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Expert Tips For The Best GPS TO Buy

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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 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps
TomTom GO 2505TM
Amazon Price: Too low to display
List Price: $279.95
Magellan RoadMate 1700 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Magellan RoadMate 1700
Amazon Price: $124.99
List Price: $249.99

Preview New TomTom GO 2505 (5") & GO 2405 (4.3")

Magellan RoadMate 1700 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
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
TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps
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
TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition)
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
TomTom XL 340TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition)
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
Magellan RoadMate 3030LM 4.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Map Updates Included)
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
Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps and Traffic
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
TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount for TomTom GPS Navigators
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
Magellan AN0302SWXXX Dashboard Beanbag Mount for GPS Navigators
Product Description Magellan GPS Bean Bag Mount...
Amazon Price: $14.95
List Price: $39.99
Original Magellan OEM Power AC Adapter wall charger for Maestro 5310 & Roadmate 1700 GPS Navigator (P/N AN0204SWXXX)
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
AutoDASHMOUNT Portable Friction Mount with 2 Neck Options (FLEX and PIVOT) - for SELECT Magellan / Garmin / TomTom 3.5, 4.3, 5.0 and 7.0 inch GPS units
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

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