Automotive Forums

Is it really necessary to have a GPS?
I know that it will help in tracking the places you have to go and it will make navigation better but, the map is cheaper. anybody know where I could get 'em cheap GPs?

thanks  

I don' think its necessary to get a GPS. But it does come in handy if you go or live in a big city and get lost. It really depends on the person. My wife uses one most of the time since she drives through neighborhoods she isn't familiar with while I typically know my commuting area well so I don't need it. It is nice to have on road trips tho. I personally don't care for built-in GPS systems, i think they are overpriced and really inconvenient since you can't take them on the go.
With that said, we opted for a Garmin Nuvi 660 over a year ago. Last time I checked, the Nuvi 650 is available at Costco for $299.  Considering I paid $700 for the 660 when it first came out, the 650 is probably a good deal.
I don't have experience with Magellan or TomTom, but I do think Garmin makes pretty darn good GPS units.  
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I feel GPS is unnecessary for the most part.  Nothing like a good road map to find all the side streets and back roads needed to get around.  I find once I memorize the map in question, I can see it in my mind and then just go as needed.   However, for directionally-challenged people like my dear mother, a GPS is proably a good choice for them.   It all depends on how well you can go.  I find good road maps are the best, for Mapquest has been very inaccurate at times for me.  As a New Englander, I really can't justify spending a lot of money on a GPS when a $2- $10 road map is perfectly good and lasts a long time in the car.  Just my option.   Road maps have been very good at keeping me on track and finding shortcuts ( back road) off main routes that Mapquest would often overlook.  

it could help you with route planning, and efficient driving, and save you with gas prices...much like the tomom 130 s can...i would really looking into a gps. it could save you a whole heap of trouble..  

Hey,

I just signed up to this forum board as I was lookin' around and saw your post.  I recently saw an offer for a free gps and jumped on it.  It was listed on Fatwallet and the posts from users who have applied seem to indicate this is a legit deal.

check it out.
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/831034

I applied for the card and got approved but I'm still waiting to get it...

good luck.  

ask yourself this question....:
Have you ever been on a long trip, driving and driving and feel like you must have passed your exit by now?

there you go! with a GPS, you dont even have to THINK about where you are going...and that's the whole point....

after a long trip, you will feel less tired and stressed out, if you have one.

i held out for a long time with roadmaps, thomas guides, mapquest(which got me lost more than directed), etc....
but then i finally got a garmin nuvi for $199.00 at bestbuy.  it is truly worth every penny if you intend on going ANYWHERE unfamiliar.
Think about it, you can drive coast to coast without ever having to stop and make sure you're on track, or look at a map, and fold it 32 times before cramming it into the glovebox.....that alone should sell you on the idea....
if you never leave town, then forget everything i just said.
-dave