How essential is a GPS Navigation system for a newcomer to the US? is it worth the 500$ price?
Public Comments
Not worth the cost..maps are fine
GPS would be the best investment you can make it you are trying to find your way around ANY city.
It depends on the person. Some people are just terrible drivers in some manner or other, and one of these traits is poor navigational skills. The issue here is that inability to navigate (getting confused and lost) on the fly sometimes leads to erratic or unsafe driving. If you are one of these types, please get a GPS--for everyone else's sake.
it is cheaper try to find better bargain
Maps will work fine, Yahoo even has a map service that works very well for me. Plan your route before you go driving.
I would definitely think it worth the price in a strange country. Maps are fine, but where the GPS systems win are in giving voice instructions. They know exactly when you should be turning, and also give advice on which traffic lane to be in. This leaves you free to concentrate on your driving without having to look for street signs and names when you hit a busy town. Another thing that maps often don't legislate for are one way systems - get stuck in one of these while trying to get back on route and trying to watch for street names and signs, and you are more likely to cause an accident. You can pick up some real bargains now in GPS systems as the prices are always falling. I noticed a site a few days ago http://satnav-gps.info that sell manufacturer refurbished units with full guarantees. May be worth checking them out.
