Cell-phone or stand-alone  GPS?

GPS apps can turn your cell phone or smartphone into a GPS navigator, sometimes for just a few dollars or even for free. But experts say a traditional stand-alone GPS device may still be the better choice. If you're trying to decide between a cell phone GPS app or a stand-alone GPS unit, reviews say to consider the following:

  • Price. At first glance, cell phone GPS apps look like the better deal. A good stand-alone GPS unit costs $100 to $300. A good cell phone GPS app can range from free to $100, although some apps charge $10 a month, which can add up over time. Also note that using a cell phone-based GPS requires that you buy a lot more than just an app. You'll also need a phone, a data plan and probably a windshield mount and car charger. Stand-alone  GPS devices include everything you need in one box.
  • Accuracy. Stand-alone  GPS devices win here. Cell phones suffer from weaker GPS satellite reception, and some phone GPS apps also need a cell signal in order to start navigating; they download maps on the fly, as needed. So, if you start your trip in a dead zone, you won't be able to navigate until you drive out of it (although these apps can usually navigate through a dead zone in the middle of a trip because they cache maps along the route ahead of time).
  • Ease of use. Stand-alone  GPS devices win here, as well. They have big, easy-to-read touchscreens and loud speakers. Cell phones have weaker speakers that can be hard to hear, and smaller touchscreens or really small non-touchscreens with lots of tiny buttons.
  • Convenience. This is a toss-up. Cell phone GPS means one less gadget to deal with. However, GPS apps take up space on your phone, run down the battery (unless used with a charger), and most can't show maps and handle a phone call at the same time.

Important GPS app features

Cell phone GPS apps range from basic to full-featured. Reviews say certain features are most important:

  • Compatibility. Make sure the app is compatible with your phone before you buy.
  • Maps. Most apps download maps as needed over the phone's cell signal. This means you'll always have the latest map, but you'll also risk losing navigation in dead zones. The most expensive apps store their maps on-board, so you can navigate even without a cell signal.
  • Spoken directions. Stand-alone  GPS devices speak their directions, so you won't have to take your eyes off the road. But plenty of cell phone GPS apps merely provide written directions -- check closely before you download. The best apps speak street names ("Turn left on Maple Street in 100 feet," rather than "Turn left in 100 feet"). A few apps allow you to enter addresses or search for destinations by speaking them, rather than typing.
  • Traffic alerts. Several apps offer these, but some charge extra.
  • Music playback. Can the app play music and navigate at the same time? This is a deal-killer for some reviewers who store music on their phones. Some apps can't do it at all, some allow only playback (no song selection while navigating), while some allow full control of the phone's MP3 player while navigating.
  • Windshield mount. You'll have to buy this separately, but experts say mounting your phone on the windshield makes for much better GPS reception. It's also much safer than looking down at the phone or fiddling with it in your hands while driving.

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