Idiot

[Jay2TheRescue]

My Windows Mobile cell phones all have internal GPS receivers (and running Tom Tom Navigator 6), and the phones can get a lock sitting on the passenger seat, in the dashboard cradle, and even in the center console. I've never had a problem, and that's with phones, not dedicated GPS units.

[bobc455]

I don't put mine on the windshield, I keep it tucked away. Then when I used it, I keep it on the seat next to me or in the armrest or something. Never had a signal problem.

[trollbait]

I've actually seen a gps mounted at that level, but right in front of the driver.

I too have had no problem getting a signal in the car.

[kamesama980]

afaik most cell phones use tower triangulation, not GPS. hence working without LOS to the satellites.

My GPS lives in the center of the window as low as it can go....below the hood line on all my cars (helps that I'm 6-4)

[Jay2TheRescue]

As far as E911 is concerned, GSM cell phones (AT&T, T-Mobile) triangulate the callers position from the towers. CDMA phones (Sprint, Verizon) actually look for the satellites and transmit those coordinates to the 911 call center. Most GPS applications on cell phones use satellite navigation. For example, if I were to call 911 from my AT&T cell phone the network would triangulate my position and send it to the call center. When I run TomTom Navigator on my phone it reads the satellites.

[shatto]

My NUVI from eyeball level.
Blocks about as much of my vision as a hood ornament.

[Jay2TheRescue]

I mount my phone on my dashboard...