Geesh If the device has built in GPS reciever Look on the specs for it then you can add a mapping program, that doesnt require a Cell connection .. This device you are describing may need WiFi to download or upload data .. BUT stand alone GPS programs (there are Many on ANDROID both free and pay)will work without the cell or wifi connection for GPS. I believe your existing GPS antenna will not work on this device. Does it have Built in GPS? if it doesn't it wont work.Move on. Now a Cellular ipad (not the basic WiFi only) will work, even if you dont pay to have the cell connection on. But $$$$..... there are a few more $$ up front involved and I assume thats not the $$ way you want to go.
On second look this appears to be a T-mobile connected device ( cell Phone network) AND it has GPS so yes this device will do what you want .. you may have to add a mapping APP That has the Maps built into the device not over the air but according to its specs it will work.
bondebond wrote: My Android-based phone has a real GPS receiver built into it. Using Google Maps with the GPS and routing features, it makes a fine GPS device. It's not super accurate, but very close when pulling up to a house number or inputted address. I've tried and deleted a few other mapping software in favor of Google Maps.
The problem lies in that, while it receives satellite GPS signals, it still relies upon the wireless carriers to download the vector information for drawing the map. I've gone across the US and watched my position indicator travel across a grid because it could not download the map information - no cell service. I might have been able to make a call, but data was a lost cause. Ultimately, not a big deal, as those are remote areas and generally will pick up near humanity when I'm wanting to make a turn.
Interestingly enough, it still has the route line drawn as my position indicator moves along the route, just no background.
I moved to a real GPS unit that has a fully downloaded map stored on it. This is the way to go for myself. I still use the phone to look up something that the GPS doesn't already have in the points of interest, but that's not much.
You will light up your data download usage a bit doing it this way, if you travel much.
Very easy!!! You didnt have to Buy another GPS unit! Download one of the Many Mapping programs that puts the Maps on the Tablet You may have to PAY a few bucks for a quality app.. dont use the built in map. Have you searched the Android App store ??? There are a lot of good mapping Apps.
* This post was
edited 06/18/12 02:17pm by jorbill2or *
bondebond wrote: My Android-based phone has a real GPS receiver built into it. Using Google Maps with the GPS and routing features, it makes a fine GPS device. It's not super accurate, but very close when pulling up to a house number or inputted address. I've tried and deleted a few other mapping software in favor of Google Maps.
The problem lies in that, while it receives satellite GPS signals, it still relies upon the wireless carriers to download the vector information for drawing the map. I've gone across the US and watched my position indicator travel across a grid because it could not download the map information - no cell service. I might have been able to make a call, but data was a lost cause. Ultimately, not a big deal, as those are remote areas and generally will pick up near humanity when I'm wanting to make a turn.
Interestingly enough, it still has the route line drawn as my position indicator moves along the route, just no background.
I moved to a real GPS unit that has a fully downloaded map stored on it. This is the way to go for myself. I still use the phone to look up something that the GPS doesn't already have in the points of interest, but that's not much.
You will light up your data download usage a bit doing it this way, if you travel much.
Very easy!!! You didnt have to Buy another GPS unit! Download one of the Many Mapping programs that puts the Maps on the Tablet You may have to PAY a few bucks for a quality app.. dont use the built in map. Have you searched the Android App store ??? There are a lot of good mapping Apps.
I was gifted a Garmin before spending a great deal of time trying to use the phone as a GPS. No need to berate someone. But thanks for the updated information. Now I know. Maybe my experience and your input will save the OP some lessons learned.
Hudsoner wrote: I am absolute new to the androit/tablet market. I am needing a new GPS and wanted a tablet for my MH and was wondering whether this unit Dell Streak 7" Multi-Touchscreen Tablet - WiFi, Bluetooth, Android 3.0, could be used as a GPS (with the appropriate antenna) for my MH?
The Dell Streak 7 specs says it has on board GPS. So if you want to operate it as a GPS without paying any monthly cellular charges then I think you might have two choices in either CoPilot or Navigon. They have Android apps that work without a cellular connection through your on board GPS and they have built-in data and maps similar to standalone GPS units. I don't see anywhere whether the other major standalone GPS companies, TomTom, Garmin and Magellan have anything like that for Android. They all do for iPhones and iPads.
I use the TomTom app on my iPad with no cellular plan. There are a lot of areas in the United States where a cellular system like Google Maps will not work. If you signed up with Verizon there are large chunks of West Virginia, Missouri and Kentucky without coverage for instance I discovered just this year so far. Those are dense areas with complicated mountainous and hilly roads that would be impossible to navigate without an underlying map. Also, many towns and roads off the major freeways go in and out of cellular coverage. Google Maps and similar apps that rely on a cellular download are fine in a metro area but worthless RVing around the country especially if you gravitate to western states, national parks, national and state forests and similar wilderness areas. If you think you can navigate without an underlying map on the screen then you probably don't need a GPS anyway.
Davydd
2011 Great West Van Legend Sprinter B Camper Van
Visited states in an RV
Bondebond wrote -
"I was gifted a Garmin before spending a great deal of time trying to use the phone as a GPS. No need to berate someone. But thanks for the updated information. Now I know. Maybe my experience and your input will save the OP some lessons learned."
Sorry , I didn't mean to berate you if ( since) you took it that way , only correct some misinformation, and add a simple solution. My appology :-/
Fair enough, I appreciate it. In retrospect, I should have prefaced my original comments with: This has been my experience so far before wandering off...
That said, it needs WIFI to use the included Google maps GPS feature.
You can get either Co-Pilot Pro or Sygic GPS apps from the Play Store for about $20.
Then download the maps you need from their website and have a Tablet based GPS, like your Garmin or Tom Tom, without need for a WIFI or cell phone connection.
That said, a tablet is a bit challenging to use in an automobile.
In our Grand Cherokees, I can set the tablet on the center console and amazingly it still sees the satellites. On the dash you could have glare problems or blocked windshield issues.
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If the device has built in GPS reciever Look on the specs for it then you can add a mapping program, that doesnt require a Cell connection .. This device you are describing may need WiFi to download or upload data .. BUT stand alone GPS programs (there are Many on ANDROID both free and pay)will work without the cell or wifi connection for GPS. I believe your existing GPS antenna will not work on this device. Does it have Built in GPS? if it doesn't it wont work.Move on. Now a Cellular ipad (not the basic WiFi only) will work, even if you dont pay to have the cell connection on. But $$$$..... there are a few more $$ up front involved and I assume thats not the $$ way you want to go.
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