GPS directions using more power than the car charger can offer?

[mattdez]

Here's what happened. I got in my car for a 2 hour drive. I used the GPS tracking and directions the whole way because I've never used the feature before and I didn't know exactly where I was going.

But I got in the car and the phone had pretty much a full battery. I got in the car, plugged the phone into my Griffin car charger (phone recognized it was plugged in) and went on my way. The entire time I used the EDGE network because 3G is spotty in South Carolina. When I got to my destination I unplugged the phone and had less than a 1/2 charge on the phone. Oh, and the phone also got really hot after the trip too.

Anyone else see this happening?

[sherpa]

Yup! It is a well-known issue! The Griffin chargers do not provide enough juice to keep the phone charged while using GPS w/tracking.

[Youngbinks]

I have noticed the same problem while using Net Share to tether the 3G connection to my laptop.

[ravman]

It seems like the 3G is a real power hog when using certain functions. If I plug my iPhone into my PC via the USB port and run Netshare, the phone will not charge at all. If I plug the iPhone to a powered USB hub and use Netshare, then it gets charged.

I don't think the 3G will be getting the Energy Star certification anytime too soon.

[Nutchos]

I'll have to check my kensington car charger to see if it works with gps on. I know it works okay just listening to music or streaming radio over 3g, haven't tried maps yet.