How to Compare GPS Navigation Systems to Get the Right One For You!
If you've been thinking about buying a GPS, then your first step is to compare GPS navigation systems to find the right one for you. Although they all do basically the same thing, there are a number of differences you need to know about. Also, the price range varies enormously--from less than $200 to over $700! Figuring out your budget and what you can buy for the money is the trick to getting a system you're going to be happy with.
When I talk about GPS navigation systems, I'm usually talking about those made by the three big manufacturers, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. I'm not saying the others are not good. There are plenty of other companies that make excellent systems. I guess I have a personal preference for staying with the big companies.
Also, when I think about GPS systems, I mean the after-market, car variety. Not the kind you take hiking!
All GPS systems essentially do the same thing. They show you where you are on an electronic map and plot a route to where you want to go. So, at base, all GPS navigation systems share the same basic features. Those are:
* Spoken directions
* Touch screen
* A list of destinations--called Points of Interest, or POIs
* Maps of the lower 48 States--or at least regional maps
* Auto calculation of the best or shortest route
If those are what you get with any system, what other features are there?
Common features you can get are:
* More extensive maps--including Mexico and Europe
* Integration with Bluetooth technology
* Real-time traffic and weather--usually by subscription
* Plays music and serves as a audio book reader
* Much larger database of POIs
There are other features that you can get with specific manufacturers. Garmin is coming out with a unit that responds to voice commands. Magellan has teamed up with AAA to include their Tour Book with many of their GPS navigation systems. And Tom Tom is experimenting with a user generated database of points of interest, which is neat because users can record changes much faster than the company can.
Comparing GPS navigation systems is not hard once you learn what's out there and how much it costs. Your next step is to visit some sites and gather more information about price and exactly which units do what.
Related Tags: gps reviews
To read more great GPS Reviews, check out my website. Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! Take a look at his website to find out more information!
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Gift Of Gps For Christmas
If you are currently in the market for a GPS system for your vehicle, you may want to check out the - Gps Tracking Systems Overview
The Global Positioning System, or GPS as it is popularly known, is a tracking system aided by satell - Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Gps Vehicle Trackers
X-Tra Delivers - A Case StudyJust starting out, all shipping companies are equal in status. However, - Guide To Choose The Best Handheld Gps Device
Choosing the right handheld GPS device can be frightening, especially if you do not know what to wat - Top Car Gps Buying Tips
Now, car owners need not trouble themselves with asking for directions or going through the hassle o - Bluetooth Gps Receivers: The Greater Navigation Convenience
A Bluetooth GPS receiver can give you so much more than your flash receiver. The truth is that stand - Tips on How to Judge Which the Best GPS Device is
Some people will tell you that finding the best GPS device is very easy and will prove to be no mor - Vehicle Tracker- Provides Tool for Fleet Management
Good fleet management is important for large companies who use many vehicles. Included in this list - Mobile Phone and Free Laptops
Electronic gadgets are passing through a phase of constant revolution. Each time we feel that an in - Explaining The System
The helicopters will become one of the major sources of transportation during the election. They wil
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Here Is How To Import MP3 Audiobooks Into iTunes
Steps on how to import MP3 audiobooks into iTunes. Do you remember the time when people listened - Digital Cameras - Experimenting with Digital Photography
Digital cameras have given the photographer enthusiast new horizons and ways to experiment in photog - GPS Accessories
Here's a typical list of accessories for your GPS receiver/systems that might be useful for you. Hig - GPS Competitors
GLONASS: The Russian Federation controls and operates a constellation of satellites and related - GPS Applications for the Common Man
So, what the heck is GPS? What do you use it for or what can you use it for? Is it useful for you? I - GPS Cell Phones Help with Directions, Finding Loved Ones
Question: you have an emergency while on the road and call 911 from your cell phone; do you have to - Automotive Navigation System Making Driving Less Stressful
Driving has become a lot easier with the introduction of automotive navigation system. Now you do no - Olympus - From Microscopes To Digital Cameras And Video Recorders
In 1919, Olympus was known for its advanced technology that went from its first microscope, the Asah - Garmin iQue M3 Review
Overview: Garmin iQue M3 is a step-down version of the famous iQue M5 PDA/GPS unit, offering similar - GPS History in Brief
The GPS satellite system for navigation was designed in the 1970s by the U.S. Department of Defense.
