I decided to finally buy a GPS for the car. I’d held off for a number of reasons, at different times. The technology used to be pretty bad. They didn’t have error correction (if you miss a turn, for example). They were prohibitively expensive. They were very closed systems. The list just seemed to go on and on, but more to the point, the list kept getting worked on. The only thing really holding me back became, “I only drive locally, so don’t need a GPS.” And I really don’t need a GPS, that’s true. But I borrowed Chuck’s car the other week and used his, and I have to admit, it beat the pants out of trying to read numbers on buildings as you cruise by them at 45mph, in the dark.

So, one of my favorite deals sites, Ben’s Bargains has a number of units listed, including a Garmin at $250 (http://bensbargains.net/deal/97917/). I know they are available much more cheaply, but I figured the Chinese knockoffs can’t be as nice, right? And Chuck’s was a Garmin, very similar to this, and was pretty darned nice. I continue to poke around, looking at an $80 unit (http://bensbargains.net/deal/97877/) when I see this in the comments:

The NAV740 is built better, uses a faster processor, is more easily hacked – so easy anyone can do it, has better navigation software (iGO), brighter screen, better battery life, you don’t void the warranty by accessing the SD card, accepts SDHC, etc, etc.

err… did someone say hacked? I’m a sucker for hacking on bizarre things. I quickly google around for a little information, and indeed, apparently the thing runs Windows CE and is easily hacked to add Windows Explorer, which of course opens up all kinds of possibilities. I’m in, it’s only $90, after all! (http://bensbargains.net/deal/96984/)

So, I’m sure you’re wondering what GPS has to do with haggling, anyhow. I’m checking out at buy.com and the price is $89.99 plus $5.99 shipping for 2 day shipping. Not bad, but I don’t really need it in 2 days, so I decide to see how much it costs for the low end shipping instead. I click on the 7-9 day shipping and they “offer” to lower the 2 day shipping price to $2.99. Cool, and I decide to take advantage of the offer, but it really pisses me off that you have to pretend like you’re cheap to get a deal.