Within 49 Feet of You!

I had heard about the Global Positioning System (GPS) in a vague sort of way. There were a few stay neurons which seemed to connect it with the idea of military aircraft. There was also a flicker of Daragh's posh BMW which manages to yell, "Turn right at the next light." Yet, it was yesterday's blog entry which piqued my curiosity. Along side those pictures of exotic places and faces, there were cute, handheld GPS units.

I truly do not need another device. I mean, I just had to buy those two little FRS walkie-talkies and never ever could think of a time to use 'em. Or there's my iPAQ which sits unused for frighteningly long periods of time. I'm sure that in my daily, urban existence, there's little need to precisely know my longitude and latitude.

Still, there is something extremely techie ... and consequently very intriguing about this technology. Imagine, 24 satellites circling the earth so I can literally know where I stand! I might try to say that it's just an extension of my early interest in map skills but really I think it has more to do with the fact the little devices run on batteries. I am very grateful for lithium. (Of course, I mean the electrical storage medium; not the medication.)

Alas, there are so many models and even different brands. I'd probably not be satisfied without the ability to download maps, would I? I guess GPS really means 'Gotta Purchase Soon'.