Family Travel Forum - GPS Systems: Global Positioning Comes Of Age

Thanks to a new digital navigation product on the market, composure won't have to be lost at each unmarked intersection. And when the kids whine for a bathroom, you'll be able to tell them with confidence, "It's right around the corner."

StreetPilot 2820 with Blue Tooth by Garmin
(Garmin, $799.99)
The StreetPilot 2820 with Blue Tooth by Garmin is our favorite mobile mapping unit. Essentially a co- pilot/navigator, the StreetPilot uses satellite global positioning technology and a full-color LCD screen to provide follow-along maps, turn-by-turn directions, and alerts for gas stations, restaurants, hospitals, ATM's, rest areas, and more.

Says Tony, our tele-technology repair wizard at FTF, "The StreetPilot III is tops in the market. I use it when I'm out in my truck in the middle of nowhere. If I come across a dirt road that isn't on the map, the program will draw it in, and I can name it." Very impressive. And if a confused driver happens to miss a turn, no problem: the StreetPilot will call for a U-turn, or re-plot a new route.

In addition, the StreetPilot's audio function speaks out loud and clearly, literally, letting the driver know, without his eyes moving from the road, that he must make the next right turn in order to get to the world's largest coffee pot exhibit, or to grandma's house, or whatever the mapped-out destination of your choice happens to be.

The StreetPilot 2820 comes with the MapSource City navigator CD-Rom program, which, via personal computer, transfers the maps and travel information on the route you plan to travel into the unit itself. Then the unit goes out hiking strapped to your backpack, or mounts on the dash of any vehicle. Once on the road, the global positioning system takes over, tracking your progress (or lack thereof), giving directions, making corrections, and pointing out the nearest McDonalds (or Four Seasons) on your way to where you want to be. The device also includes a built-in MP3 player.

The Garmin StreetPilot 2820 can be found online and at most electronics stores. For more information, check out www.garmin.com.

Seth Gladstone, traveler and freelance journalist for FTF, New York Magazine, and other publications, knew technology envy for the first time when he reviewed this product.

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