Gps Reviews

When a technology becomes the “IT” product of the holiday season, there’s bound to be some misinformation out there. This year’s hot product is the consumer GPS – and it can truly do some amazing things, including: provide directions with real-time turn-by-turn navigation, help you avoid traffic and even make hands-free cell phone calls with Bluetooth. But there are also some things about GPS that just aren’t true. Here’s a look at some of the biggest myths about GPS technology.

5 Most Common Misconceptions about GPS

Myth #1: The weather can affect your GPS

Fact: Cloudy or rainy conditions have nothing to do with the performance of your GPS device. Think about it like this: airplanes using GPS devices to navigate through cloudy conditions thousands of times a day. Last time we checked, the commercial aviation system was running without too many GPS-related problems. Well, the same technology they use is found in your car’s GPS devices. The only thing that can truly keep your GPS device from operating at peak performance are tall buildings, mountains and other large structures that may block it’s signal.

Myth #2: The government can track you because of your GPS device

Fact: It is true that some commercial grade GPS devices send out a signal about your whereabouts, the consumer GPS devices sold by Garmin, Magellan and other companies only receive information from satellite systems. While this news will be no doubt disconcerting to conspiracy theorists, the rest of us can breathe a little easier knowing that our whereabouts are private.

Myth #3: GPS devices mean you don’t have to watch the road

Fact: Just because you have a helpful GPS device in your car doesn’t mean you should be any less vigilant as a driver. It is important to watch the road and always pay attention to where you are in journey. In fact, some directions provided by your GPS device may take you through areas in which you don’t want to travel. It is always important to use these directions in conjunction with what you can see with your own eyes, and of course, common sense.

Myth #4: GPS devices don’t work outside of a local area

Fact: The beauty of GPS devices for your car is that they work almost anywhere. That means you can take your family for a cross-country drive and the GPS will provide with information every step of your journey. In fact, many GPS devices can help you find local points-of-interest along the way including parks, museums, restaurants and more.

Myth #5: GPS devices are too expensive

Fact: Of all the falsehoods out there about GPS devices, this one might be the most out of touch. Currently, there are more inexpensive GPS devices out there that at any time in the technology’s history. Even the high end models from Tom Tom, Garmin and others are reasonably priced, and the “basic” units (which are still packed with features) are affordable enough for almost any budget.

GPS devices seem to be all the rage right now.  The technology is coming equipped with more cell phones and cars every day.  But GPS is not a silly gadget being marketed just for the holiday season. On the contrary, there are a variety of ways that GPS technology can help keep you safe and make your life easier every day.

How GPS Devices Make Your Life Easier and Safer 

1. Good directions.   Getting lost while trying to find your destination can be much more than an inconvenience.  Criminals often target those individuals who don’t seem to know where they are.  GPS devices help you plan your trip in advance, and stay on course every step of the way.
2. Pinpointing your location.  If you have an accident or a flat tire, many GPS services will call a service station or even alert law enforcement regarding your whereabouts.  When you’re out there alone at night, it is a good feeling to have a connected GPS device in your car.
3. Keeping your kids safe.    A teenager with a driver’s license can be a scary thing for a parent.  Portable GPS devices offer peace-of-mind AND the current whereabouts of your children.  You can even place the device in their car in order to confirm that they are going exactly where they say they are!
4. Warning you about potential traffic hazards.   Real-time GPS devices can alert you to upcoming obstacles in the road or poor weather conditions that may require you to change your speed or driving style on the fly.
5. Helping you save money.  With a GPS device, you won’t have to burn through endless gallons of expensive gas because it always shows you the fastest, most efficient route to get you where you need to be.
6. Integrates with your phone.  More and more GPS systems are coming standard in cars and cell phones.  That means when you need to get to a destination, you can get directions and one-touch calling in an instant.
7. Find a restaurant or movie.  Have you ever driven around when you’re hungry?  It is not a fun experience.  Many GPS devices come pre-programmed with listing of businesses in the area so you can pinpoint a cuisine and get their before the dinner crowd hits its stride.
8. Help for the golfer.   There are now specially designed golf-GPS devices that help those on the links find the hole easily and measure distances so they always hit the perfect shot (sorry, it can’t do anything to help your slice).
9. Helping businesses stay productive.  Businesses of all sizes can use GPS tracking to monitor the whereabouts of their people in the field, and help delivery personnel track the most effective ways to get from Point A to Point B (especially important given the high price of gas).

As GPS technology continues to grow less and less expensive, watch for more people to take advantage of the many applications of these helpful devices.

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