Originally Posted by ewj
1. Most portable GPS systems do not work well in a car. They are almost impossible to use while driving. They prefer a direct look at the sky.
Not at all true. I have an older Garmin V and I wouldn't give it up for the world. For those who drive armored cars, many have external connections for the antenna.
Originally Posted by ewj
2. Portable GPS systems are still tech toys. The battery life is short, you need to know about how the 50 sub-menu items work, and price does not equal performance.
I can go many days without recharging the batteries, actually weeks of casual use, and I have the option of going forever if I just plug it into the lighter. Menu's are very easy, I don't think I ever go more then one or two sub menus for day to day stuff.
Originally Posted by ewj
3. If you plan to stay inside a major city just get a good street map and learn to read it. It is faster and usually more accurate.
A street map is virtually useless driving unless you keep pulling over to read it. Having the unit tell me that in .1 miles I have to make a right, or to get in the left lane for a turn is way better. I have no problems with accuracy with street level maps from Garmin, and if there is construction or a delay I have to go around, it recalculates the route on the fly. Most street maps are worthless for finding an address on the street, just the street. If I'm looking for a specific number, a GPS gets me right there. When I switched to a mapping unit after leaving my old one in China, I wonder how I ever got along without it.