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Re-activatePortable GPS navigation devices aren't just for car drivers and hikers anymore. An increasing number of cell phones are adding turn-by-turn navigation services and location-related capabilities. (See: "Cell phones that tell you where to go.") The latest of these is the recently announced iPhone 3G, due out on July 11.
Our colleagues over at the Cars Blog can't wait to get their hands on a new iPhone—just like us here on the Electronics Blog. Naturally, they'll want one to test out how its GPS-based navigation feature will work compared to a dedicated GPS unit. And in preparation for the day we get a few into our labs (and test cars), they've already gone ahead and mapped out (sorry) some of the iPhone's navigation potentials. (See: "Apple puts new iPhone 3G on the GPS navigation map.")
The new iPhone shows promise as a full-featured smart phone with improved navigation abilities over the current iPhone. But:
That last point is obviously a bummer if you're shopping for a last-minute Father's Day gift. But, you still have several options if you're looking for a high-tech present for your "directionally-challenged" dad.
Our Ratings of cell phones and smart phones (both available to subscribers) can help you find GPS-capable models, such as the LG VX8350 (Verizon), the Samsung Blackjack II (AT&T), the Blackberry Pearl 8130 (Sprint Nextel), and the LG Voyager (Verizon).
Of course, dedicated GPS navigation devices have become much more affordable, too. Our latest Ratings of GPS systems (available to subscribers), for example, lists models that are as low as $155. In fact, one of Consumer Reports' Recommended portable GPS navigation units (also available to subscribers) costs only $200—making it a "CR Best Buy" recommendation.
For more ideas, check out what our Car Blog editors have to say in "Choosing the best GPS for Father's Day."
—Paul Eng
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