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Question

Anyone using a tablet as a (driving) GPS?

Sep 29, 2014 11:05PM PDT

I've been scouting GPS's for my car.

The nicest ones only have a 6" screen yet cost well over $200.

Then I see 7" Tablets going for under $100 and people talking about using "Google Navigation" (with all the side-benefits of "Street View" and "Nearby Locations" of restaurants & gas stations.)

So I'm wondering if maybe using a tablet as a GPS might not be a better way to go?

Anyone with first-hand knowledge? Thx.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Frankly I've found such to be too fiddly.
Sep 30, 2014 1:18AM PDT

As the tablet tends to be a multipurpose device, one wrong screen tap and it's out of the GPS app and the driver could be distracted to the point of creating a dangerous situation. This is one of many reasons I don't think tablets make a good replacement for the single minded GPS. Your choice but there are downsides in the apps.
Bob

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Not really an issue
Sep 30, 2014 4:13AM PDT

Thanks, but I'm not too worried about inadvertent clicks.

I've been considering getting a tablet anyway, so the idea of it doing double-duty while applying some of the money I would have spent on a separate GPS on a bigger/nicer tablet is very appealing.

If the tablet can do everything a GPS can do plus "tablet stuff", all the better.

The only question then is, just how good is "Tablet GPS software"? Good enough to make buying a separate GPS a waste of money?

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That's worse than fighting the Hydra. Why?
Sep 30, 2014 6:35AM PDT
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(NT) Update. GPS Test passed on our 2012 Nexus 7.
Sep 30, 2014 6:46AM PDT
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Only offline
Sep 30, 2014 6:54AM PDT

Thanks for the link, but it states that all those program are for "offline" use only, meaning they won't update in real time while you're driving. Sad

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Sorry but I didn't detail how offline works.
Sep 30, 2014 6:58AM PDT

The maps get preloaded so when a network connection isn't there, it can still map.

Sorry if I shortchange you about how these work.
Bob

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two apps better than one
Oct 3, 2014 3:00PM PDT

While it's nice to have things update online in real-time, the capability of offline operation is imperative in areas of zero cell coverage, such as I frequently encounter in the inter-mountain west, where my only incoming signals are from our overhead GPS satellites. I highly recommend you consider the Navigon app for your tablet while concurrently dedicating your smart-phone to the Waze app during those times when you enjoy the luxury of cell coverage.

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Answer
We use our S4 and S5 phones all the time to navigate
Oct 3, 2014 2:01PM PDT

The screen on the S5 (and even the S4) is as large as most stand alone GPS units.

Main advantage is - the routes are completely up to date.
You can use them with the data plan included w. your phone package - don't have to buy an expensive data plan for your tablet. (Our tablets only do wifi anyway. We didn't spend extra $$ to get ones to use on cellular)

We have used them overseas. In China and Hong were very useful just walking. Google maps covers pedestrian only areas.
We just used Google Maps on wife's S5 for a week of driving in Romania. Never lost connection and we were on lots of secondary roads.
Of course to use overseas you need to be a T-Mobile customer which, for past year gives you unlimited data overseas. Otherwise, you'd need to buy a foreign SIM for each country you visit to get data.

You can enter a navigation search on your computer (using Google maps) and when you turn on the navigation app on your phone, Google remembers your last several searches - don't have to re-enter route info.
A 5" screen is plenty big. Even a 4 1/2". Mainly, you are just listening to the voice turn by turn directions. There are numerous docks you can put on your dash so phone is mounted like GPS unit. Wifes car's cup holder is positioned to it hold phone where she can easily see it by glancing down. (Rarely needs to look at it.) Rental car in Romania had cup holders up high.
IF you are going to use phone or tablet in car to navigate, you will need to get a 2A (2 amp) car charger. Most all "regular car chargers around are 1A or less. Using navigation w. a weak charger drains the battery faster than the old charger can charge it. The plugin home chargers that come with tablets and smart phones are 2A.
Nobody I know buys a GPS anymore.

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I forgot to add to my reply ...............
Oct 3, 2014 2:57PM PDT

Using Google navigation gives you many items a stand alone GPS doesn't

1. Current traffic conditions on main streets in cities (even in China)
2. Estimated travel time and arrival time based on current conditions.
just to name a few

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Answer
5 to 7 inch Great
Oct 3, 2014 4:04PM PDT

If you have a good mount or a firm holder mount for a large phone or tablet and a better tablet such as a Samsung or LG or similar that has a good quality GPS unit, Samsung now has GLONASS as well so can hold a stronger fix.
Some swear by Google maps but problem is you need to be online or cache the maps of area first before a trip as not all tablets has Sim and Data capability. Also data costs in most country and using Google maps all the time can be expensive unless you have a huge Data pack or unlimited Data.

So then we look at apps that store the maps on SD card or in phone/tablet memory. There are many available and and all have thing for and against. They are getting better and some mach or exceed a stand alone GPS unit.

There are three that stand out due to their use, graphics, and quality of maps and the main point to take account of is ease of address input and poi information that the map supplies.

The first is iGo Primo for both Android/Apple, does cost has great 3D graphics heaps of info, lane assist heaps of poi's and many extras. The second is Navfree on Playstore/Android and is free. Not as polished as some but still a great app with all info and is FREE.
The third and my favorite which is what I use is Sygic playstore/Android. (free to try/one off lifetime cost) has fantastic 3D graphics with 3D buildings, TTS speech and everything else that's in expensive units. It also has a very comprehensive poi list with all fuel stations and live traffic info for those that connect to data via their device.

As far as hitting wrong buttons and returning to tablet from GPS as Bob mentioned is very hard as most GPS apps will pop up a screen with quit GPS yes/no. and that's only if you hit the exit button which is usually in the menu and you have no need to go to menu while driving. your destination should be input before driving off and there is no need to touch the unit after that.

Any info need to be used on GPS is contained on main screen maps via a touch and big buttons that show. Once you select what you want to see the unit returns to map screen automatically after a certain time, usually 15 seconds.

The apps basically work and respond exactly as the stand alone units do. Its just nice at end of trip to un-clip your 5 inch phone and put it your pocket instead of leaving it in the car to be stolen.

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Answer
Easy
Oct 4, 2014 12:01AM PDT

If GPS is integrated in your tablet, why not to use! I am using it. Although it can create some inconveniences while driving, but it has such option.