Robert > Maybe I misunderstand, but are you asking about a GPS? Correct
> I have a Garmin and like it very much. There are many ways <snip> > There is no subscription needed to use the maps and driving > instructions. There is an optional device that may be > attached which communicates with an external radio to offer > advice about traffic conditions so that an alternate route > can be selected if desired -- I don't have this and can't > comment about its effectiveness. The map supplied covers > US and Canada. Other maps may be purchased at a price of > about $120 each, such as Europe or Asia. > Maps are not updated. Over time, new roads are created and > perhaps some are closed. A new map must be purchased for > $120 when the old one becomes out of date. I've had mine > for 4 years and have not updated. Good to know. <snip> > Almost all brands of GPS use either one of two maps that > they purchase from a vendor. My daughter has a Tom Tom > that uses the map from the different supplier of maps. > When I drive to their house on the river in southern > Virginia, my Garmin plots a trip going the fastest > way -- hers plots a different path that is not as fast. > I believe it is the map that makes the difference. And that's what I was asking about? Why would the algorithm (driving north) route me past a 4 lane divided highway another 5 miles further north to a two lane twisty road... Makes me scratch my head. > The only thing that gives me a problem with my Garmin is the > suction cup. The cup tends to loose suction when it is in > direct sunlight. > As for connecting to a computer, I don't know. I don't know > why I would like to connect to a computer if it can be done. To update it as you've indicated you haven't done... Garmin (and others) have GPS's receivers that need to have periodic updates. Examples are aviation and marine units. The marine units have the soundings updated, usually on a yearly basis. If your boat was close to the bottom, you might need to update. With respect to aviation, those charts have a definite lifetime if for no other reason than airports do close as well as other restricted areas. -- Take care | This clown speaks for himself, his job doesn't Wayne D. | supply this, at least not directly When in doubt, form a committee ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
