How to Choose a GPS

by Vincent M.

As suburban America has grown so has the need to navigate from one distant point to another with a modicum of accuracy. Where once there was just AAA and then MapQuest.com to aid the weary traveler, now there are Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation receivers aplenty to help one negotiate even the most dense cityscape, sprawling suburb, or long distance travel. Equipped with the latest maps GPS navigation receivers can easily point the way on that cross-country trip to visit grandparents, or help you find your next interview destination.

Once the sole province of the U.S. military, GPS systems, or units are the must have accessory in any well appointed vehicle large or small. And while most high-end luxury automobiles have GPS systems built into the dash, the rest of us are left deciding which portable GPS units fit our diverse needs.

But, like everything else electronic, there are a myriad of GPS systems from which to choose. And the price-points can range from low as $99.88 for the Garmin StreetPilot C330 (Refurbished) GPS handheld GPS, to a high of $1,000.00 for the Garmin Nuvi 670 Personal Travel Assistant, a unit that includes maps for both the U.S. and Europe. Which GPS system is right for you and your needs? Let me help you make a more informed buying decision.

Types of GPS systems

In deciding which GPS system may be right for you, I think it is important to understand how you are going to use the device; i.e. is it for hunting, hiking, fishing, boating (marine navigation), or for use in a car? Your application of a given GPS system will dictate what kind of unit you buy and how much you ultimately pay for it.

There are basically two categories of car GPS devices available on the market:

Full Featured car GPS systems typically feature:

• Large (4.3") bright LCD screens that can be comfortably viewed at arm's length;
• Can be mounted on your car's dashboard or windshield;
• North American, U.S., or European maps;
• Provide Voice Guidance/Directions;
• Plethora of POI

Handheld car GPS systems are characterized by:

• Smaller screens;
• Strictly battery powered;
• Do not offer voice guidance, or voice recognition;
• Non-feature-rich

GPS System Features and Functionality

In a car GPS system, the features that seems to matter most to consumers (count me among the interested), include:

• Large color screen;
• Detailed nationwide (or North American) maps;
• Points Of Interest (POI);
• Local and national traffic & weather reports;
• Vocal directions (in a number of the most popular languages);
• Voice recognition;
• Computer interface with computer;
• Frequency of new maps release, and;
• Cost of maps.

To me the most important feature of any GPS system is the accuracy of the maps as well as the costs to update them.

The next important feature for me, as I mentioned earlier is voice navigation, which allows me to concentrate on the road while still getting much needed directions. POI's are not as important to me, but I do find them useful, like warning me when I am coming up on a school or church. Traffic & weather are nice to have, but not worth the subscription service I would have to join to have them; the same information can be had from the radio for free.

Voice recognition is a new feature being offered on mid high end GPS receivers and depending on the unit may be more trouble than it's worth.

Generally the more expensive the GPS system, the more features and functionality it brings to the dashboard, or the hand.

GPS System Reviews & Recommendations

There are several principle manufacturers of car GPS systems; TomTom claims to be the largest, but Garmin lays claim to marketing the most popular units. Magellan is also a popular brand, as is Mio. Some other manufacturers play in this area as well, but none offers the breadth of product at virtually every price point as do TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan. What follows is my recommendation for high, mid, and low price point GPS systems. These recommendations are based on my personal experience as well as GPS reviews I have read.

GPS systems when money is no object...

for those who demand the best I have one brand to recommend: Garmin GPS systems. More specifically the Garmin Nuvi 880 ($999.99), which offers speech recognition, millions of POI, a big beautiful 4.3 inch screen with a 480x272 pixel resolution, 2D & 3D maps with day and night colors, and of course voice-guided directions. The lightweight unit also includes MSN Direct a service designed to deliver real-time traffic, gas prices, weather, and much more.

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