GPS for Cars - What to Look for in a Car GPS System

There are so many models, designs and brands of GPS for cars in the market. Here are some things to look for in a car GPS system.

Price
Determining how much you are willing to spend for a car GPS system is the ideal way to begin your search for the best GPS for you. Inexpensive units are available for less than $200. They have basic navigation features and other extras such as turn-by-turn navigation, touch screen, JPEG photo viewing and some other extras. For units that range from $200 to $600, other extra features may include FM transmitters, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 players and real-time traffic. Car GPS systems which are priced over $600 are considered advanced GPS devices. They are loaded with features which go beyond basic car travel and navigation along with the basic features.

Performance
Navigating is the most important feature of a car GPS device. You need to find one which has a reputation of being reliable. Read customers' reviews online to know the positive and negative points of the device. A good device has an up-to-date map and must be able to give accurate directions. It must receive GPS signal within six seconds after powering it on. A good battery life is a must and a device with a battery that gets drained in less than four hours is not reliable.

Features
Car GPS systems have so many features to choose from. All GPS devices come with preloaded maps and automatic rerouting when you miss a turn. You may choose the unit with features that you consider most helpful to you. GPS devices may include some or all of these features depending on their model:

• Spoken street names or Text-to-speech
• Screen size
• Routing option
• Dynamic search
• Predictive data entry
• Detour feature
• Bluetooth compatibility
• Real-time traffic reports
• MP3 player
• Video player
• Photo viewer
• Foreign languages

Ease of Use
When driving, your eyes must be focused on the road, your hands on the wheels and not on your GPS device. Nothing is more frustrating on the road than a GPS system that's difficult to use. You need to choose a unit with controls that won't confuse you. If you're not into high-end gadgets, you may choose a simpler GPS system so you won't be disturbed by overdone graphics. However, if you're into new computerized gadgets, you may find it convenient to use GPS systems with advanced features.

Top 10 Best Portable GPS Navigator

1. Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-inch Widrscreen Portable GPS Navigator has both the slim design and reasonable price just like the other nüvi 200 series GPS. It has a 4.3-inch wide backlit touchscreen which makes you see more of your surroundings while you hit the road.

The Garmin nüvi 260W features:

·         GPS system preloaded with City Navigator North America NT

·         4.3-inch touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective

·         Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance and text to speech

·         Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot

·         Includes JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more

Read Garmin nüvi 260W review here.

2. Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Included in the Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator are the predictive technology that locks satellite faster, terrain maps, a redesigned screen that displays more information and new photo navigation feature.

The Garmin nüvi 255W features:

·         4.3 Inch Auto Navigator with Anti Theft Feature

·         Voice Prompted Turn by Turn Directions

·         With HotFix, It Calculates Your Position Faster to Get You There Quicker

·         Compatible with Optional Enhanced MSN Direct Content

·         JPEG Picture Viewer, World Travel Clock, Currency Converter, Calculator and More

Read Garmin nüvi 255W review here.

3. Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic has both the slim design and reasonable price just like the other nüvi 200 series GPS. It has Bluetooth Technology which allows you to make or receive a phone call hands-free and be updated with traffic that may lie ahead.

The Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT features:

·         Bright 4.3-inch diagonal color touchscreen; 480 x 272 pixels, WQVGA TFT display with white backlight

·         Sleek, ultra-thin design fits easily in pocket

·         Preloaded with City Navigator North America NT

·         Supports Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling when paired with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones

·         NOTE: Model number on the box is 265WT because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 265W as the “T” in 265WT refers to the additional component

Read Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT review here.

4. Garmin nüvi 755/755T 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Garmin is dedicated in building up its nüvi 7xx portable navigator series with Garmin nüvi 755/755T 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.

The Garmin nüvi 755/755T features:

·         Bright 4.3-inch diagonal color WQVGA TFT touchscreen with 480 x 272 pixels and white backlight

·         Lane assist (guides you to the proper lane for navigation)

·         Speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”)

·         High-sensitivity GPS receiver for improved performance and reception

·         Preloaded with City Navigator North America NT

Read Garmin nüvi 755/755T review here.

5. TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator is a complete navigation device which features a 5-inch wide touch screen. Preloaded in this device are more than 7 million points of interest (POI).

The TomTom XXL 540S features:

·         TomTom GPS navigation with a 5-inch, full-color, TFT LCD widescreen touch display

·         Pre-loaded maps of U.S., Canada, and Mexico with TomTom Map Share, Advanced Lane Guidance, and 7 Million POIs

·         IQ Routes Technology gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip

·         With TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device

·         Award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount, folds flat against the device, making it easy for users to transport

Read TomTom XXL 540S review here.

6. Garmin nüvi 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is ideal for crossing over the threshold from the city to backcountry. This device has waterproof exterior specially built with robustness which can be used while biking, boating or hiking.

The Garmin nüvi 550 features:

·         High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver For Improved Performance And Reception

·         Built-In 3D Basemap

·         Built-In US Maps

·         3.5-Inch Display, 320 X 240 Pixels

·         Easy Touch-Screen Interface

Read Garmin nüvi 550 review here.

7. TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator is a complete navigation device which features a 5-inch wide touch screen. Preloaded in this device are more than 7 million points of interest (POI).

The TomTom XXL 540TM features:

·         Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates

·         Lifetime Traffic Updates included–outsmart traffic and avoid delays for life with real-time information via your TomTom

·         Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories–gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more

·         IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money

·         Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently

Read TomTom XXL 540TM review here.

8. Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic has ultra-slim design which is approximately 25% slimmer than its predecessors.

The Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T features:

·         Widescreen ultra-slim GPS design with 4.3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display; interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation

·         Pre-loaded with City Navigtor NT maps for North America, including more than 6 million points of interest

·         Bluetooth wireless technology enables hands-free calling with a compatible phone; included traffic receiver provides North America traffic information

·         Public transit mode allows you to navigate using buses, tramway, metro, and suburban rail systems; Pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps

·         NOTE: Model number on the box is 1390T because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 1390 as the “T” in 1390T refers to the additional component

Read Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T review here.

9. Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Free traffic alerts are added to Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic. It offers pedestrian navigation options and it calculates more efficient route with ecoRoute.

The Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T features:

·         Widescreen ultra slim GPS design with 4.3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display; interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation

·         Pre-loaded with City Navigtor NT maps for North America, including more than 6-million points of interest and turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names (text-to-speech)

·         Pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel

·         Integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime traffic updates for alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route

·         NOTE: Model number on the box is 1350T because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 1350 as the “T” in 1350T refers to the additional component

Read Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T review here.

10. Magellan RoadMate 1700 7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Magellan RoadMate 1700 7-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator is excellent for trucks, SUVs and RVs. The ultra slim 7-inch touch screen makes it ideal for large vehicles.

The Magellan RoadMate 1700 features:

·         Ultra-slim 7-inch color touchscreen is perfect for large vehicles and easy viewing on the road

·         Includes maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with 6 million points of interest

·         Features multi-destination routing, highway lane assist, spoken street names, AAA TourBook, and more

·         Search for gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more near upcoming highway exits–QuickSpell with SmartCity search makes destination entry easy

·         One-year limited warranty

Read Magellan RoadMate 1700 review here.

Apart from the Portable GPS Navigator shown on this page, there are more models available in the market and you can read all the Portable GPS Navigation System reviews here.


Artikel Source : Ezine , Gps

Posted in: Car,Ezine,GPS