2 Questions about Cell Phones and GPS's

My current GPS is a Garmin E-Trex Legend. It is black and white, and easy to use, and I have the Topo Canada Maps for it somewhere. But, it no longer works. At this point all I really need a GPS to do for me is to be able to mark a few points, and be able to get back to them after haphazardly chasing game after a shot is made, marking a few shoals on a lake, or to get unlost.

My current cell phone is an old 'colour' flip phone. It needs a new battery, but still works. I'd like one that I can use on my Bell pre-paid account, and that has a camera with some storage for photos and music and video, and does the wifi thing so I can read stuff like this site while laying on the couch, I don't plan on using it much for data, only in an emergency when I need to look up a phone number or such.

#1 If I was to buy a new Cell and a GPS, what would you recommend.?

#2 Could I get away with a new cell phone that has GPS built into it. Does this exist? Will it work even as a true GPS when out of cell tower range?

Thanks,

Entropy

Phones will work as a stand-alone GPS when there is no service, provided you have the maps already downloaded. (Cached Google Maps, etc) if you don't, then yes, cell service is required to download the maps as it locks your location.

That being said, the recievers are not as strong as those in dedicated GPS units, under thick cover, it may not be as accurate.

As for a phone, any smartphone/android will serve you well. Comes down to price and size, but they all do the basic functions.

Samsung Galaxy's are nice phones to start looking at.

As for the GPS' can't go wrong with the Garmin line up.

The Montana and Oregon are good to start with.

Phones are not that tough, are not water proof and sink.

Phone is going to be just fine...If you don't hunt North of about King city. I use my phone at Hullet, Fingel, Cedar Creek. If I am somewhere that does not have a road with in a mile or so in Every direction, then A GPS a Good ANALOG compass, and maps for backup. Heck even when I am walking around Hullet or Fingel I have a basic map. It may not be much more then a print out from the Conservation areas web site, but it's easier to scribble on the paper then use white out on my phone.

King City is south of anywhere I hunt. And cell coverage is often an issue. Hmmmm......

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Originally Posted by Entropy

King City is south of anywhere I hunt. And cell coverage is often an issue. Hmmmm......

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I think you answered your own question. Do you have the software for programing and updating your E-trex? You may simple need to do an update or two and install new(updated) maps.

The E-Trex Legend has screen issues. It has bars across the screen then ... nothing.

The biggest problem i find when using a cell phone is battery life. I have a galaxy s3 and the battery life is terrible. I do have a portable charger for my phone but feel much better with a handheld gps and spare batteries in my pack.

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Originally Posted by Entropy

The E-Trex Legend has screen issues. It has bars across the screen then ... nothing.

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Yup that's broke.

^^ add to this that weak or non-existant cell signal will make your phone burn more juice as it constantly polls looking for a (better) signal.

Your are best to just get an entry level GPS. I use a cheap old Etrex with no bade map. B&W and all that is on my screen is my way points, my trails, and a scale. Keeps me unlost.