I have always needed a GPS, but it wasn’t until this holiday season that I actually asked for one.  That Garmin commercial really worked… I could not get that song out of my head (Give a Give a Give a Garmin).  A quick Google search for the Garmin “Carol of the Bells” commercial will tell you that I may be in the minority, though. 
I broke it out this weekend to see if it’s actually as idiot proof as they say and you know what? It is! Well, all you have to do is put in a correct address, the Garmin can’t do everything.

Awesome Qualities:
1. The Garmin is incredibly easy to set up.  Basically stick it to your dash, make sure you have the correct time zone/language and you’re done.
2. Easily recalculates when you make wrong turns.  Even when you make 3 in a row. Or 4.
3. Easily sticks anywhere on your windshield and is very easy to look back and forth between the device and the road.
4. Battery power is long lasting.  This is great because the power cord hanging down to the cigarette adapter is annoying.

Annoying Qualities:
1. Don’t put in an incorrect address.  You WILL wind up in Brooklyn.
2. Beware fat fingers! It’s easy to hit the wrong keys when you are trying to change the city and drive at the same time.
5. British voice is so NOT British.  Very bland.

This might actually be a list more about the wonder of GPS in general, but the bottom line is somehow Garmin got me.  I am a sucker, but no longer will I be a lost sucker.

I personally enjoy the fact that a cool Australian voice speaks to you throughout your journey to Brooklyn.

By DP on January 09, 2008

Sounds like a great device for navigating a big city.  We’ll have to try something like it.
But, I wish my employer could be as flexible and responsive as the “The Garmin”.  It never recalculates anything!

By Larry on January 10, 2008