GPS navigation systems are just another one of the many technologies which people have come to rely on these days. Previously, the only way to get to your destination would be to ask someone to give you directions, or to use paper maps, sometimes bundles of them. But now we have these small devices that seemingly know how to get you nearly anywhere you might like to go!
Whether you find yourself frequently traveling out of state as a tourist or as part of your job duties, or you would just like to explore new places and routes in your local area, a GPS can be a great tool to have. It can give you a great confidence boost in feeling a bit more adventurous about where you drive, just knowing that this little device on your windshield/dashboard can always tell you how to get home. But while a GPS can be very reassuring, as I will explain later, these devices are not infallible.
Three of the major manufacturers of GPS units are: Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan. But I have a preference for Garmin, as they are the market leader out of the three, and seem to have a slightly better reputation as well. Garmin sells the popular nuvi line of GPS units, but the sheer number of different models offered can be baffling. You’ll want to determine what your price range is, and then figure out which models fall within that range; $100-150 isn’t unreasonable for a good mid-range model. Below that price point, you’ll start to lose some of the features considered to be most helpful, and above it, you’ll gain some of the features which many might consider to be unnecessary.
A few of the most helpful features include: The widescreen, or 4.3 inch, models; the smaller screen size models, at 3.5 inches, can make it more difficult to see the instructions and roads shown on the screen, which is an added hassle you don’t want when in unfamiliar areas. Another great feature to have is text to speech; with this, the GPS voice will pronounce the name of the street you’re to make a turn at, as opposed to simply saying “turn right in 500ft”. Having plenty of Points of Interest in the database of your GPS can be another helpful feature; the more POI in the GPS, the more options you’ll have when searching for anything like a gas station, a supermarket, a movie theater, etc.
While not for everybody, additional features on higher-end models include: Bluetooth wireless connectivity, which allows you to connect your mobile phone to the GPS, so you can make hands-free calls through it. There is also the option of having an MP3 player built-in to your GPS, so that you can listen to songs through it. Then there is the option on some Garmin models of having live traffic updates, or connectivity to MSN Direct(which includes traffic updates) in order to compare local gas prices, find movie showtimes, check the weather, etc.; but having the traffic updates and using MSN Direct generally requires subscription fees.
As I mentioned earlier, there are downsides to using GPS systems. While they will get you to your destination without a hitch most of the time, there will be times when you might encounter new roads, or find that old roads are no longer there. Depending on how old your GPS system is, this information about new and old roads may not be reflected in the map database. Upon recently using a four-year old model, it told me to cross a bridge that was no longer there! Use common sense and let the GPS find another route for you, but never blindly take any dangerous routes the GPS might suggest. Updates can be bought for your model’s map database, but this can cost over $50 per update, so when purchasing a GPS system, you’ll want to make sure that it’s a fairly recent model.
Theft is another potential downside to owning a GPS. If you’re using the windshield suction cup mount included with many models, you will want to take it off your windshield when you’ll be away from your car for extended periods. Try to keep the mount out of sight, such as under your seat or in the glove compartment. Carrying the GPS itself in your pocket or keeping it in your trunk might be the best idea.
In conclusion, there are many benefits of owning a GPS system. They can allow you to visit countless places you’ve never been before, with minimal fear of getting lost. But if you have little interest in visiting new places, or are comfortable with just using paper maps and asking for directions, then a GPS system probably isn’t for you. While GPS systems will often be right, they can be wrong from time to time. Carrying paper maps with you, just in case, is advisable when traveling to remote or far off areas. Have fun in your travels!
