Thanks everyone for your input
I have been using my iPhone as an "iPod" (because hey, isn't that what the whole apple package is? all in one everything?!!) and so far i haven't noticed any more battery drain then normal - i usually charge the phone around dinner time anyway if its getting low and i know I'm gonna be playing with it, cause someone (hubby) will be hogging the iMac lol. I'm keeping the old iPod touch around until it dies for good - for those camping trips into the wilds where i won't want my phone exposed to the elements. (until i find the perfect weather proof case.. baby steps lol)
also, I've downloaded the free Scout navigation (haven't had a chance to play with it yet) , map quest (have used it, and it got me where i needed to be but not 100% loving it), Motion X (seems to be my favorite one so far.. paid the $9.99 for one yr of voice guidance) ... and tried the Navigon ... ended up calling apple and requesting a refund.. did not like it AT ALL. Did not find it user friendly. they gave me a refund, no problem. I really wish they'd give you a free trial period.. even just 7 days would work.
now i just need to find a dashboard mount that will not bounce my phone around.....