Do I neeed a GPS?

[speckledhen]

Bet they'd get you lost around my house. None of the online map programs have the directions right--they send you down several deadend roads, including Rand McNally and Mapquest.

And what if they get you lost? You just followed the step by step "turn here" directions and have no idea where you've been or how to get back.

 

[seismic wonder2]

No, you dont NEED a GPS. you NEED a Map and Compass and about 10 min to learn how to use it.

THat being said, I have two (three if you count he I-phone) they are great fun, easy to use (sometimes) and for the most part accurate, not very precise, but accurate.

Geocaching is fun, look into it.

Don't bet your life on GPS. alwayse carry a map as a backup and know where you're going.

I use mine in the car as a reminder to turn here, exit there...but usually I've looked up my whole route on the net or a local map.

remember, when using GPS it dosen't look like you're going where you should be, you're probably NOT...
Hard or SOFT reset the thing and start over. usually will clear it up.

 

[TipsyDog]

I must be REALLY old because I still read a giant map that's spread out all over the front of the car. DH just keeps driving and says he knows where he's going (not) and somehow we always get there. I love my paper maps.

 

[thewarriorchild]

"and a certain tendency on my part to ARGUE with it. Really.
Pluses: report route and map errors; save routes, re-route, easy go home feature. Locate food, gas, etc. on route. Speeding warning available for some highways. Urge to rewrite the computer responses to something really sarcastic. "Why did you turn there? What, my directions aren't good enough? Why'd you even ask me then?" "

Ummm arent you supposed to talk to it? I kept telling it I did not want to go that way lol There was something about it saying recalculating that made me say it also. When you get that rewrite I would buy it!!

I always have a map, and google directions. The thing I love about Google is I can pick up any part of the route and put it down somewhere else.

Most I have been looking at are under $100 Comp USA has refurbs, amazon had some good deals

 

[MonkeyZero]

THey are really good to have. We got lucky and got one for $50, that was only 6 months old. The voice wasnt working. Kinda dumb person though, the volume was at 0%. LOL
I called her and she felt REALLY dumb, but let us keep it. Its a tomtom and a life saver!
FUN FUN!

 

[gypsy2621]

I have a Garmin, low end just the necessities.
I love that piece of electronics.
We were in NY and had a medical issue with the Kid and being from a different state had no clue where any near hospitals were located. tap the screen and tap hospitals and wham we were there.
They definately can be a saver in an emergency.

I am the type of person with no sense of direction, I can get lost in my own back yard if not paying attention. so GPS for me is great.

Map Quest has gotten me a lot of headaches and one stop sign violation. lol.
map quest directions were left onto this street and straight through.. An industrial comples. Never saw the huge and I do mean huge stop sign and rolled straight through it. of course a Police Officer was sitting right there to see it.
2 adults looking for said street sign and the thrid person saying the map says its right here. Not one of us saw that stop sign.

GPS, argue with it constantly, why? one because the voice is annoying and for 2 you can argue with it and never hurt its feelings. plus sometimes its just plain fun.
I use it mainly for going places I have never been to, or on long trips, other wise it stays in my purse.
No I would never leave home with out it.

 

[Tala]

I have a Motorcarriers' Road Atlas. The kind made for OTR truckers. Cost $20 for the big size.
I won't roadtrip without it because it's just handy. I like that it gives exit numbers and truck stops, and stuff like that. I'm the kind of person who needs to see a physical map to get the layout in my head.

I'm anti-gps unit because I just KNOW some day it would get forgotten in the truck and stolen.

I always do my research BEFORE the trip. Write every turn down, what direction you are supposed to be heading on which highways, and every place you want to stop and note special places like rest stops or gas stations, or restraunts that you want to stop at, etc. (or you could print it, but I'm obviously technologically in the dark ages)
So I know what's going to be there BEFORE I get there, at least the important stuff.