GPS has been around for a long time. Historically these portable systems were cumbersome worked ok not great. I am going to evaluate the difference between a dedicated GPS device and those located on Smartphones. Apple, research in Motion’s Blackberry line of Smartphones, Microsoft Windows7 Phone and Google’s Android software come with GPS and specialized GPS programs can be downloaded. The GPS is so good you can add your Golf course to the GPS in your phone and it works like a sky caddie and will deliver you real time information on the distance and bunkers water or other hazards. The problem with using a phone as an in-car navigation aid is that the screen displaying the map is so small

I recently took an 18 hour drive and I tested several models. We had a Garmin NUU 250W which retails for about $100.00. And an IPhone with MapQuest installed

I was pleased with the screen size on the Garmin the display was bright even in daylight. It gave me one touch access to our trip forward or backward. The Audio was superb with a voice much Like America On-line “you’ve got mail. The voice notified us if we missed a turn and directed us back to the correct next turn to get us on our way. There are models available from Magellan and Tom Tom with price points from $100.00 to $500.00

The GPS in my IPhone was good but better suited for around town use. The small screen and lack of a voice made the experience on a long trip seem like you are must watching a small screen with a moving Circle. No around town is a Different Story. The IPhone GPS directs me to hard to find addresses and the local maps are awesome.

I think that there is a Place for both devices in the market each directed to a different need and different customers. The Good news is that if you have a Smartphone you can get a GPs device Free from your App store