first device of that sort. I've been comfy with the Thomas Guides for a long time. But I'm liking this. One thing I've noticed, Google maps in general really sucks down battery charge in a hurry. Data, dunno, I have an unlimited plan.

If you look in your settings there's usually an overview of the quantity data you've downloaded over the last month of so.

Most of the power usage, however, is usually in screen up time.

MTI · #21 10-28-2015, 02:22 PM

5 Ways to Stop Google Maps Killing Your Battery