by James Jones

Created on: September 23, 2008

A GPS device may appear to be nothing more than a gimmicky gadget, but the reality is that these little devices are a great addition to any journey. Whether it's simply to get from A to B, dodge traffic jams or just knowing how long it will take you to get to your destination, GPS devices are fast becoming indispensable.

Firstly there's the obvious a GPS device will help you get from A to B, whether on a short or a long journey. No need to flick the pages of a road atlas or try to read the instructions from an online mapping service. The GPS will show you exactly where you are and where to go, from start to finish, typically with voice instructions and timely warnings on when to bear left or right.

But there's more to this than just getting around. If you find yourself in a bit of a traffic jam on that main road, in an unknown city, you can simply zoom out, check out the side streets and take the next turning, knowing that you will not get lost. Eventually your GPS device will re-plot your route and off you go to your final destination. You no longer need to be a local to know the short cuts. In fact, you'll probably find them easier and quicker than the locals.

Why get into the traffic jam in the first place? Any GPS device worth its salt will have live traffic updates in particular those that come with your car, integrated with the car radio. Not only will you avoid traffic jams, but your little friend will figure out whether or not sticking to the jam might be better than trying to get around it on an alternative route. Or you might just check out the traffic situation in advance and go right around it all to begin with. It's all your choice.

For me GPS really comes into its own when I go on long journeys to unfamiliar areas. Driving off in the calm certainty that I won't be missing any exits on the motorway. Getting warned and re-routed when there's trouble ahead. Navigating halfway through an unknown city without stress and back again without effort.

A good GPS device will also tell you the distance remaining' or time of arrival' information. I use these features all the time, even when I know exactly where I'm going. It's just a great way to take stress out of the journey, help you slow down or speed up as required. Until you've experienced knowing what time you will arrive (and how accurate that is time and time again) you simply won't understand just how useful it is.

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