I don’t have a GPS mapping device. I still have folded paper maps in the glove box, although I will sometimes visit Google maps before going to a new place. I especially like the street view for this. Unless you’re going someplace that may have undergone renovation in the past couple of years, it’s a good way to preview what you’ll see when you arrive at your destination.
I was reinforced in my opinion that it’s not wise to rely on GPS directions when the story broke about people being directed to an airport – through a gate and onto the runway.
Yet, computing will not be denied. Many of our workplaces now can’t operate if the computers are down. I’ve been in more than one store when a power glitch has taken the check stands off-line. They will just stop conducting business. The computer not only acts as a cash register, but also sends sales statistics and tracks inventory. Better to close for an hour than muck up the system.
Computers are sneaking into almost all our new appliances, adding bells and whistles, some extra cost, and yet another reason to stay on good terms with your local repair department.
On a typical day, I interact with up to a dozen computers, not including the ones in the car, HVAC system and key-card mechanism. Most times, the computers do what they’re supposed to. When they don’t, you’re suddenly catapulted, alone, back into the last century (or maybe the one before).
GPS notwithstanding, do computers add to your life experience, or do you think we were better off before?