I brag a lot to my friends and colleagues about my Garmin Nuvi 660 portable GPS navigation system. I even go as far as to say it is one of my top technology purchases of the decade. Most of my friends and colleagues reward my discussion with a “that’s cool” or a “maybe I should get one of those” but every once in a while I run into someone who claims, “yeah, I can get that same thing for free on the Internet with MapQuest.”
I shouldn’t let it happen, but this statement always angers me a bit. I’m not sure if it is because it couldn’t be further from the truth or because I realize how misunderstood GPS navigations systems truly are.

So today I decided to put that anger to rest by putting together a list of 10 reasons I think my Garmin Nuvi 660 portable GPS navigation system is better than MapQuest.

10 reasons why my Garmin Nuvi 660 is better than MapQuest

1. My Garmin Nuvi 660 can accurately estimate the exact time I will arrive at my destination. MapQuest can only tell me how long it takes to get to the destination.
2. My Garmin Nuvi 660 has integrated traffic information and builds potential delays into its estimated time of arrival. It will also automatically route me around heavy traffic congestion if I ask it to. Map Quest has no traffic integration.
3. If I miss a turn with my Garmin Nuvi 660, it politely says, “Recalculating” and within seconds has a new route planned out for me. MapQuest leaves me hanging on my own until I get back on my planned route.
4. With my Garmin Nuvi 660 I don’t have to plan every stop I am going to make before I leave the house. I can simply plug in a new address of point of interest from wherever I am and I am on my way! With MapQuest I have to plan every stop before I leave the house.
5. I never have to take my eyes off the road with my Garmin Nuvi 660. I just listen for the voice prompts. With MapQuest I have to fumble with several printed pages of maps and directions while trying to simultaneously drive my car.
6. My Garmin Nuvi 660 can calculate my elapsed time, moving time, maximum speed and a handful of other fun statistics. With MapQuest, you better get out a pencil, paper and a calculator to do the same.
7. My Garmin Nuvi 660 can instantly tell me where the nearest Starbucks is relative to my current location. With MapQuest, I have to rely on dumb luck to find my next cinnamon dolce latte.
8. My Garmin Nuvi 660 doubles as an MP3 player so I can listen to digital music or audiobooks while awaiting my next instruction. Nothing even close to this with MapQuest.
9. My Garmin Nuvi 660 allows me to choose from several male and female voices. With MapQuest you’re stuck with the person sitting next to you.
10. My Garmin Nuvi 660 can get me home from any location in the U.S. simply by touching the Home button. With MapQuest you have to know where you are before you can get home.