Android Device?

[Moose]

Is there a device out there that runs adroid and loads android apps such as the mapping software I keep reading about but doesn't have a phone.Can I purchase an android phone and still use the GPS and wifi to download the apps but not activate the phone? I guess I may be asking for a bit much but I would like it to be like an apple itouch 4g with gps capabilities.

[Valv]

Yes, you can buy an Android phone and use it without a plan or phone service, but you need a way to communicate to get data transfer and that's only done by WiFi.

You need a phone WiFi capable, but then you are constrained to it.

To be able to get 4g you will have to get a plan and connect the phone to a service. I phone will work also without a plan or service

[CAMAN]

You could always get one of the bigger android tablets without a data plan and run it on wifi. Maybe someone else can chime in if they know the Navionics App works on the tablets yet?

[Moose]

Thanks Valv, I have wireless at home. Does the gps work on those phones without getting a phone plan? And can I download the Android apps via the internet?

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Get a galaxy tab wifi only. They are coming out soon.

[Valv]

Thanks Valv, I have wireless at home. Does the gps work on those phones without getting a phone plan? And can I download the Android apps via the internet?

Yes, yes, and yes.

I had a HD2 or a Nexus One with no subscription. You can use everything on the phone (downloads, GPS, etc) except the phone feature itself, BUT........if you install Skype for Android you can make phone calls through the WiFi

[pureinsanity]

Thanks Valv, I have wireless at home. Does the gps work on those phones without getting a phone plan? And can I download the Android apps via the internet?

I am testing right now. I have a droid 2 with everything turned off but the GPS. I am searching for an address but its taking forever. And it is leading me to believe it is not working.

Update for me it did not work until I had some sort of service available to search for my location. For instance I searched a friends address just using GPS. and it didnt work at all.

Soon as I enabled wifi or 3g. Boom it found it right away.

[Valv]

The problem with GPS is the phone is trying to download the map of the position you are into. The only way to get this is by phone service (3g or EDGE) or by having WiFi range, otherwise the GPS will detect where you are, but you cannot see it on the screen since there's no map displayed. It will not work unless you download apps that include maps too, there are few out there, but be sure you have a large SD card to store the maps.

Download the app "GPS Status" it will show your position by detecting all the satellites.