This is a reprint of an article I wrote, which the original can be found here.
Driving today is stressful. There are lots of things we need to contend with: traffic jams, accidents, poor/no signage, changed signage and my all-time favorite, people talking and texting on their cell phones. So, when a product comes along that can help me get where I’m going more efficiently, I’m on it.
Last year, my husband gave me a Garmen Nuvi 350 GPS for Christmas. A little background on GPS for those that might be interested: The US Department of Defense placed 24 satellites into orbit, intending to use them for military applications. In the 1980’s, the government opened it up for everyone to use. The GPS receivers take the signal information and calculate the user’s exact location and display it on the screen. These receivers are extremely accurate and some can actually pinpoint your location within an average of three meters.
So what does this mean for you? Well, here are my top reasons for why you should invest in a GPS:
#1 - Safety. Who wants to stop and ask a stranger for directions these days? Cell phones don’t always get great reception and who wants to stop at midnight, with kids in the car, and ask for help?
#2 – Security. In addition to safety, wouldn’t it be nice to know that you won’t get lost going to that all important meeting or job interview? I use to have to make dry runs before I went to an unfamiliar place. With today’s gas prices, who wants to do that?
#3 – No more maps. This is one of the best reasons for owning a GPS. Google Maps is great, but how hard is it to read directions, at night, while you are driving? By the time you find the road you need to turn on, it’s in your rear view mirror.
#4 – Portability. I have a portable unit, which means we can use it in any car, even a rental car, when you’re traveling. We’ve also used it on the streets of New York, when we were looking for a couple certain stores.
#5 – Convenience. Wouldn’t you love to be able to find a way around that massive traffic jam? Not long ago, we were coming back from a trip, traveling on Route 95. It was a giant accident and it was causing 95 to look like a big ole parking lot. Well, I went to the GPS and within a few clicks, it calculated a revised route. We were able to circumvent the whole accident and get back on 95 beyond the tie up, and it only added 20 minutes to the trip. Priceless.
I love my Garmen Nuvi GPS but there are lots of models to choose from models, depending on your price range and what types of bells and whistles you’re looking for. Amazon is a great place to look and compare features and get feedback on those that have already purchased.
Finally, here’s my bonus reason #6 – I love the fact you can change the voice that the GPS uses. I chose the Australian guy Lee. It makes the GPS have the coolest accent and it’s always fun to see what it’s going to call stuff, like circles are called roundabouts.
Enjoy!
