GPS equipment vs. Phone GPS
As smartphones become increasingly popular, they are taking over markets previously covered by independent devices. For example, smartphones have largely replaced MP3 music players and other portable devices. For many people, they also play the role of digital cameras. With these acquisitions, we can not stop asking: have smartphones made portable GPS units obsolete?
The answer to this question depends to a large extent on how you use your GPS. There are some cases in which your smartphone will meet your needs and will replace a handheld GPS. However, in some cases, a smartphone can not hold where the GPS units can. In this article, we describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of handheld GPS and smart phone GPS.
Smartphone GPS
The biggest attraction to use your smartphone as your GPS is comfort. Your smartphone is something you probably have on hand at all times. This means that it is available when you need it and you do not have to think about packing any additional equipment.
A smart phone is a good and reliable option to navigate through the city on foot or by car. It is also good to have a GPS smart phone for short walks, as it offers information about the road and can be used in case of emergency.
Many smartphones have built-in GPS maps designed to provide directions from point A to point B. There are also a variety of reliable applications available that are designed specifically for GPS tracking of smartphones and to improve the GPS accuracy of smartphones; There are applications that suit hiking enthusiasts and some for geocachers.
Using your smartphone and the available applications is significantly cheaper than buying a new handheld GPS. Even a cheap handheld GPS, like the Garmin eTrex Touch, starts at around $ 200.
Handheld GPS
While there are many areas in which a GPS smartphone excels, there are a couple of areas in which it still can not compete with the best portable GPS units. Durability is the most obvious of these areas. If you buy a smartphone specifically for outdoor activities, there is a small chance that it can withstand tough outdoor conditions. However, smartphones that attract the average user will not perform well when used as a GPS in difficult conditions.
If you are looking for a GPS for hiking or fishing, a real handheld GPS device is better than a smartphone. Many GPS units are waterproof or splash-proof. This means that they perform well even in difficult conditions such as heavy rain or snow. If you accidentally throw it into the river or the lake, it will not be ruined.
The second reason why a handheld GPS is better for long walks or trips in the mountains is the battery life. The recreational handheld GPS units have interchangeable batteries. Many operate using AA batteries that can be easily exchanged. If you are going to be away from a power source for an extended period, then a handheld GPS is the best option for you than using your smartphone.
Both handheld GPS and smart phone GPS systems provide precise instructions and can be used in various ways. If you are looking for a GPS to carry it out on city tours or on day trips, then the GPS of a smartphone could be the cheapest option and replace the traditional handheld GPS. However, if you need a reliable device to take with you on backpacking trips or in difficult terrain, then the handheld GPS is still the best fit.
