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Map Haters Unite: OnStar Provides Turn-by-Turn Directions

Reading a map is like reading a compass unless you have the knack it can be a frustrating experience

By CANDICE MERRILL
Published: Friday, July 24, 2009 | 7:25 PM

If you’re anything like me, finding your way along the streets of Los Angeles with a map is next to impossible. I like written directions. Go to California and turn right, then drive to Fair Oaks and turn left. And please don’t tell me to go North, South, East or West–forget about it!

So, it was with great anticipation that I test drove a Saturn equipped with OnStar. OnStar is included in specific models of Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer and Saab. It provides directions, security (help I’ve locked my keys in the car!) and hands-free telephone services.

It is conveniently located on the car’s rearview mirror, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road. One button is for the phone service which is voice activated. You can either give the name of a stored phone number or say “dial” and give the area code and phone number. The phone service was very reliable. I didn’t have any dropped calls and the person on the other end of the line had no trouble hearing me (I have a very soft voice) and I had no trouble hearing them.

The directions are great! I had to visit a business I had never been to before. I purposely did not obtain the address or directions. I pushed the OnStar button and asked for the address and directions to the business. One minute later I was on my way.

What I really like is you talk to a real person. I was unsure of the city the business was in and told the OnStar operator so. She was able to get the address from my instructions and then she downloaded the turn-by-turn directions to the car! I was even told me which side of the street the business was on, so I could get in the proper lane beforehand.

OnStar also provides a concierge service. Want Chinese food and you’re in a strange town? Call OnStar and they can get you to a nearby Chinese restaurant. Need to find the nearest movie theatre? Call OnStar and they’ll direct you there. Better yet–low on gas, they can get you to a gas station and to an atm to take out the money you’ll need to buy the gas.

All-in-all I found OnStar to be a very useful tool. Compared to a GPS unit it is a hands-down winner. It is easy to use, intuitive and NO MAPS! For more information on OnStar and their products go to www.onstar.com.

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