By Frank Ling
Some of us know the feeling of being directionally challenged (getting lost) in an unfamiliar area (this is a great scenario for frustration and panic attacks). We need help. Since maps are as ancient as hieroglyphics, you'll need a GPS.
For anyone looking to save time and frustration while traveling, owning one of these electronic marvels is the perfect solution. Just make sure you get the right one for your needs. It can be just as easy getting lost in the sea of GPS features than out on the road.
Why are some GPS units priced at only $100, while other similar looking devices cost two times as much? People wonder if paying extra for traffic update features are worth it. When it comes to GPS screen size, shoppers have difficulty in making up their minds in choosing the right size.
The basics you need
All GPS units take you from point A to point B. The reason some cost more than others is because of the various bells and whistles found on the deluxe models. Some features you may need; others aren’t worth it.
When shopping for a good GPS make sure it includes:
- Text-to speech function (Street names and freeways are spoken verbally by the unit instead of saying “Right turn in 500 feet...”)
- Easy-to-use interface
- Up-to-date maps
- Reputable brands such as Garmin and Tom Tom
- Fast satellite signal access
- “Points of interest” data base (restaurants, amusement parks, gas stations and other helpful locations)
- Lane-assist (graphics that show you which lane to drive in as you approach entrances and exits on the freeway.
If you want more, consider upgrades such as:
- Lifetime maps (downloadable map revisions for the life of your GPS)
- Traffic updates
- Larger GPS display screens of up to seven-inches
- Larger points of interest database
- Extended maps that include all of North America or Europe
- Password protection
- “Home lockout” (GPS will not work without a password if operated away from home location.)
- Voice recognition system
How much and how big?
Good GPS units start around $80 with all the basic features described previously. The next jump in price starts at $120 and up, while the top of the line models with five-inch screens or larger can cost $200 or more. The main strategy in buying a good GPS is not to overbuy. Sure, you may be able to store a zillion photos on the Whiz Bang model or have 10 bazillion points of interest (most have a more than adequate 6 million items), but seriously, do you really need these extras?
The smallest display screens, clocking in at 3.5-inches, are enough for most. Midsized models measure 4.3-inches, and if you want a five-inch screen or larger, you probably don’t need a GPS — you’re really looking for an HDTV!
In the case of GPSs, bigger isn’t always necessarily better, but going bigger will definitely cost you more.
Ease of use
You don’t want a GPS that is difficult to use. The user interface and display screen should be so intuitive that you can literally pick it up, punch in the address and zoom off to your destination without even taking a peek at the instruction manual. See if additional features such as points of interest, favorite locations, and system settings are easy to use too. Go to your local electronics or department store to try out a few to see which one suits your needs.
The last word
GPS technology, such as text-to-voice, was only available on high-end units in the $700 range several years ago. But now it is found on even the most inexpensive models that are just under a hundred bucks. So make sure you get the text-to-speech feature. Don’t let the avalanche of different models confuse you; just take a deep breath and settle on what features you really need in a GPS first, and go on from there.
Here are three of our GPS picks to get you started:
Garmin Nuvi 30: A great bargain priced unit (3.5-inch display) that features lane assist graphics, text-to-speech, fast satellite signal lock-on, and everything you need to have for a dependable basic GPS.
Tom Tom GO 2405TM: This GPS has a 4.3-inch display and is packed with a lot of bells and whistles such as voice recognition, Bluetooth capability for hands free mobile phone use, lifetime map updates, and lifetime traffic updates.
Magellan RoadMate 1700LM: This is the device for anyone who wants bragging rights for one of the largest screen sizes available for a GPS; a whopping 7-inch screen. In addition, the RoadMate has lifetime maps to keep this GPS constantly updated.
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Frank Ling is the SF Gadgets Examiner and has been a writer, professional photographer, video producer, video game QA trainer and video editor.
