There’s nothing like having a sexy, functional, do-almost-everything mobile device to carry around with you for those moments when you need it. The Apple iPhone really is that do-everything device – it has just about everything packing into a small and really sexy electronic package.
Some people have told me that they don’t need to buy a GPS, they have an iPhone and its GPS capabilities are enough for them. Their logic makes sense too, if you’ve already invested in an iPhone you don’t really need any other mobile electronic devices. The iPhone isn’t just a phone – it’s a mini computer, it’s an MP3 player, it’s a camera, and it’s even a GPS.
But sometimes having a purpose built device is a lot better than the do-almost-everything device. Professional, or even hobby photographers aren’t using the iPhone to take their pictures because the iPhone just isn’t all that good at it and doesn’t give the final product they’re looking for. In the same sense, a purpose built GPS will be better at doing the GPS thing than the iPhone will be.
The iPhone as a GPS that’s suited for the person who never wants to use the GPS functionality outside of the city. The iPhone is dainty, almost girly. I’d only use it for things like finding the closest Starbucks, Kinkos, or maybe for finding your buddies to get together for a lunch break. I wouldn’t give the iPhone credit for being able to do much of anything else and I wouldn’t trust it enough to bring it out into the bush.
For example, the iPhone screen size is too small to be using as a GPS navigator while driving – you’d be better off taking your chances at getting lost than trying to see the screen.
Compared to the Garmin nüvi 3790T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Anybody who likes to really explore knows that the iPhone is just too delicate to be brought on hiking or camping trips. You’re going to wreck it! In the outback you want something that’s going to take a little bit of abuse – something that’s not going to break down and leave you stranded in the bush. Garmin’s Oregon 450 – Rugged GPS Receiver
Get a real GPS – the iPhone – it’s a Phone!
2 Responses
My boyfriend dropped his iPhone just two months after he bought it and the glass on the front cracked. He can’t afford to get it fixed right now but he still has to pay for his contract because he’s locked in. Lesson – Don’t drop your iPhone!
A handheld phone is NOT a good choice for a GPS unit – depending on what your intentions are. If you are an avid outdoors enthusiast, than leave your iPhone (or other GPS enabled smart phone) at home. They are too fragile, not weather resistant and usually rely on an Interent connection for caching maps. A dedicated GPS device that is waterproof, more durable and can sustain better battery life is the wise choice.