Is GPS a major deciding factor in device choice?

[dmr54]

It's not a deciding factor to me, it would be excellent to have it but at the end of the day I do not use it often enough to make it a must have.

[windows]

For me it is a must even thoguh we don't use it that much when I want to use it I want it there with no messing around.

[gelandenwagen]

Not only is it a must-have, it is a double must-have as it will have to be integrated on the second device I carry as a backup when the Exec and remote bluetooth GPS is replaced.

[Wirral Bagpuss]

Definetly. It is there if you need it in an emergency! If i was in a strange place and was lost i would not be sorry !!! I will definetely get GPS on my next phone. I think it will be standard in mobiles before long anyway.

[Michael_Mcr]

Having had an Orbit 1 and now an Orbit 2, i would not consider a device without inbuilt GPS.

I have a bluetooth hands free in my car and the Orbit happily switches screen from Tom Tom or Co-pilot to telephone while a call comes in and then goes back to GPS again when i hang up - perfect bit of kit for the car.

For this reason, an external bluetooth GPS reciever is out of the question for me.

In terms of "Is GPS itself absolutely neccesary ?", then NO - i could live without it if i had to, but i do have great fun with it both in the car and walking in strange cities, which i wouldnt do if it wasnt built in, as i wouldnt instinctively carry any external kit such as a bluetooth reciever or a handheld GPS unit. I just carry my "phone" with me always, which is why i am so sold on the Orbit(s).

Sometimes it is really usefull when i know where i want to go to, but just cant visualise a quick route in my head.

[hiroshi.rio]

IMHO, I do not think GPS is a must have, but it depends on each user and yours necessity, and not a must have feature. If you always go/travel to unknow places, it should be a must have. Otherwise, if you stay all most time in your own city/state, it is just a luxury. I have a HoluxSlim 240 and I think I do not real use/need it 6 times in the year.

For me, the major deciding factor are:

1. Size;
2. Weight;
3. Autonomy;
4. Wireless.

[wssherbiny]

Yes - GPS is a must have

[waveydavey]

I've got my missus using an HTC Tornado (O2 IQ) and while she's come to rely on GPS, using a BT unit that's kept out of view and powered in the car suits her just fine. Personally while I like the integral GPS using the BT one is just as easy.

[Bassey]

One thing I've found with the built-in GPS is that you really HAVE to have a windscreen mount. As Sat-Nav is something I use very rarely, I used to just dump the MiniS in the coin tray and place the BT unit on the dash, as far forward as possible. That way, I got a great GPS signal from the BT unit and could hear the voice instructions from the MiniS just fine.

That doesn't work with the built-in GPS as I can't get a signal lock without the phone being in a similar position to the old BT unit. Except the Touch Cruise slides around on the dash and falls off, where the sticky rubber feet of the BT unit used to hold it steady.

So it looks like I may be in the market for a car mounting kit for the touch cruise. Preferably cheap-as-chips as it will only get used a couple of times a year!

Either that, or a big blob of blue-tack to hold the TC steady on the dash

[waveydavey]

Blue tack is too expensive. Used chewing gum is the way forward!