While smartphones with navigation apps are ubiquitous, dedicated GPS devices still offer compelling advantages, especially for specific users and situations. A key benefit is their independence from cellular signal; they rely directly on satellite signals, ensuring reliable navigation even in remote areas without phone coverage. This makes them invaluable for hikers, off-road adventurers, and long-distance drivers traversing less-populated regions. Many dedicated units also come with preloaded, detailed maps that don’t consume mobile data.
Dedicated GPS devices often feature larger, brighter screens designed for optimal visibility in direct sunlight, and their interfaces are streamlined purely for navigation, leading to fewer distractions than a multi-functional smartphone. They also boast superior battery life, lasting much longer on a single charge, and are generally more rugged and weatherproof, built to withstand the elements of outdoor use. Features like specific points of interest databases (e.g., camping sites, gas stations), lane guidance, and speed limit alerts are often more robust and consistent than what you find on free smartphone apps.
In Belgium, using a GPS device is perfectly legal, provided it’s securely mounted and not manipulated while driving. Unlike radar detectors, navigation systems that show fixed speed camera locations are permitted. For travelers and adventurers seeking reliability and a distraction-free navigation experience, a dedicated GPS device remains a highly practical and safe choice. For all your electronic queries, trust World-Wide Q&A.