Best GPS Device Reviews

You'll never be lost again with a GPS unit by your side - more reliable than a back-seat driver and more convenient than cumbersome paper maps, GPS units have become indispensable for frequent drivers and those who make a living on the road. When shopping for a GPS system, you have a lot of options from many brands, including Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. Different types of GPS systems have different capabilities and different strengths, so you might want to make a priority list of what you want most in your GPS system. Organizing your priorities will help you reduce the confusion of choosing the right system and make the best buy for your money. Consider the following factors when buying a GPS system:

Price

Depending on the type of GPS system that you have in mind and your budget, you can spend as little as $300 for a GPS system and up to $3,500. Generally, built-in vehicle models are more expensive than stand-alone units. If you travel frequently, you may well find that a higher-end model is worth the investment. 

Machine Type

There are three basic types of GPS systems from which to choose. Before you begin shopping, decide which type of system is right for you.

Built-in navigation system:This type of in-dash system is usually manufactured to work with a specific model of vehicle. You will find that these systems may also include radio receivers and DVD play capability. Prices begin at around $900 and go up to $3,500; depending on the specific model you select. In-dash systems often include useful features like integrated Bluetooth and text-to-speech functionality, and they usually have larger screens than their stand-alone counterparts.

Stand-alone unit: Less expensive than an in-dash system, prices for a stand-alone unit range between $300 and $700, depending on the models. You can choose a model that is mounted inside the vehicle or one that sits on the dash. A stand-alone unit can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, unlike the in-dash systems, but look more cluttered and sometimes have a smaller screen.

PDA/Cell phone units:These Smartphone devices provide convenient GPS capabilities. These units are typically the least expensive type of GPS systems; however, screen sizes are much smaller, sometimes prohibitively so. While they are handy in pedestrian situations as well as in your car, they require you to take your eyes from the road more often that dash-in and stand-alone units.

Ratings

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the experience of others before you purchase your next GPS system. By reading ratings you can get a really good idea of what to expect from different models. 

Technical Specifications

Ideally, try to find a GPS model that offers a minimum of 20 MB of storage to be sure that you have plenty of space to store all of your locations. If you travel a lot, you may need to choose a model with even more storage space. Also, look for a model that offers plenty of usage time. Some of the best models offer AC recharge-ability. You can find out which models offer the best specifications by reading online reviews.

Where to Shop

When shopping for GPS systems, the best way to approach your new purchase is to begin browsing online. This will give you a good opportunity to research different options. Next, take your search to retail stores where you can check out specific models of GPS systems. Shopping in person at the store will give you the opportunity to check out the different features and test the clarity and size of the screen. After you have decided on the exact model for you, head back online again to get the best price!