GPS or PMS?
From Boomer & X
 When people talk about GPS they usually mean a GPS receiver. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is actually a constellation of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails). The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but soon opened it up to everybody else in the communication/technology arena. There are portable GPS systems such as your cell phone or automobile in-dash systems which include concierge and emergency services like OnStar.
Melanie (X): GPS systems, especially the portable ones, were made for those who travel to new places all the time, have problems reading maps or like most men, won’t ask for directions. Getting somewhere and back these days requires more than leaving bread crumbs or depending on the compass jiggling around above your car mirror. Most portable GPS units allow you to select guidance options that include plotting the shortest, fastest or toll-free route. An internet database includes common points of interest such as gas stations, ATM outlets with the navigation system routing you to the nearest one. I think they should add hormone doctors for those that need them in a “flash”. I prefer a portable system because they allow for flexibility in all activities that might involve getting lost and saving time. I can take a portable with me on a plane, in a rental car, attach to my bike during long rides, hiking in a foreign country or let a friend or family member borrow it. The cost of a portable can range from $200 to $800. Some of Consumer reports top rated portables include Garmin, Magellan and Tom-Tom (overseas capabilities). The money you save can go towards “fuel”.
Cathy (Boomer): Well, I like the in-dash GPS systems that the manufacturers include or feature as part of an upgraded package on the vehicle. I don’t want to take a GPS hand held system on a plane or take it from one car to another. It would have to be charged all the time if you wanted an hour’s usage out of it. If I want to have a GPS system on vacation, I can rent the system for a couple dollars a day at a car rental outlet. I also like to get used to one system in one place. In fact, I love test driving a Range Rover with the in-dash navigation system, because the directions are spoken in a British accent. You are right about a savings though. The in-dash systems start at about $2,000. However, does it offset lugging it around, finding a place to charge it, and having it suction cupped to your window? Actually, if I had OnStar included in my upgrade package I could talk directly to someone and ask how to get to where I need to be. Better yet, if I lock my keys in the car, they can unlock the door for me. Can your hand held do that? At my young age I like a larger screen than the size of a man’s wallet; it’s just easier for me to focus.
Melanie: It’s easy to see you don’t want to carry anything else around with you, open your mind up to change, have a suction cup type system on your windshield or put on My Sweet Connection Boomer and X your glasses. I can also see you would rather make believe you’re visiting Prince Charles than save money. That’s okay, different GPS systems for different lifestyles and pocketbooks. I think if it were up to you, we’d still be using breadcrumbs.
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