[TR] GPS NAvigator

[Jim Muller]

> Any suggestions on what models are hot right now and might
> be a good buy?

To my mind there have always been two schools of thought on this 
subject (not counting using a unit built into the car, which doesn't 
work in an unmodified LBC dashboard).  One school says use a hand-
held or portable GPS unit, using loadable maps, possibly with routes 
worked out from an online site like Mapquest.  The alternative, and 
my own preference, is to use a laptop PC-based map program that 
reacts with an attached GPS unit.

A PC-based map program gives you convenient access to maps for areas 
you may not have loaded into a smaller unit.  It can calculate 
fastest or shortest routes.  It lets you plan routes, look at 
alternatives, check driving times, etc.  It can provide travel 
services, phone numbers, etc.  The map display can be large and 
detailed.  The PC resources let it do voice synthesis to announce 
upcoming turns, and voice recognition to respond to commands.

Of course, it has disadvantages too.  It does require carrying the 
laptop.  It can be hard or impossible to watch while driving because 
you can't stick it to your windshield with suction cups.

Some of those limitations are easy to overcome.  A willing passenger, 
especially one with geek tendencies anyway, can carry the laptop and 
watch the display.  A headset with mic lets you hear upcoming turns 
and give the computer commands.  A power inverter or car adapter lets 
you run the laptop indefinitely.

My preference for many years has been DeLorme StreetAtlas.  I use it 
with a DeLorme Earthmate GPS unit, an old one I bought years ago.  
They have nice USB and Bluetooth units now.  StreetAtlas recognizes 
other GPS units too.  I put the laptop in the center of the floor of 
our Caravan, behind the seats where I can glance at it quickly if I 
wish but where it is otherwise out of site, out of mind.  I listen to 
it and talk to it with a headset.  It tells me when to turn, and 
recalculates the route if necessary.  (And scolds me gently.)  I can 
choose which Microsoft voice it should use.  It is quite good at 
recognizing commands.  It rejects other speech because a setting lets 
me define how a command must start.  (A friend once suggested the 
command be "Yo Bubba!"  I've stuck with it.)

Perhaps portable GPS units do all this now too.  But you still can't 
get the big screenful of map details.

-- 
Jim Muller
jimmuller at rcn.com
'80 Spitfire, '70 GT6+