If you’re like me, you can’t seem to successfully follow any directions given to get to a certain place, especially while traveling in a car. If ever I’ve been called an airhead, this is one of the primary reasons why. The simplest solution to this dilemma is simple: GPS devices (global positioning system)!
During the last few years many consumers have become familiar with GPS device brands such as Garmin and TomTom, to name a couple. Quite frankly these devices are just plain awesome. GPS devices of all brands range from cheap to insanely expensive, but they all pretty much get the job done. Some extra features aside from the standard touch-screen, turn-by-turn audio directions and location searches include, but are not limited to: hands-free Bluetooth technology to wirelessly interface with your compatible phone, Audible/MP3 player, picture viewer, current traffic conditions, language translator, travel guide, currency/unit converter, and more. Not long ago I did a bit of research on Consumer Reports magazine and CNET.com to try and figure out which brand/model is the best deal currently. My search concluded that the Garmin Nuvi 660 (originally $800 but I bought it on sale for $330 with shipping) was right for me. It includes all of the features I mentioned above in one sleek, beautiful widescreen device, and like most GPS devices it includes an excellent suction-cup mount for your windshield, or separate dash mount for use in states where windshield mounting is illegal. There are also specialized versions for motorcycles, bicycles, and even pedestrians.
Just to give you an idea of how it works, here is a scenario that I was in the other day, driving on the job towards Birmingham, Alabama for a standard delivery of medical documents. From the moment I left my driveway with my destination input, my Garmin Nuvi 660 began to speak in a clear Australian English voice (many other voice options available including other languages), faithfully directing me turn-by-turn, calling out street names without any signal problems, even in areas completely covered by trees. As this was a standard delivery I really didn’t need directions, but I wanted to test the device’s accuracy just the same, in addition to using its very useful alternate features. After traveling a while, my Garmin suddenly started beeping at me indicating an incoming phone call. I glanced over to see who was calling (the device automatically synchronizes with your phone’s contact list and other call information so it can identify calls among other things). I noticed it was my brother so I simply tapped the “Answer Call” button with my finger and began to talk while still keeping both of my hands on the wheel. Even though it was pouring down rain the mic on the device was able to pick up my voice without a problem.
After the call ended I tapped the “End Call” button and continued on my way. Upon reaching my destination and making my delivery, I started on the way home and decided to give my mother a call. I then proceeded to tap the “Voice Dial” button and said “Call Mom Mobile,” which then prompted my Garmin to dial up my mother’s cell phone and we proceeded to have a clear, hands-free conversation with the same audio quality as if I had the phone pressed up against my ear. After my latest phone call I noticed a ”!” icon had popped up on my device’s screen, so I tapped it and it warned me that 7 miles ahead the road was congested with traffic. A “Details” button then showed me where exactly on the map the traffic was, and even mentioned road construction 40 miles away. Sure enough the traffic was there, and the device could offer a good detour, but I decided to stick it out anyway (some GPS devices, such as the Garmin Nuvi 660, can receive up-to-date broadcasted traffic/road information via a special FM signal in some cities).
Needless to say I am very pleased with the device and I highly recommened a GPS system to any frequent traveler of the road or other means. As I mentioned before however, not all GPS devices have the features I mentioned in this post, but they all, for the most part, make good on their primary function just the same. Many newer cell phones (such as the iPhone 3G and other smart phones) are including GPS functions into their growing list of features, but keep in mind that dedicated GPS devices don’t require an expensive data plan like their cell-phone cousins.
Take a look at this marvel of technology; I doubt you’ll be disappointed!
My GPS keeps me alive. It is my life support, in every sense of the word.
You are so right about that! I am certain that I will find GPS tech to be the thing that “I can’t believe I ever lived without!”
oh, Palmer. Remember downtown Asuncion?
Yeah but I only drove down there like once =). Every other time someone else was willing to suffer for me!