vB Easy Archive - GPS vs Google Maps?

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GPS vs Google Maps?
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Posted by: pbnjillybean

Hi all, I'm considering getting a Palm Centro or possibly a Blackberry Pearl. I like the touchscreen & full keyboard, and the general look of the Centro, but I'm confused about the lack of GPS navigation. Somebody said "yes, but google maps works on it, and that's the same thing." I've never used mobile google maps, and my navigation program on my current phone has saved my butt numerous times, so can any of you explain to me in dummy-proof terms what exactly the google maps navigation does, and how it differs from other navigation programs? Thanks.

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Also, could somebody explain to me what it means to have wi-fi on your phone, and what I will be lacking if I go with the centro?

Posted by: smartphoner

WIFI allows you to connect to WIFI Networks (wireless networks). You can do a search on Wikipedia to get more info. With an unlimited data plan WIFI is useless IMO and it sucks battery like no tomorrow.

Posted by: wtdpn115

google maps as in like map quest. u can't use gps to pin point u down you yet
on the centro

Posted by: gscheek

I think you can buy a GPS Bluetooth receiver and then use your phone as a navigation device, Palm's website has some neat GPS stuff.

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Quote:

Originally Posted by gscheek

I think you can buy a GPS Bluetooth receiver and then use your phone as a navigation device, Palm's website has some neat GPS stuff.

I looked into that because the person at the Sprint store told me it would be around $50 for something called a "puck" that would make the Centro GPS compatible. However, all I could find on the Palm website costs $200!

Posted by: Nitemare

I have a centro. You can get GPS on it, but will have to pay an added monthly fee for just gps + buy a gps receiver. Centro does not have it built in. With that being said, Im sticking to google maps. I already have a GPS unit (Mio).

Difference between google maps and gps is that google maps does not track where you are and your movements. GPS will.

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitemare

I have a centro. You can get GPS on it, but will have to pay an added monthly fee for just gps + buy a gps receiver. Centro does not have it built in. With that being said, Im sticking to google maps. I already have a GPS unit (Mio).

Difference between google maps and gps is that google maps does not track where you are and your movements. GPS will.

How do you feel about the Centro in general?

Does Google maps get the job done?

Any idea what the fee is for GPS & receiver?

Thank you so much for your help!

Posted by: Nitemare

Centro - Amazing. I have a Blackberry and cant stand that..Use Centro for everything except business calls. Small, fast, and reliable.

Google maps - Gives you directions to destination.

I think its like 5-$10 per month. Receiver costs im guessing $100 or so.

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitemare

Centro - Amazing. I have a Blackberry and cant stand that..Use Centro for everything except business calls. Small, fast, and reliable.

Google maps - Gives you directions to destination.

I think its like 5-$10 per month. Receiver costs im guessing $100 or so.

What don't you like about the BB? Does the Centro do as well for internet & email?

I'm sorry for all the questions, I've been on Verizon for so long and am having major switch/purchase anxiety. I'm totally infatuated with the Centro but don't actually know anybody who HAS one, and know a few who love their BB Pearls. So I'm just looking for some real world experience with the Centro.

Thanks again!

Posted by: Nitemare

Blackberry disklikes (from verizon)
No touch screen
Confusing menus
Uses a dial on side
When answering calls, sometimes I hang up on them by hitting wrong buttons
Too Big and heavy (cant fit in pocket)

Posted by: Hawkeyefan1

Dislikes for Pearl
-Call quality lacking -sounds "tinny"
-Slower internet - loses connection to internet and calls more frequently
-Sprint TV loaded really slow and would lose connection
-confusing menus
-no MMS - have to email pictures instead of texting what a pain
-Too small
-Seems fragile
-I couldn't hear it when it rang (sometime it wouldn't ring)
-issues playing You tube videos
-Suretype ( I probably wouldn't have minded it, but don't feel I need to train myself)
- Not so friendly Pearl scroller ball - seems like a good idea, but kind of a pain to navigate

Dislikes for Centro
-No GPS
-No A2DP (stereo bluetooth installed) Fix by purchasing (http://www.softick.com/bluetooth-audio/)
-Lower megapixel camera 1.3 vs pearl 2.0
-No flash for camera
-only has 2x zoom
-Microsd card is hidden under the battery cover and can be a pain to try to pull it out and reload it
- no voicedial included

Likes for Pearl
- Voicedial included
-GPS
-Sprint navigation
-2.0 megapixel camera
-flash for camera
-multiple zoom options

Likes for Centro
-Touchscreen - this rocks the house
-threaded SMS/MMS
- versamail - allows me to sync my email when i want to - auto sync sucks when you are sleeping - nothign like waking up at 3 a.m. because of a spam email
- blazer browser works great
- lots of free third party apps
- internet, sprint, TV, and you tube work great fast loading and doesn't seem to disconnect as often as pearl
- pockettunes is awesome - internet radio is super cool and many other options
- Phone calls sound very good-true tone
- speakerphone is great
- dataviz is cool support for excel, word, powerpoint, and PDF formats

I know some blackberry fans may not agree with me on some points, but this is what i feel the advantages and disadvantages are. Try googling MMS support for Pearl....you will see a ton of angry people because it does not support it. Anyway I took my BB pearl back within a week and exchanged for a centro and have been happy since. Google maps works great on both devices, GPS is on pearl, but not Centro - you can buy GPS adapters. I hope my opinion helps.

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Thank you so much. I have more or less decided to go with Sprint & a Centro. Having a bit of purchase anxiety, but there seem to be lots of Centro-lovers! The only thing I think I'll miss will be the GPS, but hey, we lived for ages without it, I'm sure I'll be able to survive again! :-)

Now the question is - pink or black? Or is red still available?

Posted by: Nitemare

GPS - Standalones are alot better. I got a MIO for my GPS unit. No monthly fee for it, just paid $160 total.

Camera - I got a much better camera I use instead of phone. So I dont need all the extras.

With that being said, the Centro works as a phone just great, texting, email, blazing fast internet, streaming, etc...Thats why I got it

Posted by: pbnjillybean

Do you guys know anything about the Helio Ocean? That was recently brought up as a possible suggestions.