OpenStreetMap compatible GPS?

[Tom Buskey]

On Tue, Apr 27, 2010 at 4:46 PM, Benjamin Scott <dragonhawk at gmail.com>wrote:

>
>   I've actually had fairly good results using GPS units belonging to
> friends.  They were not perfect, but nothing is.  I've made mistakes
> plotting routes manually, too.
>
>  I do much prefer to plan my route ahead of time, but sometimes life
> doesn't work that way.  I'd rather have the option.  To me, it seems
> stupid to deliberately avoid a capability just because it does not
> work perfectly.
>
>  In particular, real-time routefinding with turn-by-turn directions
> wins big in situations such "the road I was planning on using is
> closed" or "I just missed my turn".  It's not always feasible to stop
> and consult the map.  (In Boston, it can be downright suicidal.)  And
> even in situations where I can plan my route, the ability to listen
> for real-time updates, rather than peering around at street signs
> (instead of the street ahead of me) makes for safer driving.
>
>
I get lost walking back from my mailbox :-(  It seems to be age related too.

I've had my GPS for 3 years now.  I've learned what it means when it plots a
route.  When I don't agree with it, I ignore it (which I think is the
problem most people have with them).  If I want to see the whole route ahead
of time, I use google maps, because a GPS isn't good for that.

With a GPS, you will always get there.  It's hard to get lost because it
knows where it is.  A map doesn't know where it is.  If the directions you
brought are wrong or you stray from them, you are not directed back on the
right course.  If I miss a turn, the GPS will guide me back.

A GPS gives an estimated time of arrival.  I like knowing how late I'll be
to work every day.  I can use it to find a restaurant, home & garden store,
gas nearby or near my destination.  I've double checked my speedometer
readings too (GPS *do* have speed errors.  I saw it fluctuate my position
when I was parked before)

A GPS doesn't depend on a cell tower.  I've compared an iPhone to a GPS,
side by side.  If the signal is good, the iPhone is ok, but the interface
isn't as good.

It really comes down to what you prefer.  I have my GPS on all the time,
even when I don't need directions.  You might use yours differently.

Gee, this is kinda like the iPad discussions.  I need it, You can do it with
a netbook for less, books are better then eReaders.....

FWIW, I have a garmin.  I used a newer TomTom side by side and prefered the
familiar.  Try them out in the store.
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