Smart Phone vs. SatNav

[AreEssTimbo]

Over the years I have a few different SatNav's (Road Angel, Garmin, TomTom etc). However since getting a smartphone with googlemaps I have found that this is much better. It can find business' by name (no need for full address entry) and also seems to have more detailed and accurate maps. Plus the fact that there is no need to install extra maps for foreign journeys.

I'd like to hear if anyone out there disagrees and also the reasons why? (i.e. am I missing something)

[AreEssTimbo]

I understand the issue around losing signal but experienced the same thing with most of my sat navs. That or they simply froze up and took ages to reboot. And yes, if using it abroad without data allowance can be pricey.

Even taking all that into account, I just wonder why anyone would bother with a standalone sat nav this day in age?

Not the most important worry in the world but still... I want to know why these things are still for sale?

[AreEssTimbo]

littlebasher said:

Used Navfree (for the first time in ages) to get me through Leeds City center this afternoon.

Absolutely fking useless, it tried (repeatedly) to take me through bus gates and more than once tried to route me the wrong way up a one way street.

It's not like its free anymore anyway, however i guess you get what you pay for!

Years ago I was using my Road Angel in deepest darkest Aberdeenshire, it was the middle of the night, I was in the middle of nowhere and was not familiar with the area.

I was using the 'Angel' to take me to postcode centre (as the full address was not recognised) so trusting the directions it gave me I followed, watching the miles count down and the destination getting closer. Then finally I hear "You have reached your destination" However I was not "at my destination" I was actually on some country road, about 12 miles from the nearest civilisation and, as I later found out, about 30 miles from the actual postcode I was looking for.

Then it lost signal and left me high n dry! I have never had a smartphone do that!!!

[AreEssTimbo]

colonel c said:

Co Polite has the maps preinstalled. So no off line worries.

IMO That is the only benefit I have heard really so far.

A lot of people are saying about phones losing signal but I have experienced exactly the same thing from sat navs.