Tablets forum: Why need WiFi/cellphone account for GPS

I've been doing a bit of research since my first post and have some info. First off, there is a an app for smart phones and android systems called COPILOT which apparently does most everything I need. I'm still wading through the manual but it downloads all maps to the device, uses GPS to locate your current position and then allows you to punch in a destination and shows how to get there. In theory. If anyone has any experience with this app please do share your thoughts. This app is not all that costly with cost depending on device and level of capabilities.

Apparently Google has the ability to download a map from a WiFi connection and then allow you to follow the map to the destination without continuous connection. This was written up in an android blog as an alternative. If anyone has any experience with this approach, please do share your thoughts.

kopavi

I'm going to keep this short. I have the google maps and yes, you can preload areas like you found out about.

Just checking. Are you asking folk to vet the information you found out about Google Maps (the app?)
Bob

...as to how it works as a navigation aid.
kopavi

I'm lucky as the office is writing Android apps so I have a big Android phone, a few 7 and 11 inch tablets and while Google Maps, the app is nice and all, I'm back to using my GPS. The simple GPS for a lot less money (under 99 bucks) comes with a better display for use in the car, the power system is supplied, and in my case, since it's an add on, it is on the BEAN BAG mount so I can move it out of sight.

The sheer convenience of going to the car and the GPS is always in the car and not being used as something else along with the GPS low price means I would not replace it with any of my currently free Android devices.
Bob

I just got an iPad2 with wi-fi only and a T-moble hotspot. Having a lot of fun using it in the car. I like it better than my Garmin GPS. The screen is bigger and I can use the internet to find restaurants and locations then get the map. And the ipad does give you directions. And I can move the map around easier and zoom in, etc. Oh, and the maps & info are more current than my gps.