Originally Posted By: martinfocazio
Originally Posted By: comms

I have been underwhelmed to say the least regarding actual GPS apps, free or charged. Also, as I understand, they work off the 3G network and not satellite so if I am out of cell tower range, its useless anyway. If this is incorrect let me know.

This has also kept me away from trail/hike apps. Change my mind if you can.


The GPS is satellite-based GPS just like any Garmin device. It is not in any way dependent on cell towers. If you're using the GPS functions of the iPhone, you're using the satellites.


Comms, it is true that most phones do not have a true GPS that can receive and decode satellite signals. I know Nokia and Sony Ericcson have it on selected models, but absolutely not on the cheaper models. I don't know squat about Iphones, so I'll take Martin's word on that system.


I think the source of confusion is that some service providers call their cell tower based location services "GPS", using those 3 letters as a generic name for location services. I've seen that service as an option on $20 pre-paid phones from walmart.... (Of course you would pay dearly for that location service... it's just another way of fooling teenagers to part with their parents money: Look, the phone is just $19.99... and it has "GPS", Mommy please?).