iphone compass

[austinspace]

Planning to get my first iPhone when the 3G-S goes on sale. It will have a magnetic compass built in. Apple - iPhone - Get directions with GPS maps and a new compass.

So I'll be the who asks: would this be suitable as dive gear ? In a submersible housing of course - though I don't suppose there will be one with a lubber-line built into it!.

 

[letterboy]

Why when for 50.00 you can get an underwater compass that isn't prone to failure. . .

Dive Rite Compass reviews and discounts, Dive Rite

 

[Cave Diver]

Planning to get my first iPhone when the 3G-S goes on sale. It will have a magnetic compass built in. Apple - iPhone - Get directions with GPS maps and a new compass.

So I'll be the who asks: would this be suitable as dive gear ? In a submersible housing of course - though I don't suppose there will be one with a lubber-line built into it!.

Even if you can find a housing for it, would you really want to risk the chance of accidental flood?

I'd recommend getting a regular compass for your dive and using the i-phone for your drive home.

 

[Teamcasa]

Planning to get my first iPhone when the 3G-S goes on sale. It will have a magnetic compass built in.
would this be suitable as dive gear ? In a submersible housing of course.

No. The real question is why would you want to?

 

[ScubaSteve]

Just put a velcro strap on the back of it and mount it over your suit. Then you will know exactly which way you are going right up until it gets wet.

Don't risk it. Do as LB and CD have mentioned....spend $50 and do not risk losing a $600 phone (or whatever they cost). Not worth the risk IMO......plus as you mentioned, they are not a great navigation tool....just a way of knowing what direction you are headed (not which direction you SHOULD BE headed).

 

[diversteve]

track your progress with GPS.

This isn't going to work underwater. So I'm guessing the compass won't update either....

 

[ScubaSteve]

This isn't going to work underwater. So I'm guessing the compass won't update either....

Oh Sure...get technical and SMART on us.....good catch though. You are probably right.

 

[TheScubaBOB]

For $350 you can get an underwater housing for the iPhone & iPod Series that is rated to diving depths and even has a warranty against flooding where they will cover replacement cost.

So you really want a $700 compass?

With diving gear often times simple is better, less to go wrong at depth.

 

[RICHinNC]

I would imagine the sats would be blocked, assuming it uses sats, by the water and it would go blank.

 

[TheScubaBOB]

I would imagine the sats would be blocked, assuming it uses sats, by the water and it would go blank.

GPS uses Sats, Compass should be magnetic.

GPS can't tell what direction you are facing only what direction you are moving.