Nokia Lumia 1320 as an in-car GPS navigation device?

[saintforlife]

I am in the market for a GPS navigation device. Since all Windows phones support off-line navigation, I am thinking the Lumia 1320 makes a very good in-car navigation device because of its large screen. Of course, it could also act as a back-up phone if necessary and can run all the apps that a GPS device can't.

What do you guys think? Will I be better off getting a dedicate GPS unit such a Tom Tom or Garmin, rather than the 1320? What features would I miss out on if I go with the 1320 (assume no SIM card in the phone, only use it on wifi)?

 

[azcruz]

I didn't buy any navigation device because of Nokia maps, and use my Lumia 610 or HTC 8s in my cars, so why not? I would.

 

[mase123987]

I am in the market for a GPS navigation device. Since all Windows phones support off-line navigation, I am thinking the Lumia 1320 makes a very good in-car navigation device because of its large screen. Of course, it could also act as a back-up phone if necessary and can run all the apps that a GPS device can't.

What do you guys think? Will I be better off getting a dedicate GPS unit such a Tom Tom or Garmin, rather than the 1320? What features would I miss out on if I go with the 1320 (assume no SIM card in the phone, only use it on wifi)?

It will definitely will work. I still find a dedicated GPS unit is easier to use will actually driving.

 

[Mike Gibson]

We used my wife's 920 as a GPS device on a trip last Summer as an experiment to see if it could replace our Garmin 5" unit. Here's my evaluation.

Pros:
1. The 920 is a multipurpose device. Less hardware to carry around than with two separate, dedicated devices.
2. The maps and guidance were fine. I saw no big advantage to either device.
3. The 4.5" screen was sufficient. The Garmin's 5" screen was a little bigger but both used their screens efficiently.

Cons:
1. We had no mounting bracket while the Garmin had a dedicated one. Advantage: Garmin.
2. The 920 would timeout and we had to adjust it to stop doing that. If I had been alone in the car it would have been a hassle.
3. While the 920 is a multipurpose device, you really want it to be single purpose (guidance) when driving.

It's not a slam dunk either way. It's a classic battle between a multipurpose device that's not optimized for a specific task vs. a single-purpose device.

Note that after the success with the 920 I borrowed a Samsung Mega 6.3" device from a friend (who's an exec at a mobile co), thinking that it would cover all the bases in a mobile device. My daughter has a Galaxy Note 2 phone and it works well so I expected good results with the Mega. However, that thing was *way* too big. It just felt weird in my hands and in my pocket. It would barely fit into any of the "device" slots in my wife's purse and even after I crammed in it one, the top of the phone stuck out of the purse. I was surprised that the device was such a complete failure and returned it to our friend after only a couple of days.

After the *very* negative experience with the Samsung Mega, I was concerned when I read rumors/reports a while ago about the Nokia "Bandit" being 6". My experience showed that these handheld smartphones should be no larger than 5.5". There really is a usability "cliff" after 5.5". Maybe Nokia pulled off a design miracle with its 6" screens ... but I doubt it. The only way I could see that screen working well is for it to cover the entire front face of the phone -- no bezel. That doesn't seem to be the case with the new Nokias.

 

[erzhik]

It's really hard to compare a device designed for one specific task and a device designed for something else but giving you a feature of GPS. In terms of navigation, a standalone device would work better, but it will limit all your functionality to one task. However, if you can afford getting 1320 just for navigation, kudos to you. I think it will work, but it won't be as good as a dedicated GPS. However, you have to look at the fact that 1320 is a phone and it will give you more functions. And if you are lost or need an address, get onto a Wi-Fi hotspot and search.

 

[azcruz]

If (and when) Waze is released for Windows Phone, a Garmin device can't compete. The reason I keep my shifty Xperia V is because of Waze. Just sayin'

 

[giffis]

I used Lumia 920 during my Canada trip as a offline navigator. Navigations part works very good.

Few plus points.

Open Nokia maps keep your finger on any landmark, it will pop up the address and you can navigate to that place using Here drive. This helped me to explore certain parts of the city without any internet connection.

Another advantage you can use tripadvisor app/ or any other app at hotel or caf? and those apps will connect to Nokia drive.

Offline Nokia Music will entertain you during the trip.

 

[rex.reyesiii]

If (and when) Waze is released for Windows Phone, a Garmin device can't compete. The reason I keep my shifty Xperia V is because of Waze. Just sayin'

Any updates with these thread? Any new stories on anyone using the 1320 for basic city driving using HERE/Drive?

*bumpin'