HTC / Cell Phone

I'm assuming those maps will be more up to date than GPS units. Maps for GPS are generally released every few years but maps for cell phone units are downloaded dynamically should be more up to date.
Just a thought!!!

Do you know if the all cell phones are capable of using the GPS function? The Motorola Razor?

Most offer some sort of application that can be used on newer digital phones.

No, yes, maybe !!

At the moment, very few "phones" have a real GPS receiver (or very few GPS receivers can make phone calls) so one needs to be REAL careful about what is really happening if you THINK you are getting both.

Some cell companies are providing some kind of map application for phones that have Internet connectivity, kind of a pseudo-GPS, because nothing in the phone is really capable of reporting your actual position......except for cell tower triangulation which is WAY sloppy compared to a "real" GPS.

I am not a fan of multi-purpose devices because it very often turns out to be "Jack of all trades and master of NONE." For a while at least, I believe that applies doubly here.

All phones sold now must have gps receivers built in as a part of the FCC's e911 compliance requirements - in that when you call 911 on a cell phone, it relays the phone's gps coordinates to the 911 dispatcher.

What some phone providers do is sell software and location based services that can use triangulation between cell towers, the location derived from the phone's GPSr, or a combination of both. Not all providers are equal...Verizon is one that pretty much forces you to use their pay-to use services on their phones, and if you try to used a 3rd party gps app on their phone, you're SOL because they cripple the phone's operating system to only work with their stuff. Others are a little more lenient.

I do agree with the multi-purpose devices being jacks of all trades while mastering none....

I currently have an HTC touch with the GPS turned on. It is an actual GPS receiver that is separate from the cell phone radio. I'm currently running garmin mobile XT with 2009 maps.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=138&pID=11413

I'm happy to report that it is dead on accurate, normally shows 7-10 active satellites connected, downloads real time traffic, weather, and FUEL PRICE updates (that garmin appears to update daily) via the phones data connection. It also supports the custom POI sets available on this site.

There are several other pieces of software available for the phone, including:
telenav (downloads maps via the data connection instead of storing them on the SD card)
TomTom, MIO maps, nav4all, Sprint navigator, mapquest navigator, IGuidance, IGO, google maps, microsoft live search and more.

The software is as good as the base level GPS units that tomtom and garmin produce (and in many aspects, better given its always on data connection that provides traffic,weather,fuel prices, news, etc), and the hardware exceeds that of garmins top level unit (500mhz processor, 128mb RAM, microSD card slot expandable to 8GB)

I can simultaneously talk on the phone, surf the internet (using sprints REVA network that rivals DSL download speeds), have garmin running, listen to mp3's (or stream them from the internet), watch TV, movies, etc, without having any ram issues. Though obviously, not while i'm driving...

If i was a professional driver, or took a lot of long trips Having a stand alone unit would be beneficial. However for portability, and occasional use for finding my way somewhere locally, it would be hard to beat it, especially given that the price tag is only 99 bucks.

Have you tried running it side by side with a Garmin/TomTom/etc?

I use my Nuvi 660 mostly for traffic purposes on a daily basis, and for navigation when on trips. Would be nice to consolidate some of my gadgets.

I have run it side by side with a tom tom, and while they didn't always come up with the same routes, there was never a clear "leader" as to which one gave the better routes. Sometimes the garmin seemed to give the better route, sometimes the tom tom.

both seemed to be very accurate, but I felt like the garmin gave more information, making for easier navigation of complex intersections.

I felt that the tomtom has better system for organizing POI's, especially those that are added "on the fly" (as opposed to those entered via the computer)

the tomtom obviously has a larger screen, which is an advantage, but I think the point of view of the garmin software is far superior to tomtoms

If you have any questions about garmin XT, especially its use with the HTC touch, feel free to post or PM me...

One curiosity question regarding the XT software. Can it display, or input Lat/Lon coordinates?

I have the Motorola Q 9h from AT&T and the GPS is locked and you have to subscribe to the AT&T navigator service.

There is a work around, I downloaded an application to unlock the GPS and then use the program called GPS TEST and from there you can view the satellites and ALL the data.

I have the Q9h Global and the Samsung Blackjack 2, both on AT&T. I have unlocked the GPS chip as well, and GPS Test has worked fine, as does Google Maps Mobile and Windows Live Search Mobile for mapping. My next purchase will be ALK's CoPilot Live 7, which is compatible with both. One of these days, I'll look for an application better suited for Geocaching for the outings with the kids.

The HP iPAQ Mobile Messenger 6945 also has a built in GPS chipset. I like this one because of its touch screen and the additional mapping and navigation software that's available for it. I'll dig around this site - this is a good thing to have a listing of. Those devices that have a built in GPS chipset (as opposed to those that simply rely on Cell tower triangulation.)

By chance did you compare data against your Garmin?

Hey,

You CAN input coordinates into Garmin Mobile XT.

I have an HTC Touch, I've used TomTom, Garmin Mobile XT, and iGO 8 Nav N Go. The HTC Touch is truly an amazing device like xfiend said. Whilst being a phone, organizer, and music/video player, it works great as a GPS device. Many people on the PPCGeeks forums report trouble getting the unit to lock onto satellites though, but I don't have a problem, if I stay still in my car for 1 or 2 mins max the GPS locks on and I'm good to go.

For those of you with PDA's check you iGO 8 Nav N GO, simply the BEST GPS program I've ever used/seen in my entire life. 3D Buildings, 3D Terrain, Colormaps showing elevation, Warning for speedcams/redlight cams, And very customizable too (visually). Kicks Garmin's butt

Unfortunately their new software doesn't easily accept the file formats on this site, but with some work you can covert the files to work.

I have an HTC Touch and upgraded the firmware. The GPS does indeed work (with version 3.09 Bell Canada version) anyway. The GPS is dead on accurate and quick (about one second updates). I can see myself moving around in the house with Google Maps.

Can I ask those with an HTC Touch and are using Bell Mobility, as to how you upgraded the Firmware? I bought one, and would really like to know. Thanks.

EDIT: I found the ROM on the HTC Website. You can find it there, and update it.

Be sure to install Google Maps when you are done, works great with the built in GPS chip.

Also, you may want to consider Garmin XT Mobile...I already have the Garmin 760, but I don't always have it with me. This is a handy app to have if I have to head out at work and need some directions (although I notice that sometimes it locks up when I try to run it)

Just trying iGO8 myself.. and have to agree the graphics are pretty sweet. Not learnt enough to understand how to create my own poi files..

You might also try a feature that Google maps has that is called Latitude. You can share your position with others. You can also see where others are on your phone. I have an HTC Touch Pro and this feature really works well.

Wooooo! I'm back to these forums after a year. Had an HTC Touch, but the GPS signal on it was so weak I gave up on it. Got an HTC Touch Diamond now, and the GPS signal is sooo much stronger! I get GPS satellites in my apartment not even near the window (doesn't lock on though) If I goto the window it locks on ☺ Anyways, can't wait to get into this POI scene