I had the same problem in Portugal if you recall Mike. That was with a Galaxy tab 2.
It transpired that it was operator error....
The Galaxy (and apple) come with a built in gps chipset, so no need for 3G.
But....you do need to have the maps stored onboard. To do this I downloaded Arcticquest app., I started with the Lite (free!) version, but had to upgrade to Full (£4.99) version in order to download maps, and this is where it went a bit wrong - as I didnt delete the Lite version thats what it was running on in Portugal, so wouldnt read the downloaded maps on the Full version.
So the answer is that the Galaxy is a top bit of kit, but you need to choose a good map reading app. to go with it.
Its exactly the same with an Ipad, if you are using gps then you need an app. to go with it to allow non-3G use.
Talk of an ipad being better than a galaxy is largely inconsequential, I use about 1% of the equipments capability.
What i would say though is that you can get a bargain price on the Tab 2 at the moment (about £180), its a huge amount of technology for the money.
I know this isnt an Apple or galaxy thread as such, but where the apple does score better is the amount of aftermarket goodies - its taken me 18 months to find a decent priced Samsung keyboard.
Regards
Pete
Ps Mike - hope to see you in a landCruiser in Portugal mate, just hang around here long enough and you'll see the error of your ways......