The whole GPS thing...

[dagomike]

I've got a handheld GPS receiver. Unless it's on my dashboard on the freeway or outdoors in an open space, I seem to rarely get a good bead on my location. If I had a choose between waiting to ping enough satellites to get within a few meters or finding/typing in cross roads/address, I would take the later.

Is a GPS really that big of a deal? While driving it would be cool for follow directions, but do we think we can get a good enough signal to be responsive without mounting it somewhere?

I just kind of think the GPS is one of those things people think they want, but wouldn't function to their expectations...

 

[fastdrive]

Not all receivers are built equally. I use mine currently in my car, walking around NYC and actually holds a signal pretty well.

I agree that an internal GPS chip would really eat up the Iphone battery, but allowing an external one is great as those come with their own batteries. Apple should atleast give people the option of using an external GPS receiver if they wish.

I have a car charger for my Ipod, chargers at home and at work, so I'm not too worried about battery life. My current Moto Q lasts a day on sprints EVDO network and that's fine for me.

 

[katie ta achoo]

I predict a nifty dock attachment for GPS.

Ok.. not so much predict, as really, really hope!! I already have a GPS, but getting rid of once more device to carry.. *drool*

 

[JNB]

I'm of the firm belief that if you truly need real GPS functionality, then buy a dedicated unit.

There are so many things that go into a good one beyond what any phone manufacturer is willing/able/competent enough to get right. I absolutely require full functionality wherever I am, so no phone-based GPS-lite would do.

If it doesn't have a 12-channel receiver, WAAS-capable, able to load topo and marine charts, and have a mature and proven mapping and routing algorithm, then it's just not really that useful to me.

I'm on my third one (Garmin Zumo 550), and though I actually lost some features from the prior unit, the native design for bike or car was enough to make up for any shortcomings.

I think that for walking around or minor local or casual use, the Google Maps feature will be more than sufficient.

 

[rontheancient]

What are the chances that Apple will release a external GPS reciever for the iPhone?

 

[aljawad]

I think Apple was wise to leave GPS functionality to 3rd party developers, and there are many possibilities; both hardware and software. I can see a unit with its own battery attached to the bottom of the iPhone, adding bulk to the size of the unit. The question is: who needs that? If you need a unit to drive or bike around; get a Garmin Nuvi - I use my unit on foot when I travel.

A far more attractive option would be to link a GPS to the iPhone via bluetooth and integrating this functionality into Google maps.

 

[Apple!Fre@k]

Won't be long before the iPhone fully integrates with BMWs, as in, plug it in and the iPhone Mac OS X interface shows up on the iDrive nav screen. Then, the iPhone will have access to the BMW's built-in GPS. Wahlaa.

 

[walangij]

Is a GPS really that big of a deal?

[...]

I just kind of think the GPS is one of those things people think they want, but wouldn't function to their expectations...

Is GPS really a big deal? For cell phones? I'll answer that with this rhetorical questions: Does the iPod really need a radio?

It's just something people would like to have, just incase. Lots of higher end phones (which I assume we can put the iPhone in) that are smartphones or smartphone like have GPS and they work well. It's a cool feature, useable, sometimes. But the complaints and negatives about the lack of it is just a sticking point just to stick.

 

[Apple!Fre@k]

Is GPS really a big deal? For cell phones? I'll answer that with this rhetorical questions: Does the iPod really need a radio?

It's just something people would like to have, just incase. Lots of higher end phones (which I assume we can put the iPhone in) that are smartphones or smartphone like have GPS and they work well. It's a cool feature, useable, sometimes. But the complaints and negatives about the lack of it is just a sticking point just to stick.

GPS in a phone is a convenience feature. If you're meeting someone and get lost, GPS will save you time. It's that simple.