My own GPS, shiny and small
Late last year, while I was looking for a new car, I popped by a neighborhood car dealership to take a test drive. Afterwards I filled out a form for a chance to win a GPS car navigation system. I figured that was that! Well, wasn’t I pleasantly surprised when the sales rep called me with the great news; I had won the GPS!!!
Well, that was last week. So why is it sitting on my dresser at home, still covered in shrink-wrap? This is embarrassing to admit but I think I’m a little intimidated by the technology. Everyone I know who has a GPS navigation system just loves it. They all tell me that it is a very user-friendly piece of technology, and very useful. But I still have my doubts. Can it really be that easy to use?
There’s also a little bit of professional pride involved. I’m a traffic reporter for goodness sake. I, of all people, should know where I’m going. But I carry a map book in my car, so what’s the difference?
Okay. This is really silly. It’s time to remove the shrink-wrap from the little blue box and open it. A deep breath and here I go.
And there it is. My GPS. All black and shiny…and small! The screen is about the size of a 2-inch by 4-inch photograph.
I’m reading over the quick start guide and it seems simple enough. So it’s now time to test it out.
Well, first of all it has all the basics that a navigation system should have: the latest maps, points of interest, a touch screen, voice guidance as well as several other features. And, to my surprise, it is really easy to use. If you can figure out how to use a cell phone then you can figure out a GPS.
The size is actually perfect. GPS navigation systems used to be really big and bulky, but new technology has allowed them to become not only smaller, but also more accurate.
While I was lucky enough to win my GPS you can get one as standard if you buy a high-end car like a BMW or Mercedes. Or you can buy one as an optional extra in many other cars. You can also drop into your friendly neighborhood electronics shop and, depending on the make, model and features, pick up a GPS for anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
One word of caution, however. Tempting as it may seem, try not to fiddle with your GPS while driving. It can be yet another dangerous distraction. Make sure you set it before you head onto the road.
Well that wasn’t so bad. I have now become acquainted with my new GPS and am very happy to have discovered such a useful driving device.
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:31 am
We just got GPSes a few weeks ago, and while they’re mostly good, they do have their odd moments. Ours can’t say Yonge Street properly, and insists that Trafalger Road is RR#3 (technically, it’s right, but no one calls it that here in Oakville). And it hates the express lanes of the 401. No idea why, but it’s always telling me to switch back to the collectors, even when there’s no need.