GSPs Geographical Positioning Systems
 

Several months ago when I was researching our fall trip to Europe, I seem to recall several people mentioning these systems. One seemed to be about $150. They talked of it in regards to driving through Europe. Unfortunately then it was not a priority and I cannot remember in which context I read about it. Now, with Christmas coming, I decided to look into it for my husband. Any thoughts anyone? Thanks!!!

For the most part I'd think a GPS (Global Postioning System) receiver would only have much value for driving about Europe in one of the versions that have (fairly detailed) maps of the area built in. These aren't in the $150 range. For about that price you can get map software and a GPS receiver to plug into a laptop. Many folks use laptops with GPS receivers in their vehicles, though it may be a bit much for a trip to Europe. <BR> <BR>In any event, you can begin to get up to speed on GPS affairs by tuning in to the newsgroup: sci.geo.satellite-nav It's a very active newsgroup, sometimes technical, but lots of newbie info there. <BR> <BR>You'll also find much info as well as links to other sourcces at http://joe.mehaffey.com

If you haven't seen amazon.com's hilarious commercial about a wife who bought her husband a GPS device for a gift.... Anyway, amazon.com/gifts is one place to look.

We get lost a lot. We call ourselves "directionally challenged" and when lost we chime "we are expanding our area of exploration!" If anyone has used GPSs in navigating in cities, we would like to hear your experiences. <BR>Thanks

Consider investing in a cheap compass to help get about cities. Seriously. <BR> <BR>I have a GPS (Garmin III) and use it mainly for back country navigating in the Colorado mountains. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't find much use for it in cities as you've either got to have the latitude/longitude of your target, or a very detailed map in the GPS. <BR> <BR>A compass is more useful. So many folks give directions as, "Go east four blocks ..." and in strange cities I rarely know where east is. With a city map and a compass it's much easier to find your way. Same generally applies on the highway. <BR> <BR>REI and other outdoor outfitters sell quite small compasses that you can hook to your zipper pull ... or stick in your pocket. More than accurate enough to navigate city streets or highways. And you'll save enough for two or three more nights at your destination. :-)

Did anybody noticed how the GPS is used in the latest James Bond movie to locate "M"? <BR> <BR>Cool. <BR>