Boston to San Diego late July

[lelefeng]

Will there be any safety problem if one drives through the "republican" states with a Massachusetts plate?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Will there be any safety problem if one drives through the "republican" states with a Massachusetts plate?

me thinks you have read too many sinister end-of-the-world dime novels.

Mark

[PNW Judy]

Will there be any safety problem if one drives through the "republican" states with a Massachusetts plate?

During 2004, I went on a road trip from WA to New Mexico and back with several political bumper-stickers taped to my back window showing my presidential preference. I went through places that have a reputation for being totally opposite my choice. I had no problems. People were nice, friendly and helpful. I can't imagine a license plate would make any difference.

[lelefeng]

me thinks you have read too many sinister end-of-the-world dime novels. Mark

... I can't imagine a license plate would make any difference.

I haven't read any end-of-the-world novels but was just too cautious when the long journey is only a month away.

I'm also concerned about getting lost so GPS should be a must. I have DeLorme's Street Atlas USA 2007, but it is inconvenient to always have a laptop in the car and I have to say the map is out of date.

Therefore, I plan to buy a GPS. My budget is $500. Which brand and model is good? How about Garmin Nuvi 360, which is $435 on Amazon?

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm also concerned about getting lost so GPS should be a must.

There are a lot of opinions about efficacy of GPS units -- I have one of the first units ever produced for consumers (as well as some brand new ones) -- but I would never rely on one to keep from getting lost for that common sense and a good map is a better strategy.

Therefore, I plan to buy a GPS.

Here are some opinions and ideas:

John Booth has field-tested just about every unit in the USA

Moderator Craig also field tests some -- here is one his reports.

Mark

[lelefeng]

Thank you, Mark. I have read those pages and also made some search. It looks like Garmin is the only option, but still some people say its map is not good in San Diego and the southeast.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Garmin produces some nice units -- but Craig really likes the Tom Tom Go-910 -- One huge caveat!!!!

North American databases are no where as sophisticated as Asia or even Europe. If you are used to the GPS experience in Asia and expect the same here -- you will be gravely disappointed. USA is about four years behind implementation of the scope of the databases found in France or Japan...

Mark

[lelefeng]

...USA is about four years behind...

Mark

The map is always out of date, even in the latest models, so I ordered a Garmin nuvi 350 and saved more than a hundred bucks to buy a refrigerator and an adaptor, which are also necessary for a long trip.

[lelefeng]

The map is always out of date, even in the latest models, so I ordered a Garmin nuvi 350 and saved more than a hundred bucks to buy a refrigerator and an adaptor, which are also necessary for a long trip.

I've been testing my new GPS in greater Boston area these days. It's very good. The map is up to date. 2008!

I've also bought two national flag stickers and put them beside the MA's license plates to show that I'm also conservative.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I've been testing my new GPS in greater Boston area these days. It's very good. The map is up to date. 2008!

That is pretty interesting. How did you manage to get a map that is six months in the future?

I've also bought two national flag stickers and put them beside the MA's license plates to show that I'm also conservative.

I don't think anyone would draw that conclusion -- posting USA flag stickers is just an example of nationalism and/or an expression of national pride. I have such a flag on my vehicles and no one would ever confuse me with being a conservative...

Mark