jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We all know how to get around the area where we live, but a GPS can come in handy. I will sometimes be in one location, and I want to get to another nearby location. What's the fastest route? I often check with the GPS, and it gives me a route that hadn't occurred to me.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I usually check on Google maps where I intend to go.

I love our GPS!

And when you get done at a place you've never been to before, just click "home".

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes! "Home" is a great feature.

I brought my GPS to Hawaii, and I still have routes saved on it. Unfortunately, I cannot drive there from here.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

GPS will not tell you the shortest route. That function is performed by the software that reads the GPS and merges it with it's conception of the road system. Every system is different.

The ones built into cars from a few years ago suck. I had one that had a map on a disk under the driver's seat. Every time a road was modified the map became further out of date. My Prius has a built-in GPS. While the local interstates have not changed physically, they have changed the exit numbers to match the mile markers rather than just numbering them sequentially. So when my wife uses the GPS the system gives her the wrong exit numbers. The built-in GPS is rapidly becoming useless. To be sure, all I have to do is replace the disk with a new one and that will correct the problem for a while. But the last time I checked (probably 6-8 years ago) they wanted about $275 for a new disk. Way too expensive for something with a limited useful lifetime.

The best software appears right now to be my iPhone and Google Maps. The map is updated online on a regular basis so it is current at no cost to me (beyond the price of the iPhone). The best GPS software system would be allowing the car to utilize Google Maps (maybe through Bluetooth from my iPhone). I can use my iPhone and Google Maps and attach it to the car via Bluetooth to get voice prompts but it doesn't show the map on the dashboard so I have to balance the phone on my knee.

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

GPS is a true godsend. Used to be my "co-pilot" would have the map, and say "Turn here!!" Where? "You just passed it." Now, a robot voice says "Left turn." Where? Co-pilot says "You just passed it,"

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Yes, a lot of GPS systems are just two touches slow in their response.

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

My 2016 Prius GPS has worked near flawlessly. I have updated the card once in seven years and haven't had a problem yet with exit numbers. I haven't been to the Phoenix area in a while though, and I know there has been a lot of new construction down there. I fully agree about connecting to Google maps, but I have an Android phone and I can't even get the voice stuff as far as I know...

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

Robert Willson Loc: Palmetto, Florida

Since I know where my house is in town, I‘ve programmed HOME on my GPS for the police department location. This way if the car is stolen, they still will not find my house.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I always drive with my WAZE on. It notifies me of accidents, traffic, speed traps, red light cameras, speed cameras and more.
I even have devices that will automatically connect WAZE to my entertainment center when I get in the car.
Yep, GPS is very handy. Remember the days when you had to consult a map or ask for instructions?

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Withdrawn!

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I have several owned Garmin GPS units for my cars. They are great. The Maps are updateable for as long as you have them. I have 1 that is 10 years old on which I just updated the maps. You can find the shortest route or the fastest route. They work where there is no cell service as well. The screen is easy to see and use. Indeed much better than a cellphone.

One of my cars has a navigation system but I use the Garmin instead as it is more convenient.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Good idea!

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Definitely agree.
Sometimes I slow down to let WAZE adjust directions.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Then why does Hawaii have Interstate Highways? 😂