No longer do you need to carry a map around with you when exploring a town by car or hiking in an area that you are unfamiliar with. Instead, there are Global Positional Systems, known as GPS, that can help you find your location and the area you are attempting to travel to. These GPS devices can be mounted in cars, boats or can even be handheld devices. Before you rush out and get a GPS device, however, here are some of the disadvantages to consider.
Cost
Purchasing a GPS based on price can be a major disadvantage. If you purchase a "bargain GPS," you will get what you pay for, and features such as traffic and up-to-date maps could be lacking.
Reception
GPS devices are limited by having clear access to the satellites that provide the tracking. In locations with tall buildings or sparse coverage, reception can be poor.
Directions
Turn-by-turn directions are not available on every type of GPS device. Some will give very little advanced notice before an upcoming turn.
Accuracy
Maps on GPS devices are not updated in real time for all models. This means that it is possible a GPS device will direct you onto a road that is closed or no longer exists. It could also miss new roads and businesses.
Battery Life
GPS units that are not plugged into a power source, and rely on batteries, which can drain quickly. This can increase the cost of owning a GPS unit significantly.
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