Advice on Which to Bring GPS? Reg. road maps/atlas?

i was wondering what would be better to bring on cross country trips.. digital-GPS handheld or in dash screens/ or Maps/atlas both? what do you all think? should i spend the extra money for the digital stuff? Is it worth the money?

Nate

I would say that if you want adventure you should go with the old way, maps.
If you need to go from A to B in a certain time then a GPS is very handy..

Hello Nate-

I will say that in my humble opinion, there is no COMPLETE substitute for maps, the ability to read them, and common sense. I like GPS and navigation systems in general, but I would not leave my home county without maps.

Then again, I'm 53 years old and hold a "Curmudgeon-In-Training" certificate.

Foy

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

Personally, I've never used a GPS for a roadtrip, and really have never found a need or even a use for one.

That said, plenty of people do like them and find them to be helpful, but I would never use a GPS as the only navigation tool available. A good map/atlas should be a must carry, even as a backup to the latest technology.

THanks guys! I definately agree with all of you! i have a gps in my car but i just feel kind of vulnerable when i go on day trips to whereever the road takes me. But Thats my fault for not taking a paper map/atlas! i'll prob take both on my Orange county run, but I'll leave the gps for when im in a time binding situation!

-Nate

There is no substitute. Of course, I'm a Curmudgeon-in-Training, too. (LOL, Foy.)

GPS can be handy for helping you find a hotel, restaurant, gas station, etc. if you need one and aren't finding one via road signs.

I've always thought blind reliance on digitized data is troublesome. It's the kind of thing that might produce change of $165.27 when you buy a cheeseburger at McDonalds and pay for it with a $20. The cashier sees $165.27 on the display, and by George, that's what you're getting........

Foy

I work in software, and I too actually prefer using paper maps when on the road. GPS is great for finding places to eat, shops, etc. as mentioned, but I like using paper maps (and to some extent, digital) when on the road, and when planning a trip.

thanks guys ! paper maps it is! i have always liked paper more but my car has a gps and only like it because it has a voice of a female swede :) 'turn left here' ha but yeah!

Here are a couple of threads you ought to read:

Tom Tom Trials

Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS

Mark

As much as I love computers and the latest technology, I would never leave the house without a hard copy of a road atlas, local, regional, or national.

That being said, I love my portable Garmin c550 because it warns you of upcoming traffic and tells you exactly what time you'll arrive at your destination, with constant adjustments relative to your driving conditions. And like everyone else has pointed out, finding food, hotels, stores, etc makes it a cinch.

Oh, and I gave the digital voice an English accent. Best. Thing. Ever.

However, I have had my share of satellite blackouts and Wal-mart locations that didn't exist, so it's definitely not 100% reliable.

But I think everyone else has already stated the obvious. Paper maps are your lowest common denominator. Don't leave home without one.

My wonderful husband, knowing my lack of sense of direction, bought me a Garmin last Christmas. We took it out Christmas afternoon for a test run. We found it quick and easy to use, regardless of whether we put in a specific address or whether we just asked for a general location (grocery store, drug store).

I was VERY UPSET, however, when the #$%#$%$ thing stopped working after only a few uses! He's in charge of sending it back, and if we don't get a replacement I'll be EVEN MORE UPSET.

Regardless of my bad luck, I would suggest taking BOTH a navigation system AND at least an atlas. The nav-system is good at telling you what turn's coming up next; it doesn't give you an overview of where you're going today. A map lets you see what cities are coming up, and it lets you see how far along your route you are.

Also, a side note, I've heard that these crook-magnets are an oft-stolen item these days. Leaving one out on your dash (or even leaving your "arm" attached to your windshield) is, sadly, an invitation to have your car broken into. I heard a TV journalist say it's akin to leaving a $200 or $300 bill on your dashboard.

And a question since we're probably trading in our current one: How do these stack up against the cell phones that contain navigation systems? Is there a monthly fee for that service?