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GPS
The promise: The satellite-based navigation systems and programs found in cars, in portable GPS devices, and on cell phones, promise to get us from point-A to point-B in the quickest, most traffic-free manner -- without getting us into an accident because they're so easy to use.
The reality: While GPS systems vary in terms of user-friendliness -- some are better designed than others -- they're all pretty much equal in terms of sometimes just not knowing the best way to get you to some place. And sometimes, they're just flat-out wrong, from telling you to turn into oncoming traffic on a one way street to leading some folks into rivers and train tracks.
Bottom line: Truth is, we'd be more lost without GPS than with it, so we'll keep the faith and keep using these devices, since, in our experience, they seem to be getting ever so slightly better year after year. That said, it always pays to keep your eyes on the road for, you know, that odd river or one-way street sign.
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Comments
12
Subscribe to commentsMike ThomasOct 7th 2008 2:33PM
YOU LEAVE MY GPS ALONE!!!!!
I have traveled cross-country (literally) using little more than my GPS and a hotel guide. Now, I have the natural sense of direction of a fruit bat in mid-day in the Sahara, but my GPS has made me fearless. I can find restaurants, gas stations, etc. and not break into a sweat. I can go to places now where I would formally have to ask for directions every few blocks.
Now, there may be some GPS' that are wonky, but the benefits FAR outweigh the geek perception, especially for us directionally-challenged.
KenOct 7th 2008 3:31PM
GPS,GSP,PSG......I've had a GPS in my car for 40 Years, it's called a map. It never lets you down, given you can.
greensea2Oct 7th 2008 3:36PM
Touch my XM or GPS and you are going to lose your fingers! I love the fact that I can listen to different categories of music and it stays clear no matter where or how far I am driving. Also, I love it that I can be deep in Los Angeles and I can touch the home button and it calculates a route home. Hard to do that with a map.
bearsppaOct 7th 2008 4:52PM
I've had my gps for almost a year now and I love it, is it perfect no, what is, but its awesome to have. I just can't figure out how someone this stupid can get a job writing about this stuff when he is clearly lost. I'm wondering if he believes what he writes or is just doing so to prompt comments. Either way he is a moron
BrianOct 7th 2008 5:26PM
This is the worst written piece I have read in ages. Sounds like something Sarah Palin would write. Talk about beating around the bush and basically serving up NO facts. Perhaps Electricity or Water is overrated to you?
Sirius/XM
iPhones/Blackberrys
GPS
Come on, get a clue SWITCHED u suckas!
BrianOct 7th 2008 5:28PM
This is the worst written piece I have read in ages. Sounds like something Sarah Palin would write. Talk about beating around the bush and basically serving up NO facts. Perhaps Electricity or Water is overrated to you?
Sirius/XM
iPhones/Blackberrys
GPS
Come on, get a clue SWITCHED u suckas!
NowWhatOct 7th 2008 5:32PM
Dude you are starting to sound like some ADD 18 year old in this article. Nothing makes you happy, everything bores you, nothing's perfect. It's really a sad statement about why so many people in this country are so miserable and dissatisfied and whiny right now.
I think back to getting my first Sony Walkman at age 12 and how exciting that was. No one whined about the cassette heads getting dirty and needing cleaning, or that the sound wasn't crystal clear like a live studio - we were just happy we could listen to our music wherever we went. Too many spoiled children today....
AckOct 7th 2008 8:10PM
whoever is writing this is probably a geezer that misses the golden days. THE ARE OVER!!!!!
DanOct 7th 2008 9:21PM
I think my Garmin GPS and Sirius Satellite radio are 2 of the greatest gadgets EVER. I can drive anywhere in the country and feel confident that I will be able to find my way around while listening to a radio station that I never have to worry about losing the signal. I don't want to hear a DJ babble on and on, I just want to hear the music!
dscaickyOct 11th 2008 2:35PM
My Magellan recently told me to turn right in the middle of a 100 foot high bridge over the Sesquehanna River in Pittsburgh. Glad I didn't follow those directions
LarryNov 11th 2008 9:38PM
could be that the Sesquenhanna River is in the middle of PA and no where near Pittsburgh!
Our rivers are called the Allegheny, Monogohela and the Ohio
MarkOct 11th 2008 5:19PM
When I bought my Acura MDX in 2004, I thought the Nav system would be a waste of money. I was very happy to learn all the helpful features a GPS/NAV system provides. In unfamiliar cities, you can find ATM's for your own bank so no fees, and other shopping help.
The built in system in my Acura is a much better one than the Garmin I bought for my other vehicle because it is closer to hands free than the Garmin.
On a recent business trip to San Francisco, I rented a car and needed to gas it up before returning to the airport. The gas prices near the airport were very high. I searched on my Garmin for a Costco store and found one within two miles of the airport and 40 cents cheaper in price! With the price of gas today, the GPS helps save a lot of money when traveling in your car or renting a car in other unknown cities.