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Tips In Looking For The Best GPS
It seems that portable GPS
devices are now a part of modern life, especially for people who are on the
road a lot. But with so many types and
brands of these navigational devices it can be difficult to choose the best
GPS. This article will help you sift through
the different features so you’ll know how to choose the GPS that’s best for
you.
GPS - What Is It For?
GPS or global positioning
navigation can help you save fuel, time and energy when traveling. A GPS device can help you find the shortest
route to your destination or plan your route according to live traffic
information. It can also provide
information on how to get to local police stations, hospitals, or fire
stations.
With advances in technology,
these portable navigational devices now come with more and more features,
including wider touch screens, Bluetooth, 2D and 3D views, lane assist, real
time traffic information, spoken instructions and street names, MP3 player,
etc, Choosing the best GPS model for you
will depend on your budget and the features that you need and will actually
use.
Best GPS - What To Look For
- Maps - GPS units use maps from either NAVTEQ or Tele
Atlas. Magellan and Garmin GPS
devices use maps from NAVTEQ. Tele
Atlas maps are used in many TomTom and Mia products. When choosing a GPS, it is important to
have maps that are accurate and up to date. You will also want to know if the GPS
model allows you to update/modify the maps. Also, find out how much it will cost to update
your maps.
- User friendly interface - Many people would like a
GPS unit that is intuitive and easy to use. You should be able to specify your desired
destination easily and the GPS should be able to provide a number of
alternative routes.
- Modular units - Find out if the device is easy to
install on your vehicle. Make sure
the touchscreen is responsive and easy to press.
- Features and Add-ons - When choosing the best GPS, ask
yourself what features are important to you-- Points of Interest (POIs),
live traffic updates, text-to speech capability, Bluetooth, etc.
- Accessories - GPS devices now come with different
accessories including extra wide screen, USB port, cigarette lighter
adapter, micro-SD card, etc.
- Product reviews - Before purchasing a GPS, read as
many reviews as you can on the product.
Ask your friends about its performance. Find out how long satellite acquisition
takes, and if anybody has experienced system crashes or no signal.
Best GPS for the Road
With so many types of GPS units
on the market it’s not easy to choose the best GPS for you, but there are some
models that stand out. One of them is
the TomTom GO 2505TM. The TomTom offers
Bluetooth and lifetime free map updates.
It can show the fastest route to your destination on its 5-inch
screen. Routing is fast on this GPS and
you will get a lot of cool features.
The Magellan RoadMate 1700 is a
GPS that you will want to have in your vehicle when you travel. It’s ultra-slim, despite its 7-inch
screen. The Magellan RoadMate is
pre-loaded with maps of North America and Puerto Rico,
plus millions of points of interest including hotels, fast food restaurants,
gas stations, etc.
When choosing the best GPS, keep
in mind that you don’t need one with all the bells and whistles. What’s important is to find a navigational
device that has the features you want and can get you to your destination
quickly and safely.
 | TomTom GO 2505TM Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $279.95 |
 | Magellan RoadMate 1700 Amazon Price: $124.99 List Price: $249.99 |
Preview New TomTom GO 2505 (5") & GO 2405 (4.3")
 | Amazon.com Product Description
Perfect for SUVs, trucks and RVs, the Magellan RoadMate 1700 boasts a generous, ultra-thin 7-inch touch screen ideal for large vehicles and easy viewing on the road. Premium features include: OneTouch favorites menu, AAA TourBook and Member Roadside Assistance, QuickSpell with SmartCity search, highway exit POI, spoken street name guidance, plus so many more!,,,read more Amazon Price: $124.99 List Price: $249.99 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
The TomTom GO 2505TM offers Superior Driving Intelligence with Lifetime Traffic & Map UpdatesΔ. Complete with premium maps of the US, Canada & Mexico, you can navigate to virtually any address – including over 7 million points of interest, like gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more. With TomTom maps, you have one million more miles of mapped road in the US than you would using other GPS brands – making TomTom maps the most accurate and dependable in the industry...read more Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $279.95 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
Get street smart with the TomTom XXL 540TM--complete, 5.0 inch widescreen navigation featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates. Outsmart traffic and minimize delays with Lifetime Traffic Updates. Based on incoming traffic events, your device will suggest alternate routes. And, with Lifetime Map Updates you'll always drive with the latest and most accurate maps. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the XXL 540TM you'll always stay current...read more Amazon Price: $134.96 List Price: $199.95 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
Get street smart with the TomTom XL 340TM--complete widescreen navigation, featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates. Outsmart traffic and minimize delays with Lifetime Traffic Updates. Based on incoming traffic events, your device will suggest alternate routes. And, with Lifetime Map Updates you'll always drive with the latest and most accurate maps. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the XL 340TM you'll always stay current...read more Amazon Price: $109.00 List Price: $169.95 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
The Magellan RoadMate 3030-LM offers all the extras, an exclusive ultra-wide 4.7-inch touch screen (17% larger than the standard 4.3-inch screen), free lifetime map updates, highway lane assist, OneTouch favorites and Built-in AAA TourBook.
Get free map updates!...read more Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $179.99 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
The RoadMate 5045-LM is a 5-inch GPS navigator perfect for any size vehicle. The huge 5-inch screen is 35% larger than a standard 4.3-inch screen. No need to worry about finding your way, since you get lifetime map updates included with the RoadMate 5045-LM...read more Amazon Price: Too low to display List Price: $199.99 |
 | Amazon.com Product Description
This universal bean bag dashboard mount allows you to mount your navigation device on the dashboard of your vehicle. Non-skid backing and safety anchor ensure it stays in place. Can be easily removed and stowed away leaving no sign of a navigation device in the car. Compatible with all TomTom devices and fits most cars...read more Amazon Price: $11.95 List Price: $29.95 |
 | Product Description
Magellan GPS Bean Bag Mount... Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $39.99 |
 | Product Description
Plug-in your Magellan Maestro or Magellan RoadMate in your hotel room, home or office to enter a destination, find points of interest (POI) or charge your device. Use this 110-240 Volt AC Adapter as an extra or to replace your original...read more Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Product Description
AutoDASHMOUNT by Accessory Power
The AutoDASHMOUNT is a friction-grip vehicle dashboard mount that sets up in seconds and is made to securely hold your mobile phone, GPS unit, tablet or other devices while you drive...read more Amazon Price: $25.01 List Price: $49.99 |