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Old 11-19-2015, 09:50 AM
 
6,585 posts, read 5,828,128 times
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I was going to replace a stolen Tom-Tom with another one off Amazon or Ebay for about $120, but then I noticed all these cheap Chinese GPS no-name models on Ebay in the $28 to $35 range. Five inch screen, US and Canada, even includes free map updates.

Anyone used these knock-offs? Are they any good? I am guessing that they won't last long, might have stupid user interfaces and bad English, might not lock onto satellites properly, etc.

But then again, I've had multiple big-name GPS models crap out after a couple of years of use, so I have no brand loyalty. Comments? Suggestions?

(We do own Android phones, which come with great mapping and GPS apps, but they tend to be useless when there's no data connection which is often the case in the back woods country where a GPS is most handy!)
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Old 11-19-2015, 11:21 AM
 
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I wouldn't. I've bought numerous Chinese electronic knockoffs from ebay and they all broke in less than a month. Unless they offer a warranty (which is also suspect at best), I wouldn't bother.

There's bound to be tons of GPS deals during Black Friday at reputable stores.
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Old 11-19-2015, 11:32 AM
 
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Don't the Android phones have a built in GPS chipset that allows them to use the satellites?

I know my iPhone goes from WiFi, to cell towers, to GPS chipset in order to provide navigation. I was up in the boonies of south west Vermont without cell signal and the GPS was working perfectly.
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Old 11-19-2015, 11:40 AM
 
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Yes, GPS on your phone will work just as well as your stand alone device. In many cases a lot better.

I still have a stand alone GPS in my car from 2008 or something and haven't pulled it out for the last 5 years.
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Old 11-19-2015, 03:25 PM
 
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I use Google Maps on the phone and prefer to analyze the route before I drive. I can't deal with being told to turn after I am no longer able to get in position to do so. Other than that, Google maps does a good job telling you in advance what exit and lane you need to be in. It's the quick movements that gets you. Having a handheld stand within eye level helps.

Avoid buying Chinese products. They lack in durability.
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Old 11-19-2015, 03:35 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IShootNikon View Post
Yes, GPS on your phone will work just as well as your stand alone device. In many cases a lot better.

I still have a stand alone GPS in my car from 2008 or something and haven't pulled it out for the last 5 years.
How well does it work when you have no data connection? The Google Maps app for Android doesn't have offline turn-by-turn directions (though you can save specific maps for offline use).

Once they give you offline GPS capability, then yes, standalone GPS sales will probably take a dive.
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Old 11-19-2015, 03:36 PM
 
6,585 posts, read 5,828,128 times
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I've gone ahead and ordered a refurbished 5" Garmin for $97 on Ebay. Problem solved.
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Old 11-19-2015, 03:39 PM
 
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Google Map is useless on my phone without data connection as the map won't even load. Forget about turn by turn direction too as that stops working also.
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Old 11-19-2015, 03:53 PM
 
Location: WA
5,640 posts, read 24,849,524 times
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My low end Garmin was made in Taiwan and is not as fast or fancy as the expensive units but works just fine.
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Old 11-19-2015, 05:16 PM
 
3,307 posts, read 9,338,293 times
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Use Here Maps on Android. Free offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
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