Garmin Brings New Low-Cost GPS Devices To India

[roadrunner]

@swadesh In a smartphone, GPS plus data connection work best. But it will also work without data connection provided you have offline map app like HERE Maps. In this case, all map data is already saved, all you need is the GPS connection.

Data is mobile tower dependent. GPS comes directly from satellite.

Data connection is needed to render the map, give real-time traffic data, etc. Google Map without data connection is useless because it has no offline feature. The GPS will catch but the navigation arrow will fly on some blank screen :-)

Here's a jugaad for people like myself who haven't yet tried standalone GPS decides:
1) buy the biggest battery yet cheapest smart phone 4500 mAh and above battery, 5 inch
2) flash the ROM, install stock Android and strip the phone of everything. Keep only basic functions open.
3) uninstall all apps (everything including Gmail, Google Now, etc) and keep only Google Maps, HERE Maps and other maps (download them using WiFi, no SIM needed)
4) On long trips fire up HERE Maps and use GPS only. No data needed. No SIM card needed. Longest battery. Big screen. Etc.

 

[swadesh]

Liked your Last suggest !!!, It's a Good Idea to invest in a Simple 5" cell phone, and use it as standalone GPS device. But, won't I get a GPS around same cost ? And isn't it very very Risky to Flash the ROM !! I've heard that it might damages the Cell Permanently ! is it true ?

 

[roadrunner]

Flashing the ROM used to be risky if you bought a 40k phone. But it's quite easy these days. I am no tech person but the average mobile stall guy who sits with a flashy laptop will do it for 100 bucks now. Go to a tech flea market in your area. I am sure you will get some people who will flash your phone at the cost of two lays chips packet and one Coke :-) but this suggestion is a stop gap arrangement. If you must you should buy a proper GPS decide. Though the method worked for me. I have been to Udaipur couple of times using a Philips 5300 mAh battery phone that I got for 4k with HERE offline Maps. Drained 40% battery from Delhi in 13 hours drive. As far as I know some branded GPS devices use HERE Maps by default. So question is, apart from bells and whistle, the map is the same, so why not use a dedicated GPS smartphone instead at much lower cost?

 

[vaibhav]

Is garmin 55 lm worth a buy @ 7424 at Paytm ?

 

[bhvm]

Good Point RR,
I have been of the same wavelength since android Phones came up.
This weekend, I made a trip to Mangi-Tungi with my Blue boy i10. I decided to try HERE MAPS on a very budget Phone- Lava X1 (With GPS but without Magnetic compass or Altitude sensor).

Surprisingly, It worked VERY WELL. Never did once it lost track of the route. The app is simple to use, and it used only 4 MB data overall through the trip. There is also a pure offline mode if you're willing to download 1.8GB.

Dedicated GPS are dead, boss. I repeat that again.

 

[Phonix]

I have same question an Vaibhav on picking up Garmin Nuvi 42 LM, But letter stepped back for GPS enable smartphone (withing 6-7K) with paid navigation application.
I believe that Garmin also use HERE maps in their GPS devices.
Now I am looking for a GPS enable Android Smart phone within 6-7K with replaceable battery (can accommodate bigger size battery in future). Where as the Garmin Nuvi 42LM device has very limited battery capacity of 2 hrs only as mentioned in various sites.

 

[swadesh]

I've tried Here Maps, as per suggestion while recent drive to Mumbai from Vadodara, Had to down load maps for Gujarat & Maharshtra both. It was good for Highways, but didn't fared well inside the City ! Never knew the reason. I was using this on HTC 816 G. I'm planning to buy a decent Tab or 5" Phone, for use as dedicated Navigation in Car,

 

[vaibhav]

Okay dropped the idea for seperate GPS device

Now plan to buy Sygic GPS App for mobile. I have few doubts

a) Will this App work for a specfic mobile no ? What will happen when i change my mobile ?
b) Should i buy add on features like "Heads up Display" or "Dashcam"

c) Anybody has discount codes?

 

[swadesh]

Is Sygic Better or HERE ? Please advise. Also, suggest a decent cell phone with at least 5" display to be used as GPS in Car.

 

[bhvm]

Is Sygic Better or HERE ? Please advise. Also, suggest a decent cell phone with at least 5" display to be used as GPS in Car.

1) "HERE" IS FREE. Even Offline mode requires simple email registration. 1.8GB Wifi download.
Get a good phone and try it. If not satisfied, Buy Sygic.
I have extensively used Both, Sygic has more features. But HERE gets work done just as good.

2) For the phone, Try Asus Zenfone laser. Magnetic Compass, Proper GPS. 3000mA battery. About 12k
Otherwise, Samsung note. (I'm using the same). Magnetic compass, Altimeter and Pressure sensor, BEST possible GPS sensor.

 

[Phonix]

1) "HERE" IS FREE. Even Offline mode requires simple email registration. 1.8GB Wifi download.
Get a good phone and try it. If not satisfied, Buy Sygic.
I have extensively used Both, Sygic has more features. But HERE gets work done just as good.

2) For the phone, Try Asus Zenfone laser. Magnetic Compass, Proper GPS. 3000mA battery. About 12k
Otherwise, Samsung note. (I'm using the same). Magnetic compass, Altimeter and Pressure sensor, BEST possible GPS sensor.

I am shortlisted two budget phone, Lenovo K3 Note and Zenfone laser 2 both are prices at 10K and have replaceable battery. But note sure which one will have better GPS Navigation.
For Syngic map I believe the full version need to pay for Rs 600 where as HERE maps are completely free.

 

[AnInternetUser]

To be very honest, I feel GPS systems are a bit pointless, at least for India. Sure, there are times when you need them, but nothing beats asking for directions. When you do need to use a GPS system, you can always use your phone!

 

[vaibhav]

Not able to lock 2 locations for Sygic mobile 7 day trial.
Will have to see videos

 

[bhvm]

I see how sygic has degenerated and gone greedy. I'm moving to here maps or navfree slowly. try those.

 

[vaibhav]

I see how sygic has degenerated and gone greedy. I'm moving to here maps or navfree slowly. try those.

How is asking money for a product greedy?
We all work for salaries dont we ?

In this age of e commerce we have got used to lots of free stuff. whch doesnt last for long