GPS Summary

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GPS Review: Helping You Choose the Right Model

Today’s GPS devices have offer many option that make it difficult to know which unit is right for you. Our GPS review will help get you pointed in the right direction.

Today’s GPS devices have improved significantly over what was on the market just a few years ago, making them much more popular and more affordable. With these technological advancements GPS units are much more reliable, and offer many more features that make them more versatile in meeting the needs of more travelers. However, with the gain in popularity, there are more manufacturers and choices that range from in-dash units for your vehicle to cell phones that can be used for almost any purpose. This can make choosing the right model very confusing for some consumers.

One improvement in GPS devices are the ease of use. Touch screens are becoming more commonplace among these devices and programming a breeze. They can tell you where the nearest gas stations are located, and some models even tell you where to get the best price per gallon. Another important feature is the ability to notify the traveler of traffic alerts and road construction. They can even suggest alternative routes around problem spots.

Some of the simpler features of the newer units include the versatility in mounting options to a variety of surfaces. Mounting brackets are much sturdier and easier to mount. There are even mounting brackets available for smart phones such as the highly popular iPhone and Blackberry.

There are a wide variety of GPS devices on the market that differ in function and price. You will want to select your device based on your needs first. Once you've found the models that meet your needs, look for the best price. For example, if you frequently travel long distances you will want a unit that offers more features. It will cost more, but you’ll be happier with it. Alternatively, if your travel is generally limited to local destinations, you really don’t need all the fancy features that the high end models offer.

Standard in nearly all models are text- and voice-guided direction and points-of-interest databases, but you’ll want to keep some things in mind when selecting the unit that’s right for you. Consider the maps it displays. Choose a model that allows you to view street-level maps. They tend to be easier to follow. You’ll also want to consider where your travels typically lead you: within your home state, out of state, or international locations. Be sure you choose a model that meets or exceeds you needs as some models use only regional maps, while others include all of North America.

If you’re considering purchasing your GPS via the Internet, you’ll want to go to a store to check out another important feature: the display. You should look for models with displays in color that are easily viewed from various angles and lighting conditions. If the unit has a touch screen, make sure it responds well. The quality of touch screen response varies across models and brands. It may seem obvious, but be sure the unit comes with a mounting bracket and charger.

Some of the newer and more advances features you may want to consider are: access to traffic services, text-to-speech functionality, multimedia functionality, and the ability to accept vocal commands. They are not yet widely available, but are becoming more popular as technology continues to advance.

This is just some basic information to consider before purchasing a GPS system. Some brands to consider would be Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Sony, and Samsung. If you’re looking for a cell phone that is GPS capable, there is the Apple iPhone, the RIM Blackberry Pearl 8130, Nokia N95, and Samsung Blackjack II.