2 types of GPS navigator?

[Guest xfer85]

I heard theres 2 types of GPS navigator. GPS and AGPS. After a bit of googling, it seems like AGPS works slightly faster than GPS, and also you got to pay while using AGPS. Because i've to connect to the server before i can see the map everytime, how do i know if im on GPS or AGPS.

How much is the difference in the accuracy of information?

Currently using NAVFone PPC which is given to me by Samsung as a gift for purchasing the phone here in Singapore. Would that be the standard one most people are using or are there better options?

[Guest Neil5459]

Theres no simple answer to your query, as the definition of A-GPS is not fixed. Assisted GPS can be one of 3 things:

1) On its own, like the original iPhone where the location is simply via triangulation of cell towers with no GPS receiver

2) In combination with a GPS receiver using cell tower location, or special AGPS service signals to get a quicker fix. This was going to be used by O2 UK ,but it has yet to materialise. The AGPS signals are free of charge and accurate GPS data is sent to the phone correlated to your cell position. This needs a special GPS reciever/chip, and this is part of the Qualcomm chip in HTC devices- not sure about Samsung.

3) In combination with a GPS receiver using data downloaded via normal data channels and cached as a file on the device which then seeds the GPS receiver. This is the basis of HTC's QuickGPS and possibly the Samsung alternative. Data would be chargable, but the actual amount is tiny.

The data charges are more affected by the type of SatNav program being used. Stand alone programs like TomTom store the maps on the device, but some of the operator supplied ones and GoogleMaps download map segments on demand. This can work out very expensive without a decent data bundle.

[Guest xfer85]

I see. Seems like alot of factors and complications involved.

Anyone used NAVFone PPC before? How is it in terms of accuracy and its functionality? Does it require GPS receiver and thus incurring a charge?

[Guest Neil5459]

I see. Seems like alot of factors and complications involved.

Anyone used NAVFone PPC before? How is it in terms of accuracy and its functionality? Does it require GPS receiver and thus incurring a charge?

Navfone PPC is a satellite navigation program and requires a proper GPS receiver. The subscription allows map updates for 1 year, but as the maps are stored locally on the device, rather than being downloaded there will be no usage charges. GPS is free to use, though services such as traffic, weather and speedcam data if available may incur download charges.

[Guest xfer85]

Navfone PPC is a satellite navigation program and requires a proper GPS receiver. The subscription allows map updates for 1 year, but as the maps are stored locally on the device, rather than being downloaded there will be no usage charges. GPS is free to use, though services such as traffic, weather and speedcam data if available may incur download charges.

Because i was given a 1gb sd card with the program plus map when i purchased the phone, the program is able to locate my current position, and reflect that on the phone without cost, provided i dont use the services you mentioned above.