[Destructo]

I've had my GPS for about 18 months now (Garmin Zumo 550). Up until recently, I thought it was a nice thing to have, but not much more than that.

However recently I have been using it a bit more. The Garmin systems come with mapping software that you can use to plan routes that you can then upload in to the unit. I find this feature really good - I can plan a ride out, upload it, and then just go out and ride - no need to stop and check maps every few miles, no missed turnings, etc.

Even better, if there are a group of you going out & you all have GPS, you can email the route to everyone so they all have the directions! I'm going on a biking weekend next week - the organiser has done exactly this, so now I have the complete route plan for the weekend!

I find it makes it easier to enjoy going out on my bike. When you're out, you can enjoy the ride without worrying too muchj about the route.

For those days when you just want to go out, you can just follow your nose and find all those new roads that way. However when you want to go home, you just hit the 'Home' button and away you go - no worries about getting lost in the middle of nowhere!

It can also have SPEED CAMERA locations uploaded to it (you have to pay for this though) - it gives you a warning when there is a camera ahead. Useful in unfamiliar areas.

It also contains other useful stuff - i.e. nearby fuel stations, ATMs, restaurants, hotels... loads of useful information.

It also does other bits that I have not bothered with yet - if you have a bluetooth headset for your lid, you can hook up your mobile phone to it and operate the phone through the unit. It also has an MP3 player built in.

I'm a convert to the benefits of GPS, it's much more useful than I thought it would be.

What are your thoughts?

[DUX]

One of my favorite features is the "home" button.

We go out riding in New England on the dirt and back roads, turning down whichever one looks like fun. When it's time to go back and we don't have any idea where we are, I just hit the button and it shows the way.

[Skeleton]

I could really do with something like this. I've been exploring the local area for good roads and I need to take a screenshot of an area on the computer and upload it to my phone. If not I'll either memorise the route and try really hard not to get lost.

It never works, haha. I did about 40 extra miles the other day, simply because I lept missing turnings/following the wrong lead. I think the Google Maps on my phone must have cost me a fortune!