Android gps

[mnosbisch]

I am looking at getting the HTC Droid Eris (Android V1.5 atm) with Verizon at thanksgiving. I am wanting to opt out of the data plan, because I don't need internet on my phone, I have wireless at my house, school, etc, and I don't have the money monthly as a college student for a data plan.

I am wanting to take advantage of the gps features of this phone and can't seem to find if the gps needs the internet in order to function. This is a deal breaker for me, if the gps system can't be a standalone system like a garmin or tomtom, it does me no good. I have plenty of times I can get to wifi internet, to update the gps system on the phone or other things such as apps.

Also if the gps system is not standalone it depends upon the service of my wireless provider, Verizon, which is no help if I can't get service.

So please help me with the question rather the gps functionally with the google maps is a standalone gps type, or if not what services it require to run on the phone. I know version 2.0 of android has a new maps app and if I need a data plan for the v1.5, will I still need it for 2.0?

Thanks so much
I appreciate the help

Any questions or clarification, ask, I am a little tired and probably a little incoherent at the moment.

[Broo]

The Eris has the 'standard' Google Maps with v1.5; there is no turn-by-turn on this version. It is about the same as pulling up Google Maps on a PC.

Google Maps on Android 2.0 does have turn-by-turn- and it does require an active Internet connection. There were rumors of 2.0 being able to cache map data, but I have the Droid and haven't been able to find any way to substantiate that rumor.

[papasula]

I believe Verizon will not let it go without a data plan.

[mnosbisch]

Has the suggestion been made to allow a standalone app from google for gps that get database updates everyday or every few from the google website? Yes it would take up space on the internal memory, but space I would freely be willing to give to allow me the capability of a standalone gps on my phone.

A GPS that requires another service such as internet or a service provider is mostly worthless to me and makes one of the big advantages that the google maps could have over the verizon navigator service nill. If I don't get service and am lost, what good does having google gps service do me over having verizon navigator gps service do me. I am still lost and my phone is a brick as far as contacting people or finding my way around.

I think this feature could make android a prime time mobile os that would have a big advantage over other devices and their oses that don't have builtin gps service (the need for no internet or provider services to run gps).

I am just really disappointed in this, if the gps systems can be standalone, why can't they make android phones capable? So maybe this can hopefully spark some interest in a standalone gps, unfortunately it doesn't look like for this 2 year contract that android will be on my phone. So I will need to get a phone and a gps device, android missed a window for me, because by the next phone, I will have a dedicated gps system (garmin or tomtom).

If anyone knows any alternative way of allowing maps (v1.5) and turn by turn directions (v2.0) without internet or wireless service from verizon I will be gladly willing to grab an android device.

[mnosbisch]

I believe Verizon will not let it go without a data plan.

I plan on going into the store. I can basically tell them I want the phone without the data plan and if you remain adament, they most likely will let it slide. I know a few occurrences when this happened, it is the best way to go and they most likely won't refuse if the difference is $100 for a smartphone they get opposed to you grabbing a free phone.

[extorian]

Let's be clear...

The GPS does not require a data connection to function. It will lock onto the satellites and figure out your position regardless.

The GPS does require a data connection to retrieve the Assisted GPS data to get a quicker lock. Without it, the GPS will still work, but it may take a short time longer to get a lock.

What you mean by "GPS" though, is "navigation software". Unfortunately, Google Maps does require an active data connection.

However, there are a number of applications (some paid, some free) that you can use now. See http://mobile.jack-frost.co.uk/android_sat_nav_apps.php for a list and review of some of them. I don't know which are stand alone (i.e. no data connection needed), as I've not read the article, but it does say "Some of the applications store their maps on the phone's SD card".