I have both Google Maps and Waze on my phone, and I use them both constantly. The number one reason why is the horrible traffic here in Los Angeles. For the most part I know where I'm going, but both Google Maps and Waze monitor traffic in real time and change the directions they provide based on traffic flow. That's information I can't bring up from personal memory. And traffic news on the radio is useless because it's not only incomplete but it can be as much as 30 minutes old by the time it hits the air. On the other hand, because I basically know where I'm going already, if either app suggest a route that is one I don't want to take, I go my way. The app always catches up to me eventually and after a short while we're back in sync.
The number two reason I use them is because I have many customers that live up in the hills with lots of twisty roads and many turns on to many narrow roads to get to them. I'm not about to pull over every couple of minutes to check my map to see what the next turn is going to be when I have another car behind me. The apps also come in handy for bringing me back out of those hills back on to familiar streets.
Sometimes, when I know the route is straight forward, I'll open the app just to check traffic. Knowing that in advance helps a lot in planning leave and arrival times.
I can't imagine having to drive the streets of LA, today, without the assistance from Google Maps and Waze. They are both serious stress relievers.
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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-10-2017 08:50
From: Peter Grey
Subject: GPS Choices?
I will only use a GPS if I absolutely have to because of not knowing the area. But, I try to use it simply to get the route into my head and then turn it off asap, following the route from memory. Or, just look at Google maps, see where I am and where I want to go without having it tell me.
Why?
Because RELIANCE on a GPS telling you where to go is fundamentally different from making your own directional decisions. Research has shown that the same area of the brain used in this is the same area affected by forms of dementia. Making that inactive by turning the decision making over to the machine is not in my best interests IMO.
I use it as a tool...not a crutch, much as Wim uses the old style maps.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2017 20:08
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: GPS Choices?
I use a Garmin. It has capability for voice commands. I don't have to punch anything in. I can ask it to find a place, go to a recent address, find an address, and a lot of other features by voice only. With Bluetooth it will pick up your phone calls, so no hands. It's an older model, and I did upgrade it last year. Yeah, there's wires and plugs into the dash and all that. I don't like to burden my phone for GPS. It runs down the battery so I have to plug it in to charge as I drive. Then if there's a phone call, the GPS goes away.
The speaker in the Garmin unit is nice and loud (not like the phone). My old 4s iPhone will do gps too, but I prefer the Garmin. And you get a choice of voices. I used double stick tape to mount it in the instrument cluster, and the screen is easy to see. I like one device/one function, so my eggs aren't all in one basket.
FWIW,
Paul McCloud
San Diego
Original Message------
I'm curious what GPS choices colleagues have made, recommendations, reasons why, good or bad experiences?
Thank you!
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Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413
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