what GPS?

[sjs]

...... dedicated Garmin gadgets' days are probably numbered.

Yes.
I agree.

I have - as I have said - had Garmin devices, but they are "static" and not "live" at all. You can purchase new mapping, but they don't update automatically and local live information is sadly lacking. Mobile phones OTOH have all the mapping you may want and all the up-to-date updating you need.

Give me a Garmin device plus live updating, and that's what I want.

Has anyone any experience of the Garmin Monterra? Runs android, and has wifi, apparently, so could update maps on the go, coupled with a mobile phone or the wifi in a cafe. But does raise the question, what do you get that a top end phone hasn't already got?

[freeflow]

Doesn't the Garmin Monterra support my viewpoint that for General purpose use, the days of specialist single function GPS devices is effectively over. These day, even a relatively low cost phone running android will allow google navigation online or follow a gpx route using osmand and offline maps.

[simonineaston]

These day, even a relatively low cost phone running android will allow google navigation online or follow a gpx route using osmand and offline maps.

The 2 major objections to using a smart phone that I have are: they're mostly very susceptable to water-damage; no phone signal, no guidance...

[Psamathe]

The 2 major objections to using a smart phone that I have are: they're mostly very susceptable to water-damage; no phone signal, no guidance...

(Not that I have any particular axe to grind)
Waterproof: Cases are available that add really minimally to the size that give you use up to several meters underwater (i.e. far beyond using in the rain (e.g. Lifeproof cases, but several available).

No signal, no guidance: Use offline maps ? (loads of apps do that). Use apps that provide guidance offline ? How does e.g. a Garmin get a phone signal to address this ?

Ian

[freeflow]

The 2 major objections to using a smart phone that I have are: they're mostly very susceptable to water-damage; no phone signal, no guidance...

For outside use the waterproofness of the phone is something that needs consideration. I chose a waterproof phone. Others may choose a waterproof phone bag. The second point is a misunderstanding as there are now many mapping apps that use offline maps and consequently navigation does not need a phone signal either for 'get me to x' type navigation or 'follow this route' type navigation.

Ooops. Psamathe beat me to it.

[Graham O]

My main reason for buying a stand alone GPS is that the handlebars of a bike are a rough place for a phone and in a crash, you may lose both your GPS and your phone. At least with separates, you have some redundancy. Plus waterproofing and battery life considerations since it will be used for many things. If I was just after a cycling GPS, then with a dynohub, the battery problem is eliminated.

Although there are apps with downloadable maps, there was mention of "live update", which means that you need the GSM signal at all times. The decision is just how up to date do you want your information? In my case, I'm happy to use OSM and be perhaps a month behind reality.

[freeflow]

Liveupdate usually concerns traffic flows and automatic rerouting. Not usually a requirement fo your average cyclist. It does become relevant if you drive through congested areas. I have a weekly commute from Slough back to Cambridge and use google navigation for this reason. The preferred route is down the M4 but frequently google takes me elsewhere due to traffic delays or congestion. The first time this happened to me I though 'Stupid google'. I had a different opinion when I arrived home two hours later than normal due to an immense snarl up on the M25.

If I want redundancy I'll take a second gps enabled phone. Second hand ones are cheap enough off ebay.

[Mick F]

Can you use a GPS mobile phone without a paying for a SIM card?
Yes, I know the "cell phone" wouldn't work, but all the other functions would still be ok?
.....or not?

[freeflow]

It may depend on the phone but my collection of Sony phones work fine without a SIM.

[Mick F]

..... so if you buy a cheap secondhand GPS enabled smart phone, you don't need a SIM and you can have all the GPS functions?
Sounds a good idea if you're on a budget.

[Psamathe]

..... so if you buy a cheap secondhand GPS enabled smart phone, you don't need a SIM and you can have all the GPS functions?
Sounds a good idea if you're on a budget.

Depending on the phone, worst case you get a free PAYG SIM and never put any money on it and thus can't make calls (other than emergency service calls).

Ian

[Mick F]

Why aren't we all doing this then?
GPS on a bike is always a good conversation on here. It seems we all want it and are prepared to pay for it.

I have a Garmin Montana and it's cost me the thick end of £300 for the privilege. It's a big screen GPS device that does all the GPS functions you could ever want.

I could have bought a secondhand/thirdhand £25 smart phone and fitted a £5 SIM into it and had all the GPS functions at a fraction of the cost ...... and be able to make the odd phone call too.

Why not?

[freeflow]

This is the transition period. It's only recently, with the advent of the iPhone that mobiles have stopped getting smaller and started getting larger as the demands of screen real estate have increased. Simultaneously the gps function of phones has improved greatly, particularly with the introduction of glonass capable phones. Other improvements in battery life, power consumption and increased integration have also helped. The latest innovation are waterproof phones and enabling ant+ in the phones chipsets. Expect to increasingly see ruggedisation of phones. Activity apps will be a big driver for this.

[StellaLdn.]

Personally I don't think OS maps are worth paying for if you're going to use the device for mainly road-based cycling; free OSM-based maps are less cluttered and easier to read on the move. At the end of the day you're just following a line, which can be done with no map at all, if you're on road. Walking is a different kettle of fish.

I can't see the need for any electronic navigation at all in the UK for on road cycle touring purposes. It is impossible to get lost.

Even on the rare occasions I go to new areas of the island I can easily get about with road signs and an occasional look at a map ripped out of a cheap road atlas.

Ha! I dare you to cycle with me, even after planning my route. You'll quickly learn that getting lost is as easy as breathing.

[al_yrpal]

Purchased a Motorola Moto G mobile for the Mrs and I am well impressed. At only £124 from Amazon its a full featured 3g smartphone with a better screen than any iPhone, quad core processor decent camera that takes pretty good pictures and of course a GPS. Absolutely crazy price.
It has just 8GB of storage and no simm card slot but there is a £149 version thats 4g and has an expandable memory. You get 50 GB of Google Drive storage too.
The Mrs just wanted a new phone that texts easier with a decent keyboard, with a 321 payg deal from 3 its a bit over the top but its perfect, check it out if you are looking for a decent phone with GPS.

Al