Ode to Sat Nav

I have always been intrigued with Satellite Navigation Systems (go here for reviews), but never really felt the need until we moved to Scotland.  Well, actually, it was when we were staying out in Banchory last summer and I did the 4am airport run for Josh’s parents.  That drive is short and easy from Aberdeen, but I, of course, made it quite difficult by googling the fastest (not easiest) route from our temporary destination I was fairly unfamiliar with.  Picture that scene in 3 Men and a Little Lady where they are lost in the English countryside, with nothing but green pastures and sheep.  That was us.  I have never been more lost until, as a godsend, a taxi passed me.  I waved him down and asked if he were per chance going to the airport.  Indeed he was, and we were able to follow him.  Thank you, Lord- seriously.  So, I think it was that event- the one of family nearly missing an airplane, that inspired Josh to buy me a Sat Nav system.  Actually, that coupled with us driving back from a late night flight from Germany in to Glasgow with Luke screaming and Rebekah asking for ear plugs or a sound machine so she could sleep as we were totally turned around, just trying to get home before 2am.

In fact, in usual form, Josh bought 4 because they were on offer and then sold the other 3 (Oh, it’s a profit deal…!) which in turn paid for ours.  Yea, Josh.

I have not been adequately trained on proper handling of said device and therefore can’t be trusted to use it on a daily basis.  You might recall my track record with digital cameras and car antennas.  So, I get to use it when a qualified person is in the car with me.  Enter Josh.  He gets it all going and then we just sit back and let Tom Tom guide us.  Even Rebekah knows Tom Tom is king and asks where he’s taking us.  Right when we got Tom Tom, Rebekah would mimic him and tell us to turn right in 200 yards.

What Tom Tom brings to the table (or car)

The real advantage to Tom Tom (or Sat Nav/GPS) has been traveling to new places and not worrying about getting lost.  It’s one thing to Google directions to one location and quite another to keep hopping all new places multiple times a day, especially when we stay places without internet access.  Plus, most Sat Nav systems also highlight places to get gas or even places to eat.  Additionally, if you are unsure of the speed limit, Tom Tom will also let you know, and as an added bonus, he will track your speed and alert you to excessive speed or speed cameras (this can also be shut off if it annoys you or you are choosing to speed- heathen).  You can even keep Tom Tom on you as you hike or walk somewhere new.

What to do

• Find a Sat Nav system/GPS that appeals to you and try it out.  We bought a fairly generic one and then Josh imported several different softwares (Tom Tom, Igo, etc…).  We then tried them out to see which ones we preferred.  Each system has a different way of phrasing things (bear right vs half-turn right or take the 3rd exit on the roundabout vs turn right, the 3rd exit).  One will feel more natural to you.
• Consider how they display- the colors they use, how the night vision comes across, etc.  Again, it all depends on what you prefer.
• Next, take it on a test run.  Go somewhere you’ve been before and see how Tom Tom routes you.  See if you like the routing.  This will help you determine if you like the software.
• Now, consider how you will actually use it- most plug in to the cigarette lighter.  Do you need that plug-in for something else, such as a cell phone charger or a DVD player for the kids?  If so, you will want to buy a port adapter that will essentially serve as a device to allow you to plug in 3 or 4 things.

For us, having a Sat Nav System has virtually eliminated travel stress for our family, which can not be overrated.  Plus, you can even get Darth Vader on your TomTom.  Win-win, I say.

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