On Tue, Apr 27, 2010 at 4:46 PM, Benjamin Scott <dragonh...@gmail.com>wrote:
> > I've actually had fairly good results using GPS units belonging to > friends. They were not perfect, but nothing is. I've made mistakes > plotting routes manually, too. > > I do much prefer to plan my route ahead of time, but sometimes life > doesn't work that way. I'd rather have the option. To me, it seems > stupid to deliberately avoid a capability just because it does not > work perfectly. > > In particular, real-time routefinding with turn-by-turn directions > wins big in situations such "the road I was planning on using is > closed" or "I just missed my turn". It's not always feasible to stop > and consult the map. (In Boston, it can be downright suicidal.) And > even in situations where I can plan my route, the ability to listen > for real-time updates, rather than peering around at street signs > (instead of the street ahead of me) makes for safer driving. > > I get lost walking back from my mailbox :-( It seems to be age related too. I've had my GPS for 3 years now. I've learned what it means when it plots a route. When I don't agree with it, I ignore it (which I think is the problem most people have with them). If I want to see the whole route ahead of time, I use google maps, because a GPS isn't good for that. With a GPS, you will always get there. It's hard to get lost because it knows where it is. A map doesn't know where it is. If the directions you brought are wrong or you stray from them, you are not directed back on the right course. If I miss a turn, the GPS will guide me back. A GPS gives an estimated time of arrival. I like knowing how late I'll be to work every day. I can use it to find a restaurant, home & garden store, gas nearby or near my destination. I've double checked my speedometer readings too (GPS *do* have speed errors. I saw it fluctuate my position when I was parked before) A GPS doesn't depend on a cell tower. I've compared an iPhone to a GPS, side by side. If the signal is good, the iPhone is ok, but the interface isn't as good. It really comes down to what you prefer. I have my GPS on all the time, even when I don't need directions. You might use yours differently. Gee, this is kinda like the iPad discussions. I need it, You can do it with a netbook for less, books are better then eReaders..... FWIW, I have a garmin. I used a newer TomTom side by side and prefered the familiar. Try them out in the store.
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