The Third Option?In-dash navigators, built into the car's dashboard, have features like radio tuner,...

1. Standalone GPS Vs. Smartphone: Which is Better?
The Third Option?
In-dash navigators, built into the car's dashboard, have features like radio tuner, DVD player, built-in
Bluetooth capabilities, in addition to navigation features!
Smartphones have replaced (thought to have replaced) a lot of old-age devices, including watches,
portable music devices, etc. Today, everyone can connect to the Internet (and Google Maps) to get
directions, traffic feeds, and of course, navigation information. But has the standalone GPS run its
course? I don't think so. Even today, these devices hold a reasonable good market share, but have
fallen in price. With smartphones having a large user base, is it necessary to install the standalone
GPS? If you have this and similar questions, then we have provided a comparison of the two
navigation modes to find out the answers.
The comparison is a bit flawed, because the devices are completely different from one another.
However, in this apples and oranges comparison, we have put forth our point of view. Let's find out
by weighing the pros and cons of both devices.
Smartphones - Unbeatable Features
Connectivity: Smartphones have the advantage of being continuously connected to the Internet or a
cellular network, which means, the navigator is always active. Besides different cell phone internet
plans are available that suit an individual's varied needs.
Latest Information: Being continuously connected to the Internet, the GPS on smartphones have
updated maps and data. Thus, you are able to locate the newly opened shopping store in your
neighborhood faster on a smartphone GPS app than on the standalone unit.
Touchscreen: All smartphones are touchscreen devices, thus, operating them while driving is
relatively easy. In case of iPhones, you simply need to talk (give out commands) to your phone, and
the tracker can be switched on. Thus, fidgeting with the phone while driving is minimized.
Walking Tour Guide: Apart from in-car navigation (or in-vehicle navigation), smartphones also have
an excellent navigation system while traveling on foot. This will ensure that you don't get lost while
exploring places. This feature is unique to smartphones.
The Not-so-good Features
The smartphone battery dies too fast during road trips, due to the use of 3G and GPS. It is
necessary to invest in car chargers.
You cannot use the smartphone to attend/make calls, message, email, and chat, because it is
being used as a navigator. You will need to buy wireless headsets for the same, but you will still lose
the navigator screen (and may miss a turn) each time you call. Another money spending alternative!

2. Small screens of smartphones (with navigator screen open) can make it difficult to follow the
screen while driving.
Smartphones store maps on cloud, which means, the device needs to fetch them every time you
need to view them.
Your maps won't be accessible if the data connectivity is weak, and this may leave you stranded!
Personally, I have faced this situation with my smartphone navigator!
Standalone GPS - Unbeatable Features
Battery Life: The biggest advantage of standalone units is their batteries. In case of battery drain,
you can replace them, (spare batteries must be carried along) and keep using the device.
Enhanced Screen: The 4-5-inch screen of the standalone GPS unit is a boon. A slight glance at the
unit's screen is enough to alert the driver about the route, rather than zooming in on the
smartphones. And with a dashboard or windshield mounting, a GPS navigator is very driver-friendly.
Price: Low-end GPS units are not too expensive, and are equipped with basic features like turn-b-
-turn directions and traffic reporting (limited). Higher versions, affordable ones, have live traffic
reports, alternate routes, and other premium features.
The Not-so-good Features
The biggest drawback of standalone GPS units is their use of pre-loaded offline maps that are
not frequently updated. The updates take place once in two (one, in some cases) years. By this time,
urban or landscape development and changes make the old data obsolete.
The standalone units do not use Internet connectivity for displaying routes. Hence you might
miss out on new, short, alternate paths.

3. You will need to carry the standalone
unit along with your phones. This adds to
your luggage!
Our Verdict
As they say, one device's trash is another
device's treasure (I altered the saying!);
the weakness of either smartphone or
standalone units have become other
device's selling point. I would prefer using
a standalone GPS navigator over my
smartphone for navigation. The
smartphones are primarily designed for
calling, and the standalone units are
primarily designed for navigation!
However, most people love to have all
functions integrated into one device. The smartphone GPS option can be a boon for them. If you
prefer using a smartphone GPS, make sure you carry an in-car charger along with you, and make
necessary arrangement for mounting the phone.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/standalone-gps-vs-smartphone-which-is-better.html