Garmin GPS System
After getting lost one more time on an out of town trip where I drove, I finally decided it was time to break down and buy myself a GPS system.
I had heard about two types most specifically, but my wife had used one in a rental car that she recommended, as well as a friend of mine
recommending the same thing, so I ended up buying a Garmin.
More specifically, I purchased the Streetpilot C340, which was, according to the salesman, one step down from the best one they had available at
the time. The only difference was the number of satellites my version would have access to, the warnings of construction and detours along the way,
and voice recognition; some models you can just talk to the unit. I figured it wasn't worth another $200 to get those things.
The version I have also gives a vocal response, which is great because it means one doesn't always have to be looking at it while driving to know when
you're approaching the next turn. However, it does take a little getting used to. The first time I drove using it on a long trip, it took me a much
different route than Mapquest had given me, which got me to my destination quicker.
However, it also can be somewhat confusing when telling you to stay to the left or right of a specific road when you're coming upon a fork, and twice
I got on the wrong road because I was listening to what the Garmin said rather than paying attention to the signs. For instance, it will tell you to
stay left on a certain road because it's going to give another direction if you happen to stay on that road, but if you interpret it as take the road on the
left instead, you're going to get lost. But not for long, as Garmin immediately knows you're on the wrong road and starts calculating how to get you back
to where it wants you to be. This pretty much proves that it is only a machine after all, without eyes, so you still have to pay attention to where you're going.
Having a GPS system is a wonderful thing, whether you're at home or out of town. You can enter information in if you have an address, or, if you're
looking for something less specific, you have choices that Garmin will find in your area, such as restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, hotels,
etc. This is especially great out of town, because it eliminates having to be stuck going only to places you can see from the hotel. And, having the
GPS that will talk to you is perfect, since, if you're anything like me, you like to look around, or, in the dark, you don't have to worry about trying to
find landmarks to remember how to get back to your original location.
The only issue I've had with the Garmin is related to the satellite's. I was in the heart of New York City, and a couple of times I lost the satellite
connection. However, I didn't lose it for long, and if you've ever been in New York City, with all the high buildings, you could understand how it could
happen. It still wasn't worth paying the extra $200 for.
I can easily recommend a GPS system, and easily recommend the Garmin Streetpilot C340. I don't have anything to compare it to personally, but in my
mind, the one I bought is fairly perfect, so it doesn't matter whether any others might work better or not.
