Most of the time I think I am of at least average intelligence. But sometimes I wonder. Why else, I ask you, would I put off the purchase of a GPS (Global Positioning System) for in-car navigation for so long? That decision alone must qualify as some kind of record for the dim-witted.
Just to put us all on the same page, let me quote from an official source:
“The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based radionavigation system that provides reliable positioning, navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis—freely available to all. For anyone with a GPS receiver, the system will provide location and time.
“The GPS is made up of three parts: satellites orbiting the Earth; control and monitoring stations on Earth; and the GPS receivers owned by users. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space that are picked up and identified by GPS receivers.
“Individuals may purchase GPS handsets that are readily available through commercial retailers. Equipped with these GPS receivers, users can accurately locate where they are and easily navigate to where they want to go, whether walking, driving, flying, or boating.”
My sister and her husband, travel-tested retirees, have used a GPS unit for quite some time. So have other family members, friends and acquaintances. But me? Well, until recently I was still in the dark. Oh it’s not bad when I have a passenger or two.
But I’m on the road a lot alone, and with no one to help, trying to watch the map, street signs, addresses and traffic—all at the same time—is more than foolish. It’s downright dangerous.
Of course a couple of trips do not an expert make me, so check with experts for the latest word. I also found the sales staff at outlets like Best Buy very helpful.
My usual approach to such purchases is to read what I can about the product, talk to users and pick the brains of several sales people—especially those who use the products they sell and can relate personal experience.
If you’re thinking these things cost a ton, you’re right . . . and wrong. Yes, you can spend a lot of money on elaborate units that probably offer more than you will use. Do your homework. I ended up with a unit a couple steps up from the most basic equipment, and it does everything I want. It cost about $175.
GPS units are ready to go right out of the box. Within about five minutes, I was using it—practicing on known local destinations. They are very easy to use. Just follow screen prompts or questions, and you’ll have no problem.
Basically, you type in a location (street address). Once the unit locks onto it (usually in a matter of seconds), you’re ready to go. Mine tells me what to do as well as shows me the way by highlighting the route on the screen.
You can verify that everything is okay by watching the display of cross streets. The unit’s first real test came on a solo trip to southern Indiana. It performed flawlessly. Next was a trip to Kentucky during the Christmas holidays. Again: Right on the money every time.
I guess these products do have failures from time to time. But given the millions of units out there, the failures likely represent a very small percentage. Besides, it’s just common sense to have maps as backups.
And remember, you’re not supposed to turn off your brain when you turn on the GPS. As for me, now that I have seen the light, I won’t leave home without it.
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