[gps-talkusers] Reasons For GPS and Suggestions for Taking it Everywhere.

Hi All,
I purchased my GPS about a year ago and soon discovered that the maps in my town are relatively accurate, but the points of interest are way off such that I have learned not to trust it. Charles has worked with Tele Atlas to resolve the map issue and I am anxiously waiting for the new maps. However, I do almost always have my empower with me. For me it is like insurance to have the GPS receiver along. I dislike the strap of the BN because it takes up additional room in my bag. I use a thinner strap from an old Braille'n Speak. I have said it before, but I use a carabiner to attach my GPS receiver to the D ring of my BN , having put a key ring through the clip of the receiver. For those who may not be familiar with a carabiner, it is an inexpensive, quick release clip that has a spring-loaded clasp. It is easy to manipulate and they come in various shapes. Mine is shaped like a bone in honor of Sydney my golden guide. This way it is with me and I am not afraid of losing the small receiver. I don't have to carry the larger strap. If needed I can remove the receiver easily and clip it to my shoulder area. Otherwise, it dangles from the left BN D ring, always ready.
There have been a few occasions to put it to good use on the spur of the moment.
1. I attended a conference in the Seattle area and when my driver took a wrong turn, I was able to use it to find our destination for us. I still have a lot to learn about sifting out the information that is not pertinent, and giving appropriate instructions. I have been slow in this area because the inaccuracy of the maps has meant that I have used it less throughout the past year.
2. Later on our way home, we were dropping off a passenger who lives in a remote area. It was about 10:00 p.m. and my GPS was first to alert us to the turn off. The person who needed off was sleeping at the time. Well, the performance was less than stellar that time. We spent an hour wondering around country roads before we found his house. My GPS wanted us to choose a road that likely would not have taken us to the right place. Perhaps it was "believing" that the road went through but it did not.
3. My husband and I were going to a relatively familiar town about 150 miles away. On that trip, I practiced with the GPS again and it was accurate in its choice of destination for our hotel although my husband chose to take another route.
4. While staying there, I looked up 2 music stores and it found them both for us. It was especially nice to have the phone numbers in order to call in advance of going there.
5. It has often served as a local and long distance phone book for me. It has also served to tell me how far I have walked. Sometimes, I retrace my path in virtual mode upon returning home.
6. As I got more comfortable with giving directions after these two recent trips, I was able to help my husband locate a local residence where we seldom need to go. We got there without any wrong turns or switch backs. In this day of rising gas prices, that is a help.

Other related posts: