Smartphones Aren't So Smart

There is no link ?

I know, I'm trying to fix the html code but can't. I'll put in the whole link.

Ever seen a smart computer?

It's all PEBKAC!

Ever hear the saying:
"Jack of all trades, master of none."

I own a Palm Tungsten T3, a Nuvi 750 and a LG Cell phone. I can break my T3 and still find my way with the Nuvi 750 while talking to them on the LG. Can't do that with an all-in-one, break one and you've broke them all.

Jack j

Jack, I would have to concur. All-in-ones have a place for the mainstream populace, but not for hard core users. There are very valid reasons for job specific devices; they do it better.

I agree. A dedicated device will almost always perform better than a multi-function gizmo.

I think as phones get more advanced that they will eventually catch up. My only gripe right now is that they require cell data which is not always available on a trip. However, my older WinMO phone with TomTom would run it extremely well with the maps uploaded on the device. I actually preferred just having that, made my life easier and never had to worry about forgetting to remove it from the windshield so no one would steal it.

The only place I was impressed with cell phone navigation was out side the US. Map coverage was up to date and far superior to the rented GPS we were using. Maybe someday the US cell phone system will catch up with the rest of the world.

Cell phone have a vastly greater market share than PNDs (of course, they're two different things so they might not be directly comparable--it's sort of reminiscent of the TV vs computer issue). Anyway, it makes sense to fully develop navigational capabilities, etc. to bring it to a larger user base. It's certainly easy to see the full download approach taking hold with the price drop in local storage options. So, in response, maybe there's much more room for the prices to drop on PNDs.

Check out this related story:
Why Google Maps Navigation Won't Kill Standalone GPS
http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000629.html