Students Share Mixed Opinions on GPS Devices

By: Ashley Bene

GPS devices are increasingly popular tools for drivers across the world.

Students come to the University of Georgia every year and find themselves on their own in a brand new city. Some students are even new to the state. While some students find GPS devices a necessity, others view it as a commodity.

Ryan Michalak is a junior majoring in real estate from Valdosta, Ga., who just transferred to the University. He says having a GPS device has been very helpful in finding his way around a new town.

Some people report problems with their GPS devices giving them incorrect directions. Michalak says the biggest mistakes his has made has been telling him something is on the right side of the road instead of the left, or vice versa.

“It always gets me where I need to go,” said Michalak. “Without GPS, I’d have no idea where to go.”

Sarah Burr, a sophomore double major in History and Philosophy from McDonough, Ga., said she would find a GPS device very helpful in Athens.

Devon Gibson, a freshman majoring in International Business from Cartersville, Ga., has a different take on GPS devices. He said he’s never needed one.

“If I need to go somewhere I just look at a map,” said Gibson. “If I need to figure out smaller roads, I get online and use Yahoo Maps before my trip.”

In past years, the sales of stand-alone GPS devices have increased consistently. With the recent economic downturn, however, the trend has taken a new direction.

2009 has seen an increase in the number of people buying iPhones and smart phones that will allow them to use GPS instead of having to buy a separate device.

Burr said she’d be interested in having GPS as an iPhone application instead of a stand-alone device.

“Then I’d have my music, phone, and directions all in one place,” said Burr.

Gibson and Michalak shared opposing opinions.

Michalak felt that paying the one-time fee for a stand-alone GPS device was a better deal than buying an iPhone and paying a monthly fee for the application.

Gibson, who already owns a GPS-application-capable Blackberry, just doesn’t see a need to pay the monthly fee for the feature.

There are some additions or changes that could be made to GPS devices to make them more appealing to college students, however.

For Burr, it’s all about the cost. She said her main reason for not already having a GPS is the price.

“I just have other expenses that are more pressing,” said Burr.

Michalak expressed interest in a GPS that comes with Lane Assistance. His doesn’t have the feature, which would help him navigate the interstates through Atlanta.

“It shows you a picture on your GPS so you can see which lane you’re supposed to be in,” he explained.

Gibson said he would use GPS if it was free on his cell phone, or he said he could see himself using it if he moved to a different part of the country. Until then, GPS manufacturers will not be receiving his business.

So if you don’t want to spend the money on a GPS with the extra features or you don’t already own an iphone or GPS-capable smart phone, you can do as Gibson does and plan your trips ahead of time.

If spontaneity is more your style, a GPS could be a good investment.

Whatever road in life you take, one thing is certain, everybody finds a different path of arrival.