Is Anyone Still Using Portable Navigation Devices vs Waze or Google?

[Chief Brody]

I am looking for your experiences with current portable navigation devices.

I have Waze on the phone, but three trips it has run me in circles, once 5 miles, and again for a total of 27 miles out of the way that could have been achieved in a simple U-Turn.

Google is even worse sometimes.

Are the standalone portable navigation devices like Garmin better than what I can get on my phone?

 

[TJ1978]

Thomas Guide..

 

[Chief Brody]

I really wasn't looking for a book, I was looking for an electronic device

 

[TJ1978]

Hahaha... I figured

 

[Chief Brody]

I can map out the drive with a book or Google maps and just stick to it no matter what. I would like accurate real time reports but with an accurate GPS and one that makes smarts decisions. I've tested Google around where I live and it become evident just how weird it re-routes you if you stop or make a change in direction.

Waze is the same way, but has a lot of useful feedback about traffic and speed traps and etc..

 

[Chief Brody]

I guess what I am asking is "Are any of you still using stand-alone portable navigation devices" that are not your cell phones?

 

[centexk5]

I’ve got a garmin nuvi that came with the truck. I’ve updated it to the most recent maps. Not a fan of it for navigation. I’ll send it to you for free if you want?

 

[Chief Brody]

I’ve got a garmin nuvi that came with the truck. I’ve updated it to the most recent maps. Not a fan of it for navigation. I’ll send it to you for free if you want?

No thanks, sounds like more of what I don't want.

 

[Chief Brody]

Sounds like I will stick to Waze and not listen to the navigation part. Set a course and stick to it.

 

[centexk5]

I use them for guidance and tips about traffic and cops but I pick my own routes.

 

[dyeager535]

I've had worse luck with waze than google as of late. The other day waze just completely stopped updating my position. Stopped mid direction, saying x miles to y turn, and just stayed on that screen.

That said, waze is infinitely more useful where I am now, as it shows speed traps (I try to not speed but in unknown areas I find it harder to keep track of the speed limit) Maybe thats a regional thing, but google does not offer the same functionality.

There are always going to be issues though, either non-updated map sections, or just failures of the systems to be correct at times. Eventually it seems like the problem locations are rectified, and you have the option of reporting issues as well.

 

[USSkoval]

I've got a couple Garmin Nuvi's that I like. I mostly use them to track my mileage, show an accurate speed and I always know what road is coming up. I use Google maps on my phone all the time too. Often I look at the suggested routes and if one is acceptable then I'll go with it. Satellite view is awesome for finding field entrances that I've never been to and also navigating through said fields to make sure I'm in the right areas.

Both are very useful tools, especially in my line of work and they are great for other instances too. But I'll never ever just blindly follow an electronic device, trusting that it's taking me where I want to go.

 

[kennyw]

I haven't used a stand alone GPS for over 10 years, maybe closer to 15 years now. At the time, they charged excessive fees to update maps so when my phone started doing the same thing for free, I switched and gave away the old GPS.

I only have issues with Google if I stop along a route. I just be sure to go back to the route once I get going again. Waze used to be the better app but before covid, I noticed it would hardly give any good alternate routes anymore.

 

[sweetk30]

garmin gps nuvi units with lifetime map updates .