Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

The GPS, the 21st century version of the compass. Invaluable to weary travelers who feel the air suck out of there lungs when they are unaware of the location of the nearest Starbucks. The technology, created by the US military and released to the public in the mid 1980’s by Presidential decree has blossomed into a top holiday gift and dashboard staple. Perfected with the discontinuation of selective availability in 2000 which helped to refine the systems accuracy, and thus enhance its marketability. Companies like Garmin and Tom Tom have lead the market with these tech must haves.

But are we too reliant on the GPS? A generation lost when it comes to all matters cartographic? Following its snippy directions without fail, putting up with that condescending tone when you miss a turn, or heaven forbid ignore there directions. One man, so religiously dedicated to his GPS followed its words right onto a cold steel track to hell, right down a railroad track until he realized that in fact his GPS was trying to kill him and ditched the car, (which had become stuck on the tracks) a car which would promptly be smashed to smithereens, along with the homicidal GPS, we hope. There’s a lesson to learn from this poor souls plight. Your GPS may be your friend when you are desperately trying to find Aunt Estelle’s crib, but don’t let the device overtake your ability to navigate your own way, if you do you may miss some POI (points of interest) not preloaded on your GPS…and perhaps wind up in the path of a speeding train!