Good stuff Lori, and good input from the S&R perspective.

I carry a cellphone--barebones flavor--for familial reasons but only get reception when I'm able to see the I-80 corridor or on some peak high enough to snag a signal. Which is to say, maybe 5% of the time.

I'll add that typical smartyphones have separate GPS functions, with processor and antenna. These couldn't care less whether there's a cell signal and will indeed emulate a GPS. However, the antenna and processor are nothing like a handheld unit so you shouldn't expect Garmin-like performance.

Behold, the sorta mighty iphone4.

iphone4 GPS gutz

Cheers,