Personally I am one of those “directionally challenged” individuals.   I just can’t get there from here.

I rely heavily on my relationship with “Chickee Poo” - my personal handheld Global Positioning System - better known as a GPS. She has become a close, personal and knowledgeable friend who travels with me everywhere.

Alas, as technology changes, so do the needs of the user. And Chickee Poo I’m afraid is one of those personal choices made in a weak moment without proper knowledge of requirements and the technology itself.

Therefore, I feel the time has come to replace my dear old friend.

Three years in the world of technology is an entire lifetime.

So, as sad as that day will be, Chickee Poo (a first generation Nextar) needs to retire.

There are so many choices. For those of us who rely on any form of technology the sheer volume in the number of choices is often daunting.

Thankfully there are always those who have written reviews, and felt the need to share both good and bad experiences with others.

The internet itself provides an overwhelming number of places to check out, companies advertising the “best of the best”.

Given all the hype that some products have generated, word of mouth is still the best way to go. So in your choosing, make sure you seek out those who have used the product you think you have decided to go with. Get their personal and expert opinions before you make that final decision to part with your hard earned cash.

Here are a couple of great sources of information on the internet to help you when choosing your next GPS:

Consumer Reports

GPS Reviews

The first thing I will require in my next GPS will be the ability to upgrade maps online.

Even though I live in Canada where there are only two seasons - winter and construction - I never considered there would be a need for updated maps. DUH! I was understandably disturbed when I realized that Chickee Poo was not upgradable, poor dear.

The next on my list of “must haves” is the ability to detour when the planned route is blocked because of heavy traffic or an accident. If you have ever traveled the busiest highway in Canada (The Kings Highway 401), anywhere in or around the Greater Toronto Area, you will no doubt understand the need for this feature.

There are many more things I will keep in mind, but those are my top two reasons for replacing my current device and saying goodbye to "Chickee Poo".

Here are some of the reasons why you're safer with GPS:

• You know where you're going
• The GPS will recalculate your route automatically if you take a wrong turn
• You don't need to deal with maps or a nagging navigator
• GPS improves night driving safety wtih better road awareness at night and in low-visibility conditions
• You know which lane to be in in advance
• Special "help" buttons that show you the nearest police, hospital, garage, and more

You can buy this unit at Canadian Tire. Bluetooth technology functionality can facilitate wireless communications between two electronic devices and can convert your GPS into a hands free car kit. It allows an incoming call to display on your GPS where you can answer it from a microphone inside your GPS.

• Be sure to check that the bluetooth technology in this device is compatible with your phone before you make the purchase.
• Be sure to check the sound quality
• Can this GPS display your phone directory and allow you to voice activate the call?
• Will your GPS incorporate your phone's directory with it's Points Of Interest (POI's)?

Is yours a hand held device? Do you have it mounted on your dashboard or windshield? Is your Navigational Device part of the “extras” on your new vehicle?

It doesn’t matter what GPS you use, or why you use them. Whether yours is an older model or a newer one, whether you use it daily or only once in awhile, please keep these safety tips in mind

1. Never plug in your destination while driving
2. Never reach for it if it while driving - even if it falls on the floor
3. Never put in your home address and call it “home”
4. Never leave your GPS on the dashboard. As Dohn says, someone might want it more than you do.

If you are using your GPS to search for Geocaches, you should never overlook the safety tips because you feel you will not get lost.

1. Always carry extra provisions
2. Wear the appropriate gear for your location
3. Make sure someone knows what you are doing and when to expect you back.

Interested in sharing your stories, your point of view, or your talents? I invite you to join us.  HubPages is one of the best social websites I have seen and offers opportunity to generate revenue. check it out here