the gps chip is the same as the N97/5800xm/x6, but i just finished compared side by side on the signal strength in garmin, the N8 can get the signal bar a bit (really a little bit only, about 1/5 extra within the slot), this make me think it's due to the attenna design... but when using the ovi maps in N8 it's EXTREAMY ACCURATE and the heading orientaion always correct (maybe due to build in compass as reference)... only 1 thing to say the gps performance in N8 are FAR MORE highier then the 5800xm although same gps chip been use...