Smartphone Or Gps Pnd - What's Right For You

The number of GPS devices on the market today is mind boggling. How do you know which type of GPS system is right for you? Do you think to yourself, "It doesn't really matter because they all do the same thing", right? Wrong? There are some major differences between Smartphone and PND used as GPS that we should all know about before jumping to that conclusion.

While smartphones have GPS applications on devices such as Androids, iPhones, and Palms, and are extremely portable and handy, they are not necessarily "mount friendly". When placed on the windshield or dashboard it becomes difficult to see the screen clearly and to manually operate. Understandably, the fonts and buttons are smaller than what you would have on a dedicated GPS unit. The more obvious benefits to these smart devices include their multifunctional designs and their connectivity to the cellular network and the internet. The connectivity allows for a more sophisticated GPS search capability, real-time traffic alerts and added services such as exploring local gas prices. Being able to effortlessly find a particular type of restaurant or service while you're on a road trip or in unfamiliar territory is a vital distinction.

GPS PNDs (personal navigation devices) on the other hand are well suited to the road warrior, particularly if he is the only one in the car who is awake! These GPS devices tend to have larger screens, stronger speakers and can easily be seen from the dashboard or windshield mount. The touch screen keyboards, which display large numbers and letters, have been optimized for usability at arm's-length while driving. There is no need to take your eyes or your attentions off the road to use the GPS device, which makes for safer traveling. Because of the larger screens, more data can be displayed simultaneously, including estimated times of arrival to your programmed destination, distances to upcoming turns, upcoming street names, speed limits and much more. There are excellent options for a dedicated GPS device, you can choose from Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, and Lowrance, among others.

Admittedly, the smart phones have a light touch and elegant look. They use capacitive touch screen technology, which makes them a pleasure to use. However, while driving they do present a disadvantage with their smaller screens and keyboards as well as weaker speakers. In these particular areas, the dedicated GPS PND has the upper hand. Easily mounted, it can be clearly seen and operated due to its larger screen and keyboard. And yes, the speakers are louder as well. The GPS PND is a better choice for those longer, preplanned road trips, as well as for those of you who simply enjoy the occasional "going out for a drive" - with no particular destination in mind. The PND masterfully performs the task for which it was intended.

I do enjoy having both systems at my disposal. Depending on the situation, each device performs excellently GPS within it prescribed parameters. It's like apples and oranges. Both are delicious fruit, but one cannot satisfactorily take the place of the other, nor would you want it to.

By: Brad Timinsky

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Brad Timinski is owner of GPS City Canada, and offers Global Positioning System like garmin gps, tomtom, magellan, lowrance, and other gps devices available with unmatched on-line store experience. With over 20 years of direct engineering, marketing, and customer service experience in the GPS industry, he is uniquely qualified to offer top-level customer service and support.