I still don't get the relevance? What difference does 'more powerful chips ...' make to the comments made by the MR guy? My old GPS is a Garmin, one of the first handhelds and is significantly older than 10 years. The only difference I see is that a) it doesn't have a pretty map interface, b) it's bigger (but so what?) c) it uses batteries quite quickly and d) it takes a couple of minutes from turning it on to picking up sufficient satellites to give an accurate position. With regard to the accuracy, I've never noticed that it wasn't accurate so why should technology that's 20 years older be significantly better? Batteries? Great but suppose you forget to replace them before a trip, or you carry replacements but one is a dud?
As to wonderful advances in technology, I've worked with computers for very many years now and have seen sufficient software and hardware failures to prefer not to place my life in their hands.
I also find it interesting that the best way to avoid failure is for everyone in your party to carry at least one GPS receiving device. Ever go out solo?
Anyway, it was never my intention to resurrect all the old arguments of GPS vs. traditional. I will sign off on this one by merely stating that my point is that while both navigational methods have a place, I agree completely with the MR guy that an over-reliance on technology carries potential risks. I pointed out that I have a GPS, although I only use it as a backup. I pointed out that at sea, that risks associated with reliance on technology are not acceptable - now I'm sure someone has an uncle Bert who pops over to the Channel Islands for his cheap booze but relies on his electronics, however the navigational requirements of the UK's Yachtmaster certification suggest that such risk is not considered 'advisable'. Just because a Scottish MR representative questioned reliance on technology 10 years ago, that doesn't make it any less relevant today.
Please don't keep up this 'technology is the answer to life, the Universe and everything' argument. Technology is not failsafe.
Out.