UK 'over-reliant' on GPS signals, engineers warn

[Geno_Mariner]

I shall have to look at that, good to know there's at least something to be able to locate my car in a big and busy carpark

[Herr-Berbunch]

Don't need a GPS to screw up, my wife once drove to Nottingham (about 90 miles away) for an exam, was running a bit late, parked her car, paid for a ticket and ran to the exam centre.

An hour or so later she returned to the car park but couldn't find her car, frantic searching provided no results so she phoned the car park operators (NCP) to advise/help her.

A man from the company drove to her location and asked to see her ticket to ascertain what floor/area of the car park she'd parked in.

'But this isn't a ticket for an NCP car park!'

He kindly drove her to the correct car park where they found the car at once.


Another time she'd parked at Sainsbury's supermarket, bought some stuff and went out to the car, but couldn't unlock the car!!! She phoned the RAC to come and get her sorted but while she was waiting she spotted the car in the next row!

I swear, she is an intelligent woman, currently studying for her Masters, but like I say - there is a balance between education and common sense, not many people are blessed with both.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by Platapus

They make small simple GPS units designed especially for that purpose. They are small and fit in the pocket.

Been thinking of getting one

Originally Posted by Geno_Mariner

I shall have to look at that, good to know there's at least something to be able to locate my car in a big and busy carpark

If you've got or are getting a smartphone they usually have some gps built-in and most, if not all, use signal triangulation to find locations - there are some apps now that can use this to locate things like your car. Saves buying a separate phone and gps unit.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

If you've got or are getting a smartphone they usually have some gps built-in and most, if not all, use signal triangulation to find locations - there are some apps now that can use this to locate things like your car. Saves buying a separate phone and gps unit.

I have a Jitterbug and it always stays in the car.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I have a Jitterbug

Can you get some medication for it?

[nikimcbee]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

Can you get some medication for it?

Well, it's like crabs, but they take bigger bites.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I have a Jitterbug and it always stays in the car.

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

Can you get some medication for it?

Don't be a Jitterbug hater.

I love my Jitterbug. It is just a cell phone. It makes and receives phone calls. And it does it well. Since it stays in my car all the time, I don't need the extra "features" that other cell phone/electronic friends have. To me a cell phone is a specialized tool. I don't want to have a "relationship" with it. I don't want it part of my life.

I want it to sit quietly and obediently until I decide to use it. I don't want my cellphone reminding me of things, nor to I want to "share" my life experiences with my cell phone.

Best of all, with the Jitterbug J, it has blue tooth so once I program my car, I never have to see nor touch my cell phone any more. It is hidden in the center console (which makes it easy to "forget" to check voice mail too.

[Jimbuna]

I always thought the Jitterbug was a dance

[Geno_Mariner]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

If you've got or are getting a smartphone they usually have some gps built-in and most, if not all, use signal triangulation to find locations - there are some apps now that can use this to locate things like your car. Saves buying a separate phone and gps unit.

Hmm lessee, all I got is an iPod and a Nokia E71. Though I plan to upgrade at some point I'll have to take a look at smartphones.