When we first started traveling we used all the latest and greatest road maps, the latest copy of the NEXT EXIT and a printout of our days route. The front seat of our truck looked like a bomb had gone off in a library. [NOTE: The book NEXT EXIT, which is available at most truck stops, is a directory of facilities that exist at each exit along our interstate highways.]
Now when we travel we use a GPS and the reference books stay mostly under the seat. What’s a GPS? Well it is technically a Global Positioning Service device…what is that? OK, here goes:
The US government put up several satellites in various strategic locations by receiving a signal from any three of these satellites the GPS unit can determine where it (you) are at any time. President Clinton made these services available to US civilians. Now when you superimpose this location onto an electronic roadmap you have a GPS.
Personally we own 3 GPS units and have two computers with GPS software on them. Our main purpose for wanting a GPS was for interstate travel (not for wandering in the woods). Each of these activities wants a different type of unit.
Some things to consider before purchasing your first GPS unit:
- Determine your budget - GPS units range from$99 to upwards of $5,000.
- GPS units come in all shapes and sizes; hand held, dash mounted, software so you can use your laptop as a GPS, and now at least one cell phone company is offering the service on their phones.
- How will you use the GPS? For example if it will be used only for driving, then a dash mounted unit will work just fine. If you also love to hike, then a hand held might better suit.
- What is the availability of add-ons or accessories? Some have much more than others.
- No matter what unit you buy make sure that the software is the latest. This is changing rapidly these days and if the unit happens to sit on the shelf for some period the software may just be dated. While we are on that subject check to see if updates are free or do they charge.
We have all of the types and actually use all of them. Each has advantages for each of its intended use. We purchased each unit with the intent that it would serve all purposes, but alas, they don’t. My favorite for the road is a dash mounted color unit with a 3” screen. We have 2 hand held my wife likes one and my favorite is one that is part of a FRS radio. People that have motorhomes seem to like the laptop version but the front of my truck is too small to be efficient with this unit.
It is my feeling that with the GPS you can rid yourself of the paper mess you now use to find your way around the country.
One more thing - if they sell a tutorial, get it. It is well worth the time, rather than my old way of trial and error learning.
