Okay, it's been a week since someone snatched Major Tom on the mean streets of San Francisco. And the worst part has not been driving down the road and up to my daughter's school with a beige fleece blanket flopping outside the passenger door, looking for all the world like we were not only not wealthy enough to drive a "luxury" SUV, but we're not smart enough to park someplace secure and not resourceful enough to get a blown out window repaired.
The worst part was not trying to find a glass replacment company that would actually do what their ads claimed and be "mobile" enough or "speedy" enough to come to my house to replace the window. The worst part is not seeing still more bits of broken glass on the floor mats and between the seats now that the new window's in place and the floor's been vacuumed no less than three times.
No, the worst part is knowing how utterly dependent I have become on a GPS system.
MapQuest, Yahoo and Google maps all suck. Even when you send the directions to your phone, you still have to go online and get them in the first place. That's not nearly quick or convenient enough after two years of having an on-board navigator. You can't veer off course and easily figure out how to get back on to the freeway home. You can't, on the fly, press a few buttons and find a post office or say a...ummm...a gas station...with a bathroom...when you're sick and really really need one. Ok, too much information.
I can apparently can live quite successfully without a life mate and partner, but I desparately need to replace Tom.
After a little research, I've narrowed my choices down as follows:
- Replace my old TomTom Go with the newer model -- there's something to be said for familiarity.
- Try out the competition, the highly rated Garmin Nuvi 360 -- looks pretty sweet
- Or try a TomTom that goes on my phone/pda -- this one's the least expense route, but I wonder if I'd be happy with it?
One troubling thing I found when doing some research on GPS choices this weekend was this.
NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)
What?!? I'm been driving for two years with Tommy illegally on my windshield?
So anyway, can anyone make any recommendations -- quickly?
I'm going to have to get something soon. I don't like being so lost.
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UPDATE: I've been trying to find this song for this post and finally now -- success!
Enjoy.
Emmylou Haris singing a song that is both heart-breakingly beautiful and hauntingly sad and yet makes you want to sing along.