iPhone GPS over Garmin?

The Iphone GPS does a decent job of providing directions (with google maps) and tracks your current location on the selected route or map. You need a lot of practice to fine-tune its use. You can use the GPS function while walking or riding. The weakness is the inaccuracy of Google maps in some areas. The beauty of the Iphone is the other GPS features located in the Iphone APP store. I use mine as GPS yardage indicator on my and other golf courses. I also use a car finder, trail marker and business locator (based on my GPS location) such as hotels, restaurants and etc.. I don't know if other GPS devices, such as Garmin, have this versatility.

The Garmin Nuvi will likely provide the better experience in gps golf devices versus the Iphone app and will likely provide more accurate information. However if you have a free app, you cannot beat free.

I don't have an iPhone, but do have a smartphone with GPS. Once there is a GPS lock, the phone works well. I also like the traffic reports and accident identification. I saved hours once because my phone GPS system routed me around an accident that had a 5 mile backup. You can get traffic notification with the Garmin, but its another $50 add-on.

The other nice thing about the GPS in your phone is what it adds to your pictures. WIth each picture you take, the geolocation (latitude and longitude) is saved. This information can be read by you Windows or Mac PC's. This is great for documenting your trip!

So even if an iPhone is too expensive for you, most lower cost smartphones will have the same features. Garmin is great, but the option you listed here is a good one.