GPS reviews are definitely helpful for those who are going to purchase GPS handheld or car navigation systems. However, even before that, it's very important to know the requirements of the GPS. If you are one of those who travel a lot due to work or simply for pleasure and often face the trouble of reading maps or asking for directions, then global positioning system (GPS) based navigator for your car is a handy solution for you. GPS navigation systems guide you through unfamiliar areas by giving turn-by-turn spoken directions, and even suggest an alternative route around rush hour traffic. Most of the portable units give info on the shortest distance and provide special routing options for walkers or bicyclists to avoid highways and one-way traffic. No wonder the GPS based navigator is the preferred choice of many jetsetters, campers, sports enthusiasts, and motorists these days.
With GPS becoming a very important part of everyday life, the significance of GPS reviews has grown manifolds. People turn to GPS Reviews to know the benefits and performance of these portable devices. Many prominent GPS review sites also have narratives of customers regarding the benefits they have got from the GPS systems which can be very helpful for newbie GPS customers.
GPS reviews will guide you properly in choosing a suitable GPS unit. Often, we tend to overlook certain basic aspects while looking for higher features. For instance, some basic yet most fundamental points to consider in a GPS car navigator are the ease to upgrade roadmaps, battery charging time and battery life between charges. Car GPS reviews gives good ideas about these points.
Tips on Car GPS Reviews
If you go through car GPS reviews, many offer tips on choosing GPS navigator for vehicles. Some major GPS review tips are discussed as follows.
• You need to have a clear idea about your requirement that matches with that of the features of a specific GPS unit. For instance, now many GPS units come with visual monitors that display maps. The monitors are commonly installed on the dashboard of cars. In some cars, such installation may block air vents or make it somewhat uncomfortable for the driver to enter or exit.
• All GPS navigators on the market today include pre-loaded area maps and offer spoken directions and automatic rerouting incase the driver misses a turn. Choose a GPS system that offers updated point-of-interest data. Features such as multiple ways of getting to your destination via address, intersection, a location selected directly from the map or even by personal address book will provide more feasible and practical feature.
• Many high-end GPS car navigators are available today featuring latest advanced technologies such as Bluetooth and Multimedia playback. With the built-in Bluetooth, you can talk through the GPS unit's external speaker without a headset. And the multimedia playback feature lets you listen to your favorite MP3 music, watch video clips or even view JPG photos.
• Watch out for handy features such as real-time traffic alerts and text-to-speech translation in GPS reviews. These features are very useful while driving through the cities as the GPS units provide timely info to avoid congested traffic areas.
Car Navigation Gps Reviews
Since their introduction to the consumer market two years ago, prices of GPS units have dropped substantially. You may be able to get a model with more features than you think for a lot less money than you think. To help you figure out what you want, we'll talk about the main manufacturers, the various models available to you, and how much you can expect to pay.
Certainly, there are a number of companies who make GPS receivers, but the top three are Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. Garmin is by far the industry leader, with almost 50% of the total market. They offer a wide selection of products at different price levels. Tom Tom, a newer company, is making its mark in the industry by offering low prices. Magellan was one of the original companies to make GPS units. With a great company name and tons of great products, it's hard not to buy a Magellan.
Most car GPS reviews might leave it at that, but I want you to know what features you can expect on any basic model made by any of the above companies.
All GPS receivers include a touch screen interface, maps of the lower 48 states, and a database of Points of Interest (POIs). They also calculate the best way for you to get from where you are to where you want to go, and they give you directs via spoken voice prompts.
For just $150, you can get the Garmin nuvi 200, the Tom Tom One and the Magellan Maestro 3100, all basic models that will perform all the tasks I listed above.
But if you're looking for something a little snazzier, there are tons of extra features available on more expensive models. For instance, more maps of places like Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Pricier models also offer bigger screens, Bluetooth technology, real-time traffic and weather reports, many more Points of Interest, and multiple routing.
Models with these features run around $350. The Garmin 660 can do all of the above except the multiple routing, and for a little less $350. The Tom Tom Go 720, which is also a little less than $350, has the same features. Magellan's Maestro 4250 does what the Garmin and Tom Tom models can, but for only a little more than $250.
If you're still looking to spend more, each of these companies offers great proprietary features, including Magellan's deal with AAA, that allows users to have their Tour Book right inside the device. It is, of course, for AAA members only.
Car GPS reviews can only offer you so much information. It's now your turn to research the markets on your own to find the product that is most suitable for you and your budget.
Both Charles Nelson & Lee Cole are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
