Would You Consider An iPad Mini With Garmin StreetPilot Onboard Instead Of A Traditional GPS?

I would consider it......especially given my enjoyment of the current iPad.

While I love most of the idevices released, I hate the fact that Apple renders them obsolete so quickly. I simply cannot afford to keep up with all the new releases.

I want a dedicated device for NAV use. I like having my Nuvi wired up so it powers up with the engine, and is mounted so I can hit the screen with my right hand without taking my hand from the steering wheel.

I don't want something that I have to tag to put it into a GPS or NAV mode (even though you have to do something close with the Nuvi's nag screens). I don't want something that changes mode when a phone call comes in (like the iPhone).

I like a gadget that does one job and does it well!

I perfer a stand alone as with most all of my toys. dont much care for haveing all in one. But there can be advantages to it. Just okd school I geess.

Not even the kind that you eat!

I like my iPad3 but don't want to use it or a sibling as a GPSr. You will need Wi-Fi or a data stream to continue refreshing the map as you drive. That could get haphazard in fringe areas, or expensive as far as data is concerned.

Give me the good ol' single use GPSr. That's my cup of tea.

Most likely you will need a cellular account to get traffic info, etc. That to me does not seem to be the smartest way to have GPS.

...if someone gave it to me.

I don't do anything Apple!

This sounds good on the surface, but the details at the App Store seem to imply that this is a more expensive option than a dedicated GPS. The $0.99 app requires a subscription to the service AND incurs data charges for usage.

I recently got an iPad from work. While it has a lot of flexibility, there seems to be a lot of "stuff" going on in the background. If people are concerned about Big Brother because Garmin MIGHT sell personal information, AppleCorp is set up to do just that...

I agree with k6rtm. When traveling, I like to leave my Garmin in the car. Same thing with cellphones. I don't want a bunch of applications on my phone. I just want to be able to make and receive calls and receive the odd text message.

+1

How would that handle a rainstorm while hanging on my Harley handlebars? Where 4G isn't available? No thanks. I'll keep using dedicated waterproof Garmin Zumo's until I can't get them anymore.

I will stick with my dedicated GPS. As everyone else has said, no hassle, plug it in and it is all set to go.

I bought the new IPad and hate the control Apple has with it and am going to jailbreak it.

I have found that whoom ever updates the traffic on the iPad maps, updates much more often than the Garmin Nuvis. I have seen an accident show up as the solid red line on the iPad in as little as 5 minutes after the accident happens where as the minimum I have ever seen on my garmin is it take 30 minutes to show up.

I have an iPad2, iPhone and BadElf and can use Navigon or Garmin on both, or use my Garmin GPSMAP60CSx. I have been really trying to use the iPhone as a primary nav device, and tried using the iPad is a primary nav device. I still prefer the 60CSx. The iPhone and iPad are good, but the dedicated 60CSx is still tops.

The other thing that is still far better about the Garmin 60CSx are the features, or apps on the GPSr. There is far more capability on the 60CSx than the apps for the iPad and iPhone.

If the apps for the iPhone/iPad were as capable as the feature set on a 60CSx, I might like the iPhone/iPad option. But there is also the environmental factor in that the iPad/iPhone is not as physically robust as the 60CSx and that is also important.

the others here, I like having a dedicated navigational unit. I love my Ipad and use it all the time, but I don't think I would like using it for a GPS

Not that I have the spare money for a full iPad, but I like the idea of the larger screen for navigation over a mini one.

I'll stick to my dedicated unit for now, anyway.

I'd rather have a dedicated GPS.

>>> No, you don't. <<<

If your Nav app has full maps on the device, you do not need a data source for ANYTHING.

We seem to have this debate several times a year, usually in the smartphone forum.

Those of us who prefer a dedicated PND will not be swayed for a do-it-all device. Myself, I prefer a dedicated unit.

This seems to be the biggest misconception about GPS on a smart phone. People repeat this over & over on these forums and people continue to correct this. Yes there are GPS apps that need a data stream, but there are just as many that don't.

Oh wait, a data plan and cell signal will be needed? If so I'll stick with my android device which does not need either. With a single touch of a screen widget I have Navigon Navigator.

Traffic Live
Reality View Pro
Lane Assistant Pro
Maps on device

is there a garmin app for Android yet?

It's called Navigon.

Actually, I don't like their licensing. They have great products. That being said, I still would prefer a stand alone product for my GPS.

I wouldn't want to drag a tablet around just so I can have navigation in my car each time. Why not have a dedicated navigation appliance in the vehicle and use a tablet for work it does best? Sure my smart phone can do navigation, but I only use that as a backup went I don't have a dedicated device handy.

I just quickly reviewed the information available because this seems like a nice addition to our new ipad, however, I agree with one thing - there isn't enough information available about when/if wifi or 3G/4G is available, and what add-on apps like traffic require in this area.

Like many others, I prefer a dedicated GPS using satellite nav. I Like my iTouch, but don't see that or a mini iPad replacing my Nuvi. Besides when traveling we use the iTouch in the car to play games, listen to music, etc. That would be incompatible with full-time GPS use.

I might replace the iTouch with a mini iPad though...

If you have a 3G/4G iPad and an app that loads full maps to the iPad, the only thing it would need data for is if you added a "Live" extra, purchased service.

If you have a wifi iPad with a GPS puck or BadElf device plugged in, and an app that puts full maps on the iPad, you have the a similar or better end user experience than you'd have with a Garmin 750.

I'll stick to my GPS

Can you get it to work off the GPS sats just like a dedicated navi, I'm all for it.

yes, it works off GPS satellites, just like dedicated navi.

Navigon, on my wifi iPad with the BadElf, gives me full use of playing my iTunes music library while navigating... The music fades, Navigon gives instructions, the music comes back to volume. I ditched my XM Radio subscription.

I recently saw a car using a full size iPad and it took up way too much space blocking views through the window. I think a mini even though smaller might do the same. You might want to check that out first if they come out with one.

No. I would still prefer the traditional gps. I already have a 5 inch display on the gps and its plenty big. I don't think I would want a larger display on the dash as it would be too distracting and may obstruct too much of the windshield.

I prefer my Garmin 1490 as a dedicated GPS over something on an iPad or phone. I use Google Maps when I don't have the GPS handy, but only when I'm trying to help someone else navigate. Trying to use the Garmin app on a phone or iPad can be very frustrating. I think the day will come when it will all be on the phone or mini tablet, but we're not there yet!

I use my iPod Touch more like a pocket computer rather than a music player. Since it does not have a GPS built into it, I still use a standalone GPS.

I still prefer a stand alone unit.

With ipad or mobile apps, you can't load POI.

Yup!

....GPSr for me.

Turn your iPod Touch into a GPSr: BadElf. http://bad-elf.com/

--Disclaimer: I'm a VERY satisfied customer. Nothing more.

I am sorry but after having an apple mp3 player, i have since refused to purchase anything apple, there is no reason to be so propiatary.

What would be the best Nav App that has the full maps for the Ipad?

Navigon. Again, just a satisfied user.

and it will work with just wifi and no 3g?

Yes. Works with no 3G... Navigon does have add-ons you can buy - like a traffic subscription that would require 3g or a wifi source on the go... but for navigation, no data is needed.

I use TomTom USA and it works good without a data connection. TomTom also has GPS apps that need a data connection so be careful if you decide.

I think there are two ways people will look at this.

1) I want an iPad Mini anyway, whether it works well for GPS or not. That being the case, the free software apps would be fun to play with and evaluate with no cost involved. Buy a dedicated app/map if I find that useful and want more flexibility and freedom from cellular coverage. Buy a GPS add-on receiver for higher accuracy. The incremental cost is the only real factor since the owner would already have the device and data service anyway.

2) Buying it just for the navigation capabilities sets the incremental cost at around $450-$500 plus the data plan cost if selected.

Talking about how well it would work is just guesswork. And there would be many variables to evaluate.
* iPad only with 3G and free online app/maps
* iPad with dedicated app, downloaded maps and 3G
* iPad with GPS add-on receiver but online maps
* iPad with GPS add-on receiver and dedicated app/map
Each of the above options will give significantly different results and performance.
And when you get right down to it, Who Cares? Different strokes for different folks. Buy what you like, have fun with what you buy, try to avoid pushing your values off on others.

As for me personally, I'm in category #1. I will buy a iPad Mini WiFi only. My wife has the iPad 2 WiFi only and the display is awesome with Goggle/MapQuest maps and Google Earth. Owning two Nuvi's and an Etrex, I'm just not that interested in paying much more to add navigation functionality to the iPad.