How dependent are you of your cell phone GPS?

[Acer]

I only use it locally for suggestions when I am expecting traffic to be a factor. Away from home I rely on it heavily. The map accuracy and routing software is much improved over 15 years ago. That said, when vacationing, I do keep a paper map handy for the overview as well as a back-up.

[NewtonMP2100]

....can't find bathroom without it......

[fauch]

I am usually sorry when I think I can outsmart Waze...
Locally I don't use it for directions, mainly for traffic.

[testcase]

When using Google Maps and Apple Maps side by side, my experience is the Google Maps absolutely spanks Apple Maps on a regular basis. The Rand McNally software that was OEM in my RVs infotainment system ROUTINELY tries to route me off the Cross Box Expressway and onto local Bronx streets which in addition to bumper to bumper traffic, has stop lights at EVERY intersection. The overall best GPS navigation I've experienced has been when using TomTom. Sadly, my "Lifetime Maps" I PAID for with TomTom software "died" and now, TomTom wants to extort more money for something that I've already paid for. :cursin:

[Rick-o]

I think I used mine once in the past two years. But then again, I'm old school and drove for many years by the seat of my pants, rarely using a paper map.

I've been told I have a good sense of direction.

EDIT: I've never gotten lost, but I've been a might confused from time to time. miley-laughing001:

[Fritz]

I use it when traveling in unfamiliar places and to plot a multi stop trip that takes me out of my locale .

[Dennis S]

I never use GPS.

[graylocks]

Ombligo wrote:
I used a GPS for about a week 15 years ago, it was useless. The paper issued them to replace the map books we had carried for years. I sent it back and kept the maps I. I can glance at it and within a few seconds have the route in my head.

I'll use google maps on my laptop in place of paper today, but once I leave the house it is all in my head.

it's unfortunate that your experience 15 years ago has continued to color your thoughts. i started using a GPS about 15 years ago. for a touring musician it was a godsend. it was like having Rand MacNalley and the phone books on steroids. a map tells you where you're going; it doesn't necessarily tell you where you are especially in areas where street signs are long gone or few and far between. on a highway and you really need to find a pharmacy - check the GPS. at a hotel and want Thai food - GPS. want to explore a bit but hesitant because it's a drag always having to figure out how to get back to the hotel - use the GPS.

i used to be a map snob. in 2004 while on tour i had an accident starting out where i wasn't injured but did require a rental vehicle to finish the tour. the town & country van i was given had a GPS. CHANGED MY LIFE.
when i got home and bought another van i was sure to include a GPS in the budgeting. i bought a stand alone so i could also use it in any rental vehicles.

[sunfalcon]

I have a 60 minute commute and google maps has helped me on multiple occasions avoid traffic jams on various highways. I won't leave home without it on!

[Filliam H. Muffman]

sunfalcon reminded me to mention, I always have Waze running to monitor traffic/accidents. The only caveat is that it can be up to 10 minutes behind real time.

At the previous place I lived, I would start Waze, put in my commute and hit the freeway in four minutes. It would sometimes be just starting to back up due to everybody hitting the freeway and it would usually not show up as an alert on the Waze map until I was almost through it four miles down the freeway.