GPS for Directions, Fun and Learning

I used to work for one of the Marconi companies.

Marconi was internationally regarded as a leader in electronic technology. Recent financial reversals may have ravaged the old dynasty but I recall many of technical achievements and Marconi’s involvement with, not only the original practical uses of wireless communication over long distances, especially maritime involvement, but in such areas as outfitting aircraft in the early eighties with the then-new GPS systems.

More recently I have had several opportunities to test out the GPS system on the ground and in the air. I had been watching, salivating, in the hopes of buying a GPS unit, finally deciding to get a system to use with a laptop. I felt the hand-held units were inadequate for my reading-challenged eye-sight and was watching and pricing units that I could use on my Dell laptop with its more-than-adequate 14 inch screen. Last Summer I bought Microsoft Streets and Trips. The local office supply store obliged by pricing the 2005 version at under US$85 and I jumped at the opportunity.

The system, while not being totally problem-free, provides a fantastic service. The 2005 version has no voice-direction. (I've since upgraded to the 2006 system which does provide it.)

Usually, as the primary driver on longer trips, I use the services of my partner, Libby as the navigator. She is also in love with our GPS. Whenever we go on a long trip whether in Canada or the U.S. we ensure the GPS head unit is installed at the base of the van's windshield, and plug into the USB port of the laptop whenever we need to.

It has guided us down the east coast of both Canada and the U.S. suggesting fastest routes, scenic routes, you name it. When we came upon a nasty traffic snarl just outside of Montreal, it guided us immediately to a great alternative route.

In the past weeks we also carried the system on a trip from Toronto to Orlando, by air to Atlanta and then by road to Orlando. During the flight each way, I was able to give my 10-year-old son geography and navigation lessons by licking and sticking the sensor head to the window and plotting our trip, watching also the plane’s airspeed and altitude in metric and imperial units of measure.

Fun for both of us.

Of course, there is a period at take-off and landing that the laptop can’t be used.