Smart phones

[blgklr]

Well have never had one but can get latest,best 4 free if I reup with my service provider. Primarily only want it 4 phone and camera (12 MP with flash, Carl Zeiss camera) This thing has a OS operating system built in google and ovi apps. I am sure the GPS probably only works in cell tower range but it has 2 or 3 cords for pluging into things.I am wondering if you can plug in a GPS puck and have it work any where. Besides built in maps it can take a 32GB micro SD card and no handheld GPS has a screen like it has. Thoughts???

[jackdale]

I have an Android (HTC Hero)

I run some sailing apps including Navionics charts. I have bookmarked some weather sites. It needs cell coverage for Internet access.

I cannot plug my puck GPS into the phone; I rely on the built-in GPS. It is a real GPS, that does not rely on cell towers. I would not use it for serious navigation.

[olepedersen]

it is a real gps it does not need a cell tower just a look at the heavens ha ha Ole

[BlueWaterSail]

If you only want phone & camera, make sure your service provider let's you skip the "data plan" or internet access package that makes the phone "smart". If you can't, you'll be paying for something you don't use - and can't drop - for however long your new contract lasts.

Also keep in mind that today's latest & greatest is old news in 6 months, while a service contract on a new phone might last two years.

I would recommend looking into "no contract" cell providers that support Android phones.

BWS

[Roaring Girl]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I have an Android (HTC Hero)

I run some sailing apps including Navionics charts. I have bookmarked some weather sites. It needs cell coverage for Internet access.

I cannot plug my puck GPS into the phone; I rely on the built-in GPS. It is a real GPS, that does not rely on cell towers. I would not use it for serious navigation.

Same here with an iphone 4

[capngeo]

I'm on an almost 2 year old iPhone 3Gs, and STILL love it. With software updates and jailbreaking, it still runs everything I want! Navionics has not only been a great planning tool, it has saved me when the boats installed nav suite took a crap after a knock-down.

[blgklr]

Thanx 4 input. Not worried about data plan as same provider is my internet wireless modem 4 my netbook and laptop. One price no limit to useage, downloads and all the rest. Also the phone has built in wifi and when used in that mode there are no charges. Could get a phone that runs on windows 7 but this phone is 4 play not work so google android and ovi is fine. Can't get good answers about the gps from sales people. Have to try it to find out. $35. administration fee is my only cost. My old phone is about 5 years old and battery doesn't stand up like it used to. Overdue 4 an upgrade and nothing to lose but so many choices.

[MiltonHuff]

I am currently using iRegatta Flags for my iphone.It's pretty handy and has good quality.

[richardhula]

Originally Posted by blgklr

I am sure the GPS probably only works in cell tower range but it has 2 or 3 cords for pluging into things.

The cell tower requirement is just to assist the built in GPS receiver (aGPS). There is often a webserver option as well. In each case satellite almanac data is uploaded locally to speed up fix. If you are prepared to wait you don't need either, it will get same data eventually purely from satellites.