Stand Alone GPS vs. Android App.

Frosty · 01-01-2013, 12:59 PM

Can someone offer their knowledge and/or experience in comparing these two methods. I am in the process of updating my gadgets so would appreciate any info. relating to such trade-offs.

Thanks!

Carbon · 01-01-2013, 01:13 PM

A stand-alone GPS will work in areas where there is no cell coverage.

sushiguy732 · 01-01-2013, 05:40 PM

I am all for Google maps myself.

avs · 01-01-2013, 06:16 PM

I'll say get a stand alone GPS unit use it as your primary and use android app as your secondary. Waze is a nice app to look out for cops and traffic.

Dr. Dyno · 01-01-2013, 07:00 PM

I have both a few Garmins and a Droid Razr. Both have their advantages.

The phone is handy cause I can pull it out of my pocket any time and see where I am - including satellite views of the surrounding terrain. Both the maps and live traffic are very current as is the traffic based ETA. Disadvantages: no current speed readout and your position is being sent to who knows who. The GPS tracking apparently takes a lot power so I have to keep the charger plugged in.

The Garmin sets nice and conveniently on my dash and is easier to use IMO, probably from years of use. With the phone I often have to figure how to do the same thing as on the Garmin. My trips with my dyno are often repeated so I just save them and reload them next time. It also gives me my all important current speed w/o giving away my position.

So I'd say the phone is best for quickie trips & address finding. The Garmin is the workhorse trip guide & companion.

vanstrien · 01-01-2013, 07:02 PM

I love Google Maps on my Samsung Galaxy S2. You can mark areas of the map for caching to help avoid any spots where there is no reception, but for the most part I've never had an issue with that. (I tend to cache when I'm travelling abroad more)

It is more up to date than my Garmin and easier to use. Also the Garmin doesn't get new features over time.

Frosty · 01-01-2013, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carbon

A stand-alone GPS will work in areas where there is no cell coverage.

Yes, that is true and it justifies a stand-alone GPS for traveling in remote areas, at least for me.

Bob-blehead · 01-02-2013, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Dyno

So I'd say the phone is best for quickie trips & address finding. The Garmin is the workhorse trip guide & companion.

This is how I plan to use my new Garmin unit and Droid phone.

01-01-2013, 12:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Frosty Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Northeast Posts: 76 Thanks: 12 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Stand Alone GPS vs. Android App. Can someone offer their knowledge and/or experience in comparing these two methods. I am in the process of updating my gadgets so would appreciate any info. relating to such trade-offs. Thanks!

01-01-2013, 01:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Carbon Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NE Illinois Posts: 3,910 Thanks: 6 Thanked 138 Times in 135 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A stand-alone GPS will work in areas where there is no cell coverage. __________________ 2009 V6 4wd Base

01-01-2013, 07:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dr. Dyno Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,896 Thanks: 77 Thanked 137 Times in 132 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have both a few Garmins and a Droid Razr. Both have their advantages. The phone is handy cause I can pull it out of my pocket any time and see where I am - including satellite views of the surrounding terrain. Both the maps and live traffic are very current as is the traffic based ETA. Disadvantages: no current speed readout and your position is being sent to who knows who. The GPS tracking apparently takes a lot power so I have to keep the charger plugged in. The Garmin sets nice and conveniently on my dash and is easier to use IMO, probably from years of use. With the phone I often have to figure how to do the same thing as on the Garmin. My trips with my dyno are often repeated so I just save them and reload them next time. It also gives me my all important current speed w/o giving away my position. So I'd say the phone is best for quickie trips & address finding. The Garmin is the workhorse trip guide & companion. __________________ Fred __________________ 2006 RAV4 V6 4WD Red Limited 2006 Accord V6 Hybrid - quick as the RAV but +8 mpg 1999 F-250 4X4 Diesel - snow plow, Bully Dog chip 2001 F-250 4X4 Diesel - truck camper, TS chip, 20' bike/trike dyno trailer 2004 Suzuki DRZ-400S Dual Sport It's the pedal (or the handgrip) on the right!!

01-01-2013, 05:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
sushiguy732 Member Country: Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Joisey Posts: 65 Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I am all for Google maps myself.

01-01-2013, 06:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
avs Advanced Member Country: Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,079 Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'll say get a stand alone GPS unit use it as your primary and use android app as your secondary. Waze is a nice app to look out for cops and traffic.

01-01-2013, 07:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
vanstrien Junior Member Country: Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: TX Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I love Google Maps on my Samsung Galaxy S2. You can mark areas of the map for caching to help avoid any spots where there is no reception, but for the most part I've never had an issue with that. (I tend to cache when I'm travelling abroad more) It is more up to date than my Garmin and easier to use. Also the Garmin doesn't get new features over time.

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