Do You Really Need to Buy A GPS Unit?

TomTom GO 600

It’s the number one question that we hear all the time, can I not just use my smartphone? The honest answer and I am sure you will agree is yes you can, however after you have used a specifically designed gps unit and then tried to switch back to your telephone, you will understand why we would always recommend that you buy and gps unit. Below are five very valid reasons why you really should be investing in a gps unit for your car.

The Battery Sucks

What phone do you have? I have an iPhone 5S. Its great in every way apart from two. Firstly the screen is too small and secondly the battery is terrible. Last week I was out driving, did not have my gps unit with me and decided that I would switch on Google Maps to take me around a traffic jam. My battery was at about 50% meaning that I had plenty of life left in it. 20 minutes later, traffic jam dealt with and dinner was served, however one problem, no mobile. The battery had run out and without a charger in my car, i was left worrying whether I would get home alright or what happened if I had a problem. Obviously if I had had a car charger it would have been much easier, but actually I should have just taken my gps unit with me and kept the smartphone in my pocket.

Do You Have Free Internet

Yes if you have free internet then this helps a lot, but for lots of people who don’t use their smartphone as much they don’t want the added expense of having internet on their phone and would rather just use a gps unit. If you’re working for example, using your smartphone all day, every day will quickly use up your credit meaning that you will either be lost of have another bill to take care of. Another problem

You Need Cellular Signals

Depending on where you live, one of the biggest problems with using your smartphone for a gps unit is running out of cellular signals. This is not usually a problem if you live in an upmarket town, however if you live in the country then can be a real problem. If you buy a gps unit then it will not need cellular receptions as it uses dedicated gps signals meaning that they are highly unlikely to run out no matter where you are in the world.

Safety

If you’re anything like us, then when you’ve used your smartphone as a gps unit, you;ve had your smartphone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other. This is really not safe as you can easily lose control of your car, but the problem is often that you have no choice, given that if wanted to use a mount, then you would not be able to see the screen given it’s so small. When using a specific gps unit, they come with large enough screens meaning that you will have no problem to see your screen whether you’re sat in the front seat or the back seat.

Usability

Its just easier to use a gps unit than your mobile telephone. Yes you have to buy it, but if you’re on a budget then buy a slightly cheaper one. Using your smartphone is fine for short distances, however the minute you come to longer distances then the whole thing becomes unviable and just pointless. Smartphones are great, but they’re just so small.

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