I have never experienced a lost gps signal connection with my n8. Even on my trip to the bahamas where there was NO tmobile service at all, I was still able to locate and navigate with a solid gps signal without a celluar connection. The gps connection stayed strong as we were out at sea as well.

I use Ovi Maps all the time, I have version 3.07 beta with the seperate Drive app, similar ti the N9 Drive ap. It looks better than 3.06 and find results better, has updated maps and voice guidance files and UI. I have my 5 most traveled US states downloaded and ready to go and I fully recommend that if you can find a cheap N8, compared to a similarly feature packed gps unit, buy the N8.