Posted by Glenn Strickler on 10/16/09 1:16pm
Msg #307605

GPS users .....

A couple of years ago, I broke down and bought a GPS. Well, it's was one of those "How did I get along without one" moments.

I was thinking about upgrading to one of those GPS units that navigate around heavy traffic in real time, but I thought that I would get some feedback from the group here.

Anyone in heavy traffic areas have one? Is it worth the extra $$?

No, my rural area does not have a lot of traffic, but I do have business "down the hill" quite frequently that has every freeway jammed most of the time.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/16/09 1:29pm
Msg #307608

I'm like you only I got mine as a gift. I've been in the San Francisco bay area all my life so between what I know about which freeway at what time and the radio..I'm not ready for that upgrade myself. If I remember correctly, in your area queuing off the 18 wheelers turning off at certain locations is a big help. OF course you got to know where you want to get to when traveling across town.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/16/09 1:35pm
Msg #307610

Glenn,

I'm not sure how accurate they are, especially in the LA/Berdoo area. There have been times when the suggested route is way off and I would have been better off staying put on the crowded freeway.

I found that, in this area... I use the Sprint Navigation on my BlackBerry and a good old fashioned Thomas Guide. The TG has been invaluable in areas where GPS signals were wonky.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 10/16/09 1:55pm
Msg #307612

Hi Glen
I have a Garman Nuvi with the traffic alert. It came with one year subscription when I used it the alerts were delayed and by that I mean if the GPS told me there was heavy traffic or an accident in front of me and did I want to re-route sometimes I chose not to re-route and there were no traffice problems, they had already cleared. I didn't renew the subscription. I'm in Baltimore Md and rush hour is insane so I try to mapquest my client address before I get into the car or just look at the route the GPS is taking me and if I need to get off the expressway I know what direction to head the GPS re-route's me. I personally think it's a waste of $.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 10/17/09 12:30am
Msg #307688

Thanks all

Between this and other feedback, guess I'll save my money for a while longer and listen to the traffic reports on the radio ....