MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — It wasn’t that long ago that we had to write down directions if we didn’t know where we were headed.
It also wasn’t that long ago when you had to spend big bucks to get a GPS system. Now, good navigation devices are on the market for about $150, and similar things are free for smart phones with apps.
But what is the best option when it comes to GPS? Some of WCCO-TV’s personalities put three different kinds of GPS to the test with Minnesota’s version of The Amazing Race.
The teams were WCCO-TV anchors Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello, Sports Director Mark Rosen and Candice Wiggins of the Minnesota Lynx and Meteorologist Chris Shaffer teamed up with Traffic and Entertainment Reporter Natalie Kane.
Frank and Amelia got the TomTom, Mark and Candice got the Garmin and Chris and Natalie used a Google Maps app.
The three teams used their devices to navigate themselves around the metro area to three locations. At the end, Chris, Mark and Amelia tried to track down a mystery man and a special surprise ending. That man was former WCCO-TV anchor Don Shelby, who is now retired.
All three teams had their issues during the Amazing Race, and the three devices have their individual perks.
If you don’t have a smart phone, TomTom and Garmin are the best because you don’t have to deal with too much technology at once, or monthly data charges. If you do have a smart phone, the free map apps can save you a lot of money.
