Can a tablet beat a GPS in everyway?

[glen]

GPS is typically above $300
Not too hard to get a tablet under that.
So, with a bigger screen, is everyoen going to eventually just use a atablet?
What part of the equation am I overlooking?

 

[shabby]

GPS is typically above $300

Maybe some top of the line model, you can get plenty of them at around the 100-150 range. I can't see myself using a large tablet as a gps, but that's just me.

 

[MrX8503]

You can get a gps for $100 or less. A gps works everywhere anytime without a data plan.

 

[SKORPI0]

Just make sure that the tablet has it built in GPS. If not at least blue tooth to use a blue tooth GPS. Available maps and updates for the navigation software in your area.

I've been using my HP TouchPad (Android CM9 ICS) with a Canmore GT-750F(L) Bluetooth GPS Data Logger mounted with a Arkon Tablet Seat Bolt Mount (TAB-FSM) for the last 3 months.

Navigation software is either Sygic GPS Navigation, Navigon or Google Maps with Navigation by order of preference. It works very well. Gives a turn by turn prompt, Speed and warns me if/when I go over the speed limit, STOP light camera warning and reroutes if I miss a turn/exit. I can save my home location, routes, favorite POI (points of interest). Shows me how many miles away and time to drive to a destination.

 

[dagamer34]

The standalone GPS is dead. It will either be replaced by a smartphone app or integrated directly into the car itself.

 

[alent1234]

GPS has the maps locally

unless you use the ipad with one of the apps that stores the maps locally you will need a data plan.

its easier to just use a smartphone if you have one as GPS

 

[frozentundra123456]

GPS has the maps locally

unless you use the ipad with one of the apps that stores the maps locally you will need a data plan.

its easier to just use a smartphone if you have one as GPS

I think there was a pretty extensive thread about this recently if you want to look back. Anyway, the GPS in a tablet is worthless without either a data plan or stand alone GPS software that stores the maps locally. I got Co-Pilot live for android, which does store the maps locally. Cost only 20.00, but I have not used it extensively. I actually like the built in Google Maps/Nav program better, but you need a data plan. Even if you have a data plan and have no signal you are SOL.

So overall, I would say if you really want a tablet for other things, and if you purchase a data plan or stand alone software pack, it can double as a GPS. If your primary use will be for the GPS, then I would get a stand alone unit. I dont know where you live, but in my area, the weekly ad for best buy had several stand alone GPS units in the 100 to 200 dollar range. We purchased one for my son about a year ago on sale for 99.00 at target, and he is very happy with it.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Just make sure that the tablet has it built in GPS. If not at least blue tooth to use a blue tooth GPS. Available maps and updates for the navigation software in your area.

I've been using my HP TouchPad (Android CM9 ICS) with a Canmore GT-750F(L) Bluetooth GPS Data Logger mounted with a Arkon Tablet Seat Bolt Mount (TAB-FSM) for the last 3 months.

Navigation software is either Sygic GPS Navigation, Navigon or Google Maps with Navigation by order of preference. It works very well. Gives a turn by turn prompt, Speed and warns me if/when I go over the speed limit, STOP light camera warning and reroutes if I miss a turn/exit. I can save my home location, routes, favorite POI (points of interest). Shows me how many miles away and time to drive to a destination.

I tried Sygic, and thought it was absolutely terrible. I mean I cannot stress enough how terrible I thought it was. I ended up purchasing CoPilot live, and it is acceptable, but does have a few quirks. As far as I know, Google Maps with Nav only works if you have a data connection. You may be able to download maps for small areas, but without a data plan, it is very limited, unless I was not able to figure it out correctly.

 

[Imp]

Bought a Playbook to use GPS, but no standalone GPS program, data plan required, so I pawned it to someone. Funny that she's using it partly for GPS, except she's willing to splurge for the data plan.

Other problem is size and crappy antenna. If you're mounting it in your car, or willing to lug a 7"+ tablet around with no fear of dropping it, then more power to you. If you're on the move, in "imperfect" conditions (e.g. hiking around woods/city), it's a huge thing that can easily be dropped, damaged, etc.

The antenna is mounted inside along with a wi-fi and bluetooth antenna. From my experience with a Playbook and iPad 1, the wifi in tablets suck. My laptop will pull about 5-10 signals at school and home consistently. The Playbook and iPad gets a weak signal if there's a floor or wall between me and the router. It was impossible to use the wifi at school because the signal wouldn't hold.

For $300 you can get an Oregon 450/550 or 62s/62stc. The latter has a quad-helic, cinderblock-sized GPS antenna. Both are designed to be put in your pocket, humped, dropped, and get wet. Hoping to get a 62sc at some point.

 

[alent1234]

I don't know about android phones but the iPhone has lots of mounts for it in the $100 range that have a more powerful gps chip in there and will charge your phone as well

 

[dehemke]

Would you mind a more detailed write up as to how this works, or point me to some resources? Thanks.

Just make sure that the tablet has it built in GPS. If not at least blue tooth to use a blue tooth GPS. Available maps and updates for the navigation software in your area.

I've been using my HP TouchPad (Android CM9 ICS) with a Canmore GT-750F(L) Bluetooth GPS Data Logger mounted with a Arkon Tablet Seat Bolt Mount (TAB-FSM) for the last 3 months.

Navigation software is either Sygic GPS Navigation, Navigon or Google Maps with Navigation by order of preference. It works very well. Gives a turn by turn prompt, Speed and warns me if/when I go over the speed limit, STOP light camera warning and reroutes if I miss a turn/exit. I can save my home location, routes, favorite POI (points of interest). Shows me how many miles away and time to drive to a destination.

 

[gorcorps]

IMO, no... not yet. Many tablets still have less than stellar GPS for one reason or another, whether it's because of a design oversight or something else. A stand alone GPS is meant for one thing, and so it does it quite well.

Especially since there's been a few sales recently for standalone GPS units with lifetime updates between 100-150.

 

[SKORPI0]

I tried Sygic, and thought it was absolutely terrible. I mean I cannot stress enough how terrible I thought it was. I ended up purchasing CoPilot live, and it is acceptable, but does have a few quirks. As far as I know, Google Maps with Nav only works if you have a data connection. You may be able to download maps for small areas, but without a data plan, it is very limited, unless I was not able to figure it out correctly.

Not sure why you find Sygic terrible. I can do route planning, find POI (bank,gas, food, etc.) in places I'm not familiar with. Reminds me to change lane before exiting a highway, red light warning, beeping warning if/when I overspeed. Saves my favorite routes/destinations. I can zoom in/out to give me an overview of my driving route. I get GPS data using a blue tooth GPS from +12 GPS satellites accurate within 2 feet every second. All these without a data plan, internet connection and paying a yearly traffic plan. Not sure how much I paid for the latest/updated map (USA-Illinois).

Navi by GARMIN a close second choice and use it occasionally.

Google Maps with Navigation works without a data/internet connection but maps are limited to areas you've already been to. I use it once in a while. Gives me a nice 3D photographic view of my driving route which I can also zoom in/out and change perspective.

I find them much better than my sisters 2009 Honda CRV build in navigation system and my nieces Magellan/Tom Tom GPS.

 

[JustMe21]

There are also GPS units that offer lifetime up-to-date traffic information, where you can only do subscriptions on a tablet and it requires a data signal. Also, I would say the screens on a standalone GPS unit are more visible in direct sunlight than a tablet. There are also more of a variety of GPS units than the GPS software that is available for a tablet. But, GPS updates probably aren't as regular and new features are probably introduced more quickly into GPS tablet software than a standalone GPS unit.

 

[WelshBloke]

I don't know about android phones but the iPhone has lots of mounts for it in the $100 range that have a more powerful gps chip in there and will charge your phone as well

What do you mean "more powerful GPS chip"? What chip is in them and what chip does the iPhone normally use?

 

[alent1234]

the iphone GPS isn't powerful because it's illegal to do so

there is a TomTom car kit that's a windshield mount with a GPS chip/antenna in there that is more powerful than the iphone because it's not going to be close to your head. it sends out more powerful signals. also works with ipod touch since that one doesn't have a GPS chip. and its good because it doesn't need data since the app has all the maps on your phone

 

[Zargon]

There are also GPS units that offer lifetime up-to-date traffic information, where you can only do subscriptions on a tablet and it requires a data signal. Also, I would say the screens on a standalone GPS unit are more visible in direct sunlight than a tablet. There are also more of a variety of GPS units than the GPS software that is available for a tablet. But, GPS updates probably aren't as regular and new features are probably introduced more quickly into GPS tablet software than a standalone GPS unit.

yeah I paid about 130 for my 5" garmin with lifetime maps, which means I wont replace it for 3-4 years probably

The standalone GPS is dead. It will either be replaced by a smartphone app or integrated directly into the car itself.

so much closer to fail than standalone's.

I have 3 cars and 2 motorcycles, do I really want to pay to maintain GPS maps on 5 devices? no.

 

[WelshBloke]

the iphone GPS isn't powerful because it's illegal to do so

there is a TomTom car kit that's a windshield mount with a GPS chip/antenna in there that is more powerful than the iphone because it's not going to be close to your head. it sends out more powerful signals. also works with ipod touch since that one doesn't have a GPS chip. and its good because it doesn't need data since the app has all the maps on your phone

What are these signals that the iPhone GPS receiver is sending out?

 

[AstroManLuca]

GPS is typically above $300

No, it's not. Standalone units are in the $100 range depending on screen size and features.

Not too hard to get a tablet under that.

Not once you factor in the extra cost of a GPS unit as well as a way of getting maps onto it. Either via a data connection (so another $30/month for a data plan), or tethering (hope your carrier doesn't mind that), or by buying GPS software.

So, with a bigger screen, is everyoen going to eventually just use a atablet?
What part of the equation am I overlooking?

Buying all the right components - tablet, external GPS, mapping software, mounting solution - is expensive and a hassle. And you have to make sure everything works together, which doesn't always happen. For the vast, vast majority of people, a standalone GPS unit is the best possible way to go. You can get a Garmin unit with lifetime live traffic and map updates for like $120! Plus it's not bulky and doesn't require a lot of setup time.

I'm not saying using a tablet as a GPS is a horrible idea that no one should do, but it's a very niche solution for people who are willing to tinker with their electronics to get a better experience. But it's not a realistic option for most people.

 

[alent1234]

What are these signals that the iPhone GPS receiver is sending out?

it has to send out commands to the satellites as well

i've used GPS in the army since the 1990's and all the receivers had big antennas to send the request to the satellite. the frequencies it uses are fairly high and high frequency radio waves are bad for your brain

there are a few dozen GPS satellites up there. not like they send location data to millions of devices all the time with no request to do so

 

[Puddle Jumper]

it has to send out commands to the satellites as well

i've used GPS in the army since the 1990's and all the receivers had big antennas to send the request to the satellite. the frequencies it uses are fairly high and high frequency radio waves are bad for your brain

there are a few dozen GPS satellites up there. not like they send location data to millions of devices all the time with no request to do so

I don't think you understand how GPS works.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS#Basic_concept_of_GPS

Your iPhone isn't transmitting anything to the gps satellite.

 

[alent1234]

iphone uses Assisted GPS

 

[WelshBloke]

iphone uses Assisted GPS

It's still not sending anything to the satellite.
Assisted GPS just uses the cell data to download some stuff from server quicker than it can from the satellite.