Is GPS a major deciding factor in device choice?

[fowljr]

Continuing the series in 4WM polls, the next looks at device functionality, GPS specifically. Is the availability of an internal GPS a major deciding factor in your choice of device?

[boz]

Inbuit GPS become a definite must have for me since owning the Trinity, so much easier when driving with TomTom. No need for a seperate bluetooth receiver and less to carry around.

[The Mailman]

One of the main factors in getting a PPC device is the it "does everything" in one package.
Where I go it goes - so even better if it can get me there too.

[debonairone]

integrated GPS is a nice to have for me, but not a show stopper or a requirement.... I have found that the Freedom Mini-GPS Bluetooth Receiver is an excellent addition to my bag o' toys... It sits on my keychain and is always ready for action... It is wherever I need it to be and doesn't get in the way at all... It is Sirf III compliant and locks on rather quickly.... for under $100US, I could care less about integrated GPS... and since it is dangling on my keychain, I don't have to worry about losing it or positioning it in the car...

[Griph]

I have a problem with overly converged devices - essential to have Phone and PDA combined but if you start adding other things it really starts to hammer the battery. That is why I prefer to have dedicated MP3 and GPS devices that dont suck the life out of my phone if I dont happen to have a charger with me from morning to night. I can appreciate the attraction for others - but I've decided its not for me.

[neilm]

I'm with the Yes's on this one!

I've had GPS / SatNav on all my devices from the early Ipaq with Navman sleeve, through external receivers to the Trinity/Ameo/Orbit2. The integration in current devices makes things so much easier, especially when on foot.

[Bassey]

I'm with Griph. I've just got the cruise and I'm sure I'll use the GPS occasionally for driving in the UK. However, my main GPS usage is for walking and, in that case, the hit on the battery may mean I stick to my bluetooth unit. Plus, the bluetooth receiver can be stuck in the top of my rucksack where it gets a great signal. Maybe I'll change my mind when I get it, but I see it more as a "convenient to have" rather than a complete replacement for a dedicated unit, much like the digital camera and MP3 player functions.

[bruisah]

For me it is a must have - it was one of the main reasons I chose the Loox N560 (tough choice with the Dell X51).

I would be very tempted to jump to a more converged device if it had:

1. GPS
2. VGA display (at least 3 to 3.5")
3. Small and light enough (allowing for 2.)
4. Bluetooth
5. WiFi
6. GPRS minimum

However, if battery life is to poor, it's no big deal to carry a small, cheap GSM phone as a backup (or an extra battery - like the external ones that take standard AA).

Interestingly, the reminds me. I bought an external battery pack for my Loox the other day. It is a plastic box with an on/off switch, takes standard AA batteries (best to use NiMh, but can use alkaline, etc. if needed), and has a standard plug at the end. The pack is supplied with an adapter to fit the Loox (so you can easily get other adapters - indeed, standalone, it happily connects to my colleagues Sharp Zaurus).

The price? £4.99 from GPSForLess. A bargain in my opinion.

The loox adapter is a 'copy' of the standard one you get with the device. If you want to buy an original adapter replacement, it'll cost you £6.99! You're better off buying the power supply - it seems that more is less!

Anyway, I'm rapidly slipping off topic, so I'll shut up now and go off to my metting for which I am now late!

There's dedication for you!

A.

[firstbuddha]

i don't see it as a "must-have", but I consider a device without built-in GPS is a backward step/downgrade for me. convergence is the way forward

[windows]

Definite must have for me these days. Needed to allow me to keep my eye on one device on our trips / holidays around the UK.