When people hear the word GPS, what immediately comes into mind are those sleek and classy dashboard devices in their new cars. But what if you're driving an old unit without a built-in GPS, and then finding yourself lost on your way to a really important interview? The solution to such problems – make use of a portable GPS.

The question however is whether GPS units are still viable, now with a whole bunch of GPS-enabled smartphones and even tablets flooding the market. Making the selection can be a bit so with this in mind, the following article intends to bridge the gap and help consumers in this selection process.

** GPS Navigation on Smartphones and Tablets **

Most phones out in the market have some sort of GPS receiving capability built into it. With older units people can only do as much as use these phones to transmit to a Public Safety Answering Point. But with emerging GPS software available in smartphones, users can enjoy full GPS receiver capabilities giving them turn-by-turn instructions on how to go to a certain location or establishment.

Smartphone users can access these features by subscribing to a calling plan that supports GPS information and process transmission of maps. These maps can give information on landmarks, businesses and other establishments near your vicinity. Such features are great for using the smartphone not only as a direction-finding tool but also as a tracking device.

** Comparing Portable GPS Navigators and Smartphones **

• Features

With smartphones offering GPS capabilities as part of their broad range of features, portable GPS units are stepping things up to keep consumers like you interested in the portable navigation device market. On top of its core function of providing reliable GPS directions, you can enjoy other features in your portable GPS unit that were used exclusively by smartphones, PDAs and tablets.

These features include sending and receiving SMS messages, surfing the internet, watching your favorite videos, and much more including allowing you to make phone calls. You can also send a web link of your exact location using Google maps to your friends by SMS.

• Signal

Smartphones rely on towers to send and receive GPS signals. Users can receive clear signals with this however, interruptions can occur if you're near tall buildings, a mountain or inside elevators. How far apart between towers of your service providers can also determine the signal strength of your GPS. Portable GPS navigators on the other hand make use of radio waves transmitted from the more than 27 GPS satellites orbiting the globe.

• Display

Smartphones are limited by their screen sizes, usually averaging at 2.7 inches or going as wide as 4.3 inches. Portable GPS navigators on the other hand can offer larger screens from 4.7 inches to as high as 6 inches on newer models. The size of the screen and its resolution is important in giving you a better and much clearer view of text and maps to guide you on your way.

• Cost

Portable GPS navigators out in the market can range from high-end $250+ models to units priced lower than $100. Smartphones on the other hand may need to be more competitive in this area. Subsidized phones with a service plan can cost less than $199 but you can get tied up with a single provider. Unlocked phones are available however this can go as high as $430 or more on the average.

** Making the Right Choice **

If you are stuck with making the choice between a smartphone and a portable GPS navigator, the key thing to answer is your purpose for using the device and which features you will use most of the time. Will you use the GPS features much more as compared to the other features of smartphones not present in portable GPS devices? Your own answers to these questions can guide you in making the right selection for your needs.