Internal vs. External GPS for battery life?

NewYorkLaw · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 09:35 AM

I have an external bluetooth gps device, and my HTC has gps built-in.
Would using the exernal (via bluetooth) make my battery on the HTC last longer? Anyone ever experiment with both? When I use my diamond on gps - if I'm not tethered to a cigarette lighter, I can only go 45 minutes before I go dead.
Pete

**drewcam888** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 03:05 PM

The gps chip isnt the problem. It is the gps software that is using the cpu up and the lcd being on constantly that causes the drain. I can use only a gps lock tool and use almost no additional battery drain. The main additional drain for my gps lock tool is only having the lcd screen on.

DJ_SirG · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:18 PM

I have done both and I get a little better battery life using my bluetooth gps. I think its a matter of the device gps using more battery life then the bluetooth.
Drewcam888 is right on. The LCD is whats killing your battery. Take in to consideration your data connection for the maps too. If you are connected to data for gps maps, this is killing your battery faster then LCD, gps and bluetooth together. I have my maps on a micro SD in my HTC Touch Pro 2 with a bluetooth gps and can run it all day.

DJ_SirG · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009, 10:21 PM

I don't know what a GPS Lock Tool is. But it sounds like something I want. Can you tell us more about the tool?

NewYorkLaw · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_SirG

I have my maps on a micro SD in my HTC Touch Pro 2 with a bluetooth gps and can run it all day.

What program are you running that allows you to save the maps on the device? Will it run on a Touch Diamond?
Pete

DJ_SirG · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 07:43 PM

I'm using iNav and all the maps are saved on my SD. Little over 1 gig and well worth it. Faster and if im not getting a tower I still have GPS. I have used it on my laptop, HP 2415 PDA, 3 Touch pro's, a touch diamond, Titan and now my Touch Pro 2. I think it will work for you.