GPS unit or App

[JoanneDisFan]

In a round about way this does relate to Disney, but also an upcoming trip to Chicago (10 hour road trip). I'm thinking about getting a GPS unit to help with the navigation, but was also considering upgrading my phone to a smart phone and just using an app. Which is better a separate unit or an app on a droid or iphone? One benefit of going with a smart phone is I can also use it for the lines app and UT app on my Disney trip this Oct. Any advice?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you have a smartphone, the GPS program works well. No need to also buy a separate GPS unit.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Two pluses in favor of a separate GPS unit are they are generally easier to use, especially to see while driving. Another is a GPS will work in places where a phone has no signal. A GPS should never not work, if you are outside.

ETA, I use both.

 

[chartle]

I have a droid and it comes with Google Maps out of the box. It has full satellite and street view. I see no reason to get a stand a lone GPS.

I don't know if the Iphone has a native GPS nav app.

 

[Jillpie]

My vote is a separate GPS. I have an iPhone and there is no way I'd take my eyes off the road to look at the small screen. It's a safety issue for me. A GPS mounted on your windshield is so much easier to take quick looks at vs. looking down at a small phone.

 

[OKW Lover]

If its just for a drive to WDW, then don't bother with either since the route is really not complicated.

OTOH, if you want a GPS for other trips then get a real GPS rather than an Ap. They are easier to use/read while driving.

 

[ccudmore]

I'd vote for a smartphone app under 2 conditions:
1) The app has all of the maps pre-loaded and doesn't need to access the Internet. Many apps need an Internet connection.
2) You have a window-mount bracket so the phone mounts in the same position a dedicated GPS unit would. Where I live this is the only legal way to use a smart phone as a GPS while driving so there's not distractions to the driver.

 

[goofy4tink]

My Droid Incredible has Google maps loaded already, with GPS that is just about as good as my Garmin. The phone has a holster that can be attaced to the dashboard of my car (temporarily). And then it 'talks' to me the same as my Garmin does. I can see little difference between the two. I'll be using my phone in a few weeks, to find my way around central Fl.

 

[chartle]

I'd vote for a smartphone app under 2 conditions:
1) The app has all of the maps pre-loaded and doesn't need to access the Internet. Many apps need an Internet connection.
2) You have a window-mount bracket so the phone mounts in the same position a dedicated GPS unit would. Where I live this is the only legal way to use a smart phone as a GPS while driving so there's not distractions to the driver.

1. As far as I know it does need a data connection and the maps are not preloaded. This is good and bad, bad if you lose your data connection, good since its always as up to date as it can be.

2. I have a window mount with a power connection so thats covered.

 

[rwdavis2]

I have a droid and it comes with Google Maps out of the box. It has full satellite and street view. I see no reason to get a stand a lone GPS.

I don't know if the Iphone has a native GPS nav app.

I have a Droid 2 with the built-in navigation. The screen is big enough and it has spoken directions. Not quite as good as a separate unit but good enough. Especially for getting around WDW. The signage is pretty good.

 

[chartle]

It comes down to if you are already going to get a smart phone, for most people , you will not need a GPS.

Just don't get a smart phone just because you need a GPS. They are expensive to buy and you have to have a data plan.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have a garmin and I love it, I am on my 2nd in 7 years.

Before I upgraded though I tried the app on my droid and I LOVEd it. The screen is just about as big as my new garmin and I liked the gps app better - but...

Since the service runs from the cell service rather than the gps satelight it cut out often esp on longer drives. Twice in areas I was unfamiliar with and needed the info. That was enough for me - I think in a year or two this won't be an issue but that is why I went ahead and got a new garmin.

I also just did a drive to Lake Placid and enountered several miles where there was no cell service at all, I was glad I had the garmin.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

A GPS should never not work, if you are outside

I have to disagree with this. A GPS will often lose the signal when driving in a city with tall buildings or in a heavily forested area.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have to disagree with this. A GPS will often lose the signal when driving in a city with tall buildings or in a heavily forested area.

Yes, this - we were in NYC and my old Garmin went crazy. Kept saying turn left in 999,9999,999,999 I forgot about that little glitch !!